Hasta La Ideas

I’m trying not to write about negative things on here (you should see the things in my in-box), but I really dislike this new speculative HMI design called Pulsar. It’s billed as a “Plastronics” system, which the developer defines as an “ultra-thin smart interface for interacting with the new generation of cars.”

I believe I’d find using it deeply dissatisfying. See the video below and judge for yourself.

The Eurecat technology centre has developed a smart plastic surface just 3 millimetres thick which has an interface that allows users to interact and communicate with a machine, software or intuitive system with built-in LED lighting and capacitive sensors which is expected to be embedded in the central electronic control system of the new generation of cars.

“The need for digital transformation and the growing importance of design, integration, personalisation and standing out from the competition means the industry is constantly evolving and developing highly innovative products and services,” says David Pardos, Head of Business Development in Eurecat’s Mobility team. “By way of example, functional surfaces with haptic response activation featuring tactile sensations are gaining ground.”

Are they gaining ground, and if so, why? Is this solving an end-user’s problem, or a manufacturer’s? Do people actually enjoy running their fingertips across plastic surfaces in vague swiping motions? When did we decide this was better than interacting with controls that actually provide tactile feedback?

This is technology for technology’s sake. If I rented a car that had this for an interface, I’d exchange the car for another.