Comments on: The UX Characteristics of Cars

By: Pimpformation Architect

Pimpformation Architect — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 05:21:12 +0000

I also think a specific example would be more interesting.

The first thing I thought of when I saw your 10 characteristics was a sort of Likert scale for each one (from brief to thorough, etc.) Maybe it would be worthwhile to set up a detailed example on this blog and then create a survey that UX practitioners can take. After several folks have gone through the mental exercise you could discuss the results. I’m not sure, but it might help you spot ambiguous or troublesome characteristics. It would also let people apply the model and take it for a test drive.

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:14:50 +0000

You’re probably right Dave. I was originally thinking about this from the perspective of a 3-series BMW I had a while ago but during a discussion with some colleagues some other examples crept in.

By: Dave Malouf

Dave Malouf — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:13:18 +0000

On another note, I would like to encourage you to go deeper. On 2nd and 3rd readings I see room for so much more depth in the study/critique.

I.e. actionable … I mean, where is sex & camping and drive-ins and sitting on the hood & tailgating, etc. etc. And look at how the Element is designed for one set of use, and Xtera another, and a Mini quite a different tale.

This is the important meat of the story.

– dave

By: Dave Malouf

Dave Malouf — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:09:21 +0000

Wow! I have to say i can’t get past the fact that you are generalizing the “car experience”. I mean the whole point of design is to differentiate.

I think what might be better is a case study that looks at a specific car, or a few cars so we can understand the subtleties being explored here.

I can say from experience that driving a mini-van is nothing like driving a great sports car, nor should it ever!

That experience starts from the moment you pick up the keys, or even think of walking at the door.