Excellent post by Chuck Squatriglia on Autopia within Wired's blog network. I've used the PLX device to provide me eco-driving feedback and it had a profound effect on how I was driving within a couple of days - it was strangely addictive.
I was especially intrigued by a Ford employee's comment around the emotional connection with the user that they are trying to achieve:
"We wanted the SmartGauge to have an emotional component," [senior technical leader at Ford] Greenberg says. "We wanted something that would appeal to the data geeks, but we also wanted something that would create an emotional response."
I couldn't agree more. Whether it's the game-like gauge on the Prius or these newer displays from the likes of Ford and Toyota, there is clearly a whole new level of value to be provided to users on the emotional level.
I do respectfully disagree with this article on whether this innovation will be brought forward by the auto OEMs or other aftermarket or mobile device/software makers. Even these supposedly "advanced" displays from the auto OEMs remind me of green screens on computers from the 1980's. My bet is on the aftermarket and mobile software companies.
Some comparison of screenshots:
Photo from Nissan Global
Ford SmartGauge with EcoGuide:
Photo from AutoBlog
Honda Insight:
Photo from Jalopnik
Toyota Prius:
Photo from Nudgeblog
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