Over the last three years Design HMI has had the opportunity to review some key in car sub-systems like Infotainment, Overhead Console, Steering Wheel Switch & Bezel Assembly and others.
The Center Console Assembly gets the most attention as it enhances feature content and directly affects customer perception of vehicle interiors.
Overhead Console is perceived as a mere commodity / component. It is treated as component of the interior vehicle eco-system designed only to match the interior theme.
Below are some current Overhead Consoles from different car lines – there is nothing truly distinctive about any – they are all essentially the same.
Marketing generally does not allocate funds for Overhead Console which forces Product Development and Industrial Design to develop Consoles targeted to cost reduction rather than a WOW affect.
There have been some really cool concept designs for Overhead Console Assemblies developed over the last few years. In all cases have not progressed past the initial design or concept prototype.
The most prized in vehicle real estate is the IP and Center Console Area. Shifting some attributes from the IP and Infotainment to the overhead Console would clear up space on the IP and reduce driver distraction.
Next generation design for Overhead Console can easily be designed for 10 mm depth 3D styled profile with the following key attributes and styled for WOW affect – without major cost add.
