Editor's introduction: From 2001 to the present, BMW's human-computer interaction system iDrive has gone through more than twenty years, and has been making adjustments according to the different needs of users. The author of this article has sorted out the development history of BMW iDrive, hoping to bring you thoughts on human-computer interaction.
The new forces are making cars menacingly, and BMW, one of the big brothers of the traditional automotive industry, is naturally not far behind.
Recently, BMW officially announced that the innovative pure electric BMW i7 will lead mass production in 2022. BMW human-computer interaction system iDrive has unconsciously gone through more than twenty years, today with this article to understand the past and present life of BMW iDrive, looking forward to the future of human-computer interaction at the same time, may wish to look back at the development process of the HMI locomotive system of the big factory...
2001: Debut
iDrive 1.0
iDrive 1.0 car interface
Debut: 2001
Underlying systems: VxWorks, Microsoft Windows CE
Key Records:
In 2001, with only one physical knob, the machine could read maps, CDs, and the interaction mode of the car machine revolved around the knob.
In 2003, menus, customizable buttons were added, the car processor was speeded up to readable DVDs, and maps were displayed for bird's-eye views.
In 2005, the physical knob was added to the leather top, the car processor was speeded up again, the map imaging was anti-aliased, the MP3 supported 6CD changer or BMW iPod interface, optional TV tuner, DVD changer, BMW night vision, side view camera and rear view camera.
Physics knobs in the BMW 7 Series in 2001
Handwritten physical knobs
2001-2007: Continuous enhancement
iDrive 2.0
iDrive 2.0 car interface
Name: Car Communication Computer (CCC)
Debut: 2003
Underlying system: VxWorks
In 2004, BMW became the first manufacturer to introduce HUDs to provide drivers with more convenient and intuitive road information.
The physical knobs are innovatively touchable knobs that allow users to type by hand.
In March 2007, a programmable button was added to the dashboard for direct access to frequently used functions.
BMW HUD heads-up display
2007-2016: Towards interconnection
iDrive 3.0
iDrive 3.0 car interface
Name: Car Information Computer (CIC)
Debut: 2008
Underlying system: QNX
The desktop is a vertical text list, which moves to the next level through the left and right physical knobs
Support DVD function, can be played when in P file
The display resolution is higher, more responsive, and supports internet access
Built-in 80G hard disk drive, can store 8G music files for playback, add a USB interface
iDrive 4.0
iDrive 4.0 car interface
名称：Next Big Thing（NBT）
Debut: 2012
For the first time, the interactive mode of the car desktop was updated to scroll cards horizontally left and right
Stronger hardware, faster software, hard disk capacity from 10G to 20G
Optional support for handwriting recognition and gesture control
BMW iDrive gesture interaction
2016-2020: Towards intelligence
iDrive 5.0/6.0 NBT Evo
Name: NBT Evo (Evolution)
Debut: 2016
iDrive 5.0 car interface
iDrive 6.0 vehicle interface
iDrive 5.0 desktop is 6 common application portals, iDrive 6.0 updated for ease of operation to display common information 3 desktop cards, support to change the information display style and slide left and right of the card
It can be operated interactively on the touch screen of the whole system, and the basic gesture control can be used as an additional function of some models
Launched in 2016, the BMW Connected App allows you to check the status of your vehicle on your phone
iDrive 7.0
iDrive 7.0 car interface
Name: BMW Live Cockpit
Appearance time: 2018
Support remote update and upgrade, you can always keep the iDrive system up to date
In 2019, BMW smart personal assistants become the new digital companion for drivers, providing faster in-car services for car users
2021-: Facing the future
iDrive 8.0
iDrive 8.0 car interface
iDrive 8.0 instrumentation interface
Debut: 2021
Design Highlights:
Retain the control knob and use the delicate and elegant transparent material
Smarter voice assistants that recognize body language and communicate with drivers more naturally
Integrate analog and digital technologies to display and receive warnings from other BMW vehicles, parking lot information sharing
The new UI uses bold graphic design, futuristic graphics, and rich light and shadow effects. Three themes can be switched according to different driving modes, including luxury driving, sports focus and minimalist art
My Modes theme mode includes energy saving, sports, and personality modes, providing a car experience that integrates functional design and sensory experience
Crystal knob
summary
Looking at BMW's more than 20 years of human-computer interaction system design, it can be seen that BMW has always observed the needs of users, provided multi-modal interaction methods, the design of the system interaction mode is increasingly in line with the user's habits, and the appearance design aesthetics of the interface create a refined and elegant brand atmosphere.
Looking back in 2022, you can still harvest a lot of human interaction thinking from it.
This article was originally published by @TapHub Knock Workshop and is not reproduced without permission.
The title image is from Unsplash, based on the CC0 protocol.