For most car fans, talking about touchscreens is like talking about SUVs. They really didn’t like them. Yes, they do something useful; they have many of the features you’ll find in current cars. However, automakers run the risk of making things too complicated for the driver, which would be bad for the user experience. And that doesn’t even include the looks and comfort of big screens, which force designers to build whole systems around where they go. Klaus Busse, who is in charge of design for Maserati around the world, knows all about the pros, cons, and risks of adding touchscreens to some of Italy’s most famous grand tourers. Busse talked to Invoice Pricing about how important touchscreens are these days while the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore was being shown off in Italy. Busse told Invoice Pricing, “A car has so many features that if I put a button for everything, the cabin would look like an old 747.” That’s why we use computers. Everything should be put on a screen so that the driver can only see what they need at that time. The handsome German is known for starting a design revolution at Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram ten years ago. He has recently worked with Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and, of course, Maserati to change the looks of the new Tonale, 500e, and MC20. Busse freely admits that he is not a “big fan” of touchscreens, but he thinks they are the best choice for current cars, especially high-end sports cars like Maserati. Busse says that making things that appeal to the driver’s instincts is the key to a happy life. He also said that screen arrangement and content must be carefully thought out to keep people from getting distracted and give the impression that driving a Maserati is fun. But where should we put the screen? Busse said that Maserati makes it so that you can hold on to the driving wheel and put your hands on the screen at the same time. “I don’t want the driver to get out of the best position for driving by sticking their shoulder out of the seat to reach the screen,” “The screen isn’t up here on the dashboard like it is in most other cars because I don’t want it to distract the driver.” Moving around affects us as a species. The thing I want as a creator is for you to enjoy driving your Maserati without being distracted by things going on around you. The screens are moved to the bottom so they are easier to use and draw less attention to them. If Busse could have designed his dream room however he wanted, would it still have a screen? Yes, you know that the fact that I wouldn’t say I like screens doesn’t mean I’d change the way the room looks in any way. He told her, “I think the screen is the best idea.” Taking away things from the client is the result of something else. “I must be able to address every aspect that contributes to Maserati’s dual experience as a sports car and a comfortable long-distance cruiser.” As the saying goes, “A Maserati is both worlds.” Screens are the only tool that can do this. “Because of this, I’d rather wear my smartwatch than my analog watch,” Busse said.
