A Touch of a Button

Johnson Controls unveils innovations in automotive instrument technology

Thanks to technology recently introduced by Johnson Controls, drivers throughout the world will be able to use information to the greatest advantage while enjoying a safer and more streamlined experience.
The focus of the technology, introduced at automotive shows in Detroit and Frankfurt, has to do with instrument “clusters”—the arrangement and function of gauges, readouts and other means of providing a driver with information. But it’s not simply a matter of data; the information needs to be carefully organized so that the driver can take in what he or she needs to know without becoming distracted from the road.

Human Driven

This is where Johnson Controls’ use of Human-Machine-Interaction (HMI) design kicks in. Here, the emphasis is on the actual driving experience—a holistic approach that incorporates various elements involved in driving, including attention, reaction and other factors. From there, HMI devises technology that meets those very human needs.
Advances in technology make a variety of clusters possible, including analog-only, analog-plus-digital and digital-only displays. But, no matter the specific technology, the design dynamic is revolutionary, as the display is reduced in width to a single round instrument.
Functions can be selected through switches on the steering wheel—a boon for keeping the driver’s attention focused where it should be. Two smaller segmented displays to the left and right of the instrument cluster allow various types of information to be presented. These can include engine temperature, fuel capacity and speed.
Although the range of data is extensive, its presentation is straightforward and easy to manage. Because the driver doesn’t have to make his or her way through involved menus, important information is simple to obtain with as little distraction from the road as possible.
“We analyze what information the driver most needs to control a modern car,” says Mark Tierney, Johnson Controls’ director of Development. “From there, we developed an appropriate design concept.”
That means critical information that’s easy to navigate and that is literally at drivers’ fingertips.