In-vehicle multimedia, informational, and entertainment systems have evolved significantly in the past decade. Before the last decade, in-car entertainment was considered advanced if the car included in-dash multi-disc CD changers. However, since the introduction of the first generally available in-car navigation systems in the 1990s, manufacturers and vendors have gradually started to realize the potential in this area. Cars now come with a lot more advanced informational and entertainment systems, most with significantly sized display screens. The evolution of vehicle design in this department provides us with a glimpse of the trends to come and emphasize the importance of designing usability into in-vehicle displays and controls.

One of the first changes in car displays came with the introduction of larger screen multi-information screens. These displays initially started off monochromatic, and housed data from the on-board computer, climate control, and audio systems. The general idea was to centralize information display in a vehicle to reduce driver distraction. Thus, the screens were often mounted in a prominent location on the dashboard close to drivers’ line of vision. With time, multi-information displays grew in complexity, functionality, and display quality. BMW introduced their new iDrive system in 2001, which relied on a 10 inch color display screen housing entertainment, navigation, communications, climate, and car settings. Audi and Mercedes soon followed suit. Data types also varied, ranging from display-only text, editable fields, text fields, diagrams for navigation maps and for backup sensors, to videos for entertainment, rearview, or surround view features. The increased amount and types of information being presented meant deeper menu structures and more intricate information architecture. What started off as a consolidated display for basic vehicle information had essentially evolved into a mini on-board “Web site.”

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