Ford steals a page from mobile phones for Mondeo's HMI
Click image to enlarge
In-car user interface systems run the gamut in terms of usability. BMW's iDrive (which we've found to be alternately wonderful and maddening) and Audi's slicker, easier-to-use MMI are two of the most well-known. Devising an interface that makes it easy to control multiple systems is no easy task, but Ford thinks it's found a sweet spot with the HMI (Human Machine Interface) that's included in some versions of the all-new Mondeo.
The system is used to control the car's phone, cruise control, audio, and tire pressure monitoring systems. It's operated via a set of buttons on the steering wheel that emulates the primary input device used on mobile phones: buttons at each of the four compass points, and an "OK' button in the middle of them. The reasoning, according Dr. Stevan Becker (right), who supervised the HMI project, is that around 95% of people use a mobile phone already and are familiar with that kind of control setup. The HMI's GUI is displayed on both the 5" info screen in the center stack as well as in the instrument cluster itself. Time will tell how well it works, but we like that it's limited to the systems listed. It's when automakers try to have these interfaces control too many things that they get into trouble. We'll fiddle with our HVAC settings manually, thanks. Save the menus for the other stuff.
We'd love to hear opinions from international readers who actually get to try this out. Now, on a completely unrelated note, why doesn't every Ford interior look as good as the one above?
Press release after the jump.
[Source: Ford]
PRESS RELEASE:
FORD BORROWS MOBILE PHONE LOGIC TO MAKE HI-TECH NEW MONDEO USER FRIENDLY
Ford's new Mondeo comes packed with advanced features which are as easy to use as a mobile phone.
Ford psychology experts tapped into the intuitive logic pioneered by mobiles when deciding how all the new Mondeo's hi-tech gadgets should be controlled.
This led to the development of the Ford Human Machine Interface (HMI), which helps drivers of new Mondeo to find their way round the car's phone, cruise control and audio systems without major distraction.
The secret lies in the simplicity of steering wheel-mounted buttons which navigate Ford HMI's menu choices. Each selection is confirmed by pressing the centre 'OK' button.
Phone handsets with four control buttons pointing up, down, left and right around an 'OK' button are recognised the world over. Around 95 per cent of people use a mobile phone and are familiar with the menu-based system supporting its operation. Ford supervisor Dr Stefan Becker explained more about Ford HMI – a first in the large car segment:
"Ford HMI is about a consistent approach to activating systems such as phone, cruise control and audio in new Mondeo. In simple terms, if you were to get into the new Mondeo having never driven the car, you can answer a Bluetooth-connected phone, set the speed or change the music without resorting to the vehicle handbook."
Stefan highlights simple everyday tasks such as using a car door handle as actions that are intuitive: "We do not have to think about how to use a door handle. Ford HMI offers the same intuitive pathway through new Mondeo's many technologies so drivers do not have to learn new systems."
Minimal driver distraction
In addition to Ford HMI menus appearing on a five-inch screen located in the centre console, all information is replicated on the main instrument display. This allows key information to be visible in the driver's direct line of sight between the dials. The display ranges from a standard monochrome screen using red illumination to the highest specification colour display.
Passenger comfort
The front passenger is able to access different systems and to regulate personal settings in the centre console. This dual control element also allows a passenger to assist the driver for the safest and quickest methods of operation.
DR STEFAN BECKER, SUPERVISOR OF HMI DEVELOPMENT
First job at Ford
Technical specialist in 2002 – my brief was to define a HMI system to fit across the Ford model range
Favourite Ford project
New Mondeo – not just because it's a current project, but it has challenged us to examine closely how customers think in relation to cars' processes and functions
Favourite Ford vehicle
Ford Galaxy – with a wife, four children and dog, the Galaxy's perfect
HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE IN NEW FORD MONDEO
What is it?
Push-button logic for easy control of car's phone, cruise control and audio systems. Also used for tyre pressure monitoring
How to get it
Standard feature on new Mondeo Titanium X and optional on Ghia
What's the cost?
