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Feature Bloat: Connected Cars and the Inverted U

Less is much more than the sum of its parts, as long as you execute the hell out of that less

Less is much more than the sum of its parts, as long as you execute the hell out of that less.

Mick McGee

A great take on the truism that simplicity can trump complexity, but that crafting something simple is often complex.

Mick’s UXMag piece was a response to a fascinating USA Today article about how modern ‘connected’ cars can be excellent vehicles but can hobbled by woeful infotainment systems. Here’s snippet about a Cadillac, which was rated 20th of 23 brands because of the reliability and complexity of its controls:

The Cadillac CTS, arguably one of the most desirable vehicles in its class, drives brilliantly, is gorgeous inside, but has controls that are extremely frustrating. Even adjusting the volume of the radio is difficult.

Jake Fisher

This tension between user needs and features/complexity can be represented in the Inverted U.

By Rik Williams

I write about how to collaborate to design simple, usable and inclusive information experiences that make the lives of customers easier. Read more in Categories and Tags.