Baffling dashboard decisions by Ford

[EV Lab]

That‘s only in the GT.

Why can't all versions have that?

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[generaltso]

Why can't all versions have that?

You‘d have to ask Ford.

 

[oadesign]

#1 Because it was designed be a select group in house at Ford and they didn't ask customers what they wanted or what would be useful.

#2 See #1
#3 See #1
#4 Did you read #1 yet?

Exactly. I’m currently leading the interactive design for an app to be used by med schools. We’re not only interviewing the students that will use it, but also the professors. Their insights will be critical to designing an interface that is not only easy-to-use, but one that also fills their needs.

 

[oadesign]

Ok, here goes mine. I would have the fan speed shaped like a toggle switch (just like the temperature switch) so you can change it without having to bring up the slider 1st. The ”Auto” electronic button takes some valuable Realestate & I never use it

Volvo is guilt of the same!

 

[Cptmorgemaker]

I don't understand why I have a physical mex defrost button next to my headlight switch. It's really frustrating because I go over there to hit the trunk button coming from a Ford edge. I really miss that button because I use that every single day to get my backpack out for work. Instead, now I get to touch three buttons on my screen to open the trunk to open the trunk. I completely seen no point to that physical defrost button when it's on the screen.

 

[generaltso]

I don't understand why I have a physical mex defrost button next to my headlight switch. It's really frustrating because I go over there to hit the trunk button coming from a Ford edge. I really miss that button because I use that every single day to get my backpack out for work. Instead, now I get to touch three buttons on my screen to open the trunk to open the trunk. I completely seen no point to that physical defrost button when it's on the screen.

I think they put a redundant hard button there so you could clear the windshield and still drive the car with a main screen failure. But I do agree that I really wish there was a physical trunk button.

 

[louibluey]

I don't understand why I have a physical mex defrost button next to my headlight switch. It's really frustrating because I go over there to hit the trunk button coming from a Ford edge. I really miss that button because I use that every single day to get my backpack out for work. Instead, now I get to touch three buttons on my screen to open the trunk to open the trunk. I completely seen no point to that physical defrost button when it's on the screen.

There is an @markboris solution / mod for that.

 

[RMoore]

This thread brings to mind a question I’ve had for a while about EVs like the MME or Teslas (and probably others). Just because the combustion engine has been replaced by an electric motor, why does that mean there has to be so much other “electronics” needed (e.g. a tablet) to control so many elements of the driving experience? I’m not tech averse but still wonder if there a reason why they couldn’t keep the knobs and controls that have served us well for years?

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

I think they put a redundant hard button there so you could clear the windshield and still drive the car with a main screen failure. But I do agree that I really wish there was a physical trunk button.

There is. Outside the car above the rear license plate. I use that all the time. The defrost button? I used it once.

 

[generaltso]

There is. Outside the car above the rear license plate. I use that all the time. The defrost button? I used it once.

Then I guess you’ve used the defrost button one more time than I have.

 

[hawkeye3point1]

I’m not tech averse but still wonder if there a reason why they couldn’t keep the knobs and controls that have served us well for years?

Simple answer...cost of manufacturing. The auto industry is transitioning to IP control of almost everything. Softswitches don't fail and are future proof.
In the Model Y you have to navigate to a screen button to open the glovebox...seriously.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

Then I guess you’ve used the defrost button one more time than I have.

Truth be told, I’m only vaguely aware there are any buttons, knobs or switches there. In fact I hit out of the car a couple of weeks ago and saw those switches and stuff snd thought, “I really should look up just what those things do.”

 

[RMoore]

Softswitches don't fail and are future proof.

Good point though I guess it just shifts the point of failure from a physical switch to a software glitch. Maybe the latter is less expensive to fix? Then again Ford pays for all the software fixes but I would imagine we would have to pay to replace a switch that fails if it’s not under warranty. That said I can’t say I’ve had switches fail on me.

 

[Woeo]

Obvious improvement would be make it available in all 3 modes. Why just the one?

Under your theory one would only need one mode—everything on the screen all the time.

You know how to access the coach. Practice with it as long as you like or for just a bit. It isn’t meant to help you achieve 100% energy recovery every stop. It is there for the uninitiated to learn to start breaking sooner and smoother. Turn old habits into EV habits. Getting recovery from ~40% to ~90% is enough. Turn on Whisper and chill.

 

[Woeo]

Oh, I agree with that….a simple indicator that shows energy flow in both directions (like virtually every EV other than the MME has) in lieu of the brake coach is all we really need!

Always found the screen(s) showing electron direction with blinking arrows a waste. If you are pressing the accelerator you are using energy.

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