Tesla 3 UI Not Designed for Human Driving

A new expert evaluation from the In-vehicle UX (IVX) group at Strategy Analytics “User Experience Evaluation: Tesla Model 3”, has found that The Tesla Model 3 is designed for a self-driving future which has yet to arrive. While simplicity in UI design remains apparent, the smaller screen combining both cluster and infotainment information, results in an experience inferior to that of other Tesla systems.

Key report findings include:

  • Overall, the 15” touchscreen is vibrant and responsive. But smaller icons and actionable areas, the lack of anchor points, and a more cluttered layout has resulted in a system that is exceptionally difficult to use while driving.
  • The problem is further exacerbated by a lack of standard steering wheel controls in addition to a speech recognition system which is designed for functionality it is yet to support.
  • However, the navigation feature in the Tesla Model 3 remains its strongest feature. Still utilizing Google Maps, the one-line search bar and predictive entry make for an exceptionally easy experience.

, “In contrast, the Tesla Model S scored very highly in a previous Strategy Analytics’ expert evaluation. This was largely due to tasks being simply designed, large actionable areas available and the larger touchscreen uncluttered. The Model 3 is very different, with much smaller actionable areas, pop-up dialogs that occlude other features and a requirement to pack more information into a smaller space; it almost feels like Tesla has taken a step back,” said Derek Viita, Senior Analyst.

“The 15” touchscreen has been the main talking point of the Model 3. Seemingly designed for a Level 4 autonomous driving future which has not yet arrived, the touchscreen actually struggles to optimally meet the needs of the current driving experience,” said  Chris Schreiner, Director, Syndicated Research UXIP