New Mondeo Titanium X from £20,460
On new Mondeo Ghia technology pack option (HMI, keyless entry and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) is £500
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joe K. 5:15PM (5/29/2007)
Yeah i like the midsize-sedan from Ford with a stick too... Ford give us the Fusion V6 and a stick! I know, I know the Mazda6 has one, but Fusion has a better back seat, and i kind of like the styling...
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Alan 6:19PM (5/29/2007)
Yeah Ford, why isn't your interior as nice as the Mondeo? Just bring the darn car over here!
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iamhoff 7:48PM (5/29/2007)
Amen on the interiors. Ford interiors have not impressed me.
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Viv 8:26PM (5/29/2007)
Heads need to roll from the top of the Ford management chain for not bringing the Mondeo here starting at the very top. What do they have here for competition? That's right the Fusion; which gives the camry and accord a run for their money in blandness.
I am hardcore GM only user but i would buy the Mondeo in a heartbeat. What a great looking car inside and out.
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Larry Fine 9:03PM (5/29/2007)
Above bloggers AMEN, YES, agreed, the only thing I can guess is that Ford is accepting to sell status quo products to loyal customers. But, that game ain't cutting it any longer.
Offer a manual & a stiff suspension to America, even if only 20% of the consumers want it... Because that is market share from Acura, Infiniti, Audi, and Saab. And beyond that, it is excitement. Again, excitement is not rebadging a legacy (years old), successfull Mazda 6 (V6 w/stick available!), put it in a petri dish and make yawn triplets. This is the fruit of rental car fleets... Excitement isn't volume or bottom line it is an image. Any by all means, once you get the image, don't go stillborn e.g. Contour SVT, Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, Taurus SHO (ORIGINAL)
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Larry Fine 9:19PM (5/29/2007)
One more thing: Ford, why would you put minivan/SUV high seats in a sedan - Ford Five Hundred? And to bolster the failure you rename it Taurus. Let the name rest in piece or do it dignity... Doesn't your 'creative' staff draw salaries?? There are thousands of SHOs weeping.
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Bob R. 9:57PM (5/29/2007)
That interior looks like it would be right at home in an Audi.
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jgp 10:57PM (5/29/2007)
Bring the Mondeo over already.
Not only does it have a _wonderful_ interior, it's the best driver's car in its class. No one else can touch it. The Peugeot 407 comes close, but no cigar. And it's not sold in the US either.
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ruggels 12:05AM (5/30/2007)
lol come on guys, same old same old, we all know they need to bring it over, hell the entire line, we've known it for ages (or say close to a decade now). Trouble is, Ford doesn't agree for whatever reason... probably the whole 'hey Enron was run well, let's just make great decisions like them' mentality.
While I wouldn't give that center cluster 'audi' levels of design i'd put it well above most of the cars sold over hear, certainly better then anything lexus/toyota sells at current, and right up there with infinity and BMW.
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carjunky-o 1:08AM (5/30/2007)
Yeah, Ford is stupid for not bringing the car over here. Keep the name and everything--including the stick.
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bmoredlj 9:09AM (5/30/2007)
There's no voice dissenting the voices scolding Ford for neglecting its domestic lineup.
I'm NOT that voice!!! I really have no idea what Ford is doing (or thinks it's doing.)
The Fusion isn't a bad looking car. But it's decidedly not the exciting, class-topping vehicle its silly "auto journalist for a day" advertising would suggest.
And I'm not even going to get into the problems with the "new"[old] Focus. I wonder how long that Ion-esque face will last...
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bmoredlj 9:15AM (5/30/2007)
Oh yeah, and the Mondeo's pricing ranges from US$29,436 to $43,571. Yikes!
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jgp 11:13AM (5/30/2007)
Except that exchange rates don't apply. Look at any car sold in both the US and Europe. The European version will almost always be nearly twice as expensive as the US version, even if it's the same car.
Here's a couple of links to help you compare:
http://www.edmunds.com/new
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/new/