The user-friendliness of the dashboard display and infotainment largely determines how pleasant a car feels in everyday use. Unfortunately, older models have not always scored well in this area. Do you want to know what to look out for and how newer systems do better? Then you will find the answers here.
Why user-friendliness is so important
In modern cars, more and more functions come together in one central screen. Navigation, music, phone, climate control and driving settings are often operated via the same infotainment system. That sounds convenient, but in practice many systems actually cause distraction. While driving, drivers want to be able to change a setting quickly without their attention drifting away from the road for too long.
For models like the Ford Mondeo, often used for longer journeys and commuting, this is even more important. A logically structured system that responds quickly and is easy to read makes the difference between relaxed driving and frustration. Older Mondeo models have been criticised on this point, especially for the clarity of the dashboard display and the operation of the centre console.
‘ The controls often require several steps for simple functions, which does nothing to improve the user experience. ’
Common problems with older dashboard displays
With older generations, owners are often critical of the dashboard layout. Buttons sometimes cover dials, making important information difficult to read. The information display is in many cases too small and does not provide enough contrast, especially in bright sunlight. That makes it difficult to quickly read important information while driving.
The centre console monitor also has familiar shortcomings. Many users report that the screen reflects too much, especially in the afternoon sun. In addition, the system sometimes responds slowly to touches, which leads to double inputs or missed actions. The controls often require several steps for simple functions, which does nothing to improve the user experience.
How do you recognise a user-friendly infotainment system?
A good infotainment system shows at a glance where the most important functions are. Think of a clear home screen with fixed shortcuts to frequently used options. The fewer layers and submenus, the better. That saves time and reduces distraction while driving.
Fast response time is another important point. A system that responds slowly feels outdated, even if the car is relatively new. This is especially true for everyday actions such as changing radio stations, entering a navigation destination or pairing a phone. A smooth interface makes all the difference.
Legibility is the third key point. A dashboard must be easy to read in all conditions. Sufficient contrast, clear fonts and a logical choice of colours all help with this. The brightness must be easy to adjust for day and night use. In models that often cover long distances, a calm and easy-to-read layout is particularly valuable.
Are infotainment systems easy to use?
That varies greatly depending on the make and year. Older systems often combine a touchscreen and physical buttons. In practice, that is an advantage. Physical buttons for volume, temperature and demisting are quicker and safer to use while driving than touch controls alone. You can operate them by feel without looking at the screen.
Newer models often offer better smartphone integration, such as hands-free calling, music streaming and voice control. Those functions work best when they are well integrated into the car interface. You then no longer need to use the phone’s own screen, which reduces distraction.
Another plus point is steering wheel controls. If key functions are already available on the steering wheel, the driver needs to reach for the centre screen less often. That increases both comfort and safety. Systems that get this combination right tend to score higher with users in practice.
‘ Some systems offer automatic adjustment based on ambient light, but that function does not always work optimally. ’
How do I fix dashboard display problems?
Problems with the dashboard display can have several causes. If the screen does not respond properly to touch, calibration may help. Many systems have a built-in calibration option in the settings menu. Follow the on-screen instructions to recalibrate the touchscreen.
For reflection problems, manually adjusting the screen brightness can help. Set the brightness higher during the day and lower at night. Some systems offer automatic adjustment based on ambient light, but that function does not always work optimally. Manual adjustment gives you more control.
If the display responds too slowly or freezes, a software update may be needed. Check with the dealer whether updates are available for the infotainment system. In some cases, a system reset is sufficient. Refer to the manual for the correct steps, as they can differ per model.
Can I upgrade the infotainment system?
Upgrading is sometimes possible, but depends on the model and year. In older models, a complete replacement of the system is often the only option. There are aftermarket systems available that offer modern features such as larger screens, better navigation and smartphone integration. Do make sure that these systems are compatible with the car’s existing electronics.
Software updates are an easier way to introduce improvements. Some brands regularly offer updates that improve the user interface, fix bugs and add new functions. Contact the dealer to check whether updates are available for your model.
An alternative is to use a smartphone holder and a good app for navigation and music. That partly solves the problem of an outdated system, although integration with the car then remains limited. For anyone who drives a lot of kilometres and values ease of use, a full upgrade can be worth the investment.
What are the USB connection options?
USB connections are important for charging phones and playing music. Older models often have only one or two USB ports, usually in the centre console. That can be limiting for families or anyone who wants to use multiple devices during a trip.
Newer models often offer multiple USB ports, spread across the front and rear of the centre console. Some cars also have USB connections in the rear seats, which is convenient for passengers. Pay attention to the type of connection. Older systems often use USB-A, while newer models are switching to USB-C for faster charging and better data transfer.
If you need more connections, a USB hub can be a solution. Connect it to an existing USB port to use several devices at the same time. Do check whether the hub is suitable for use in a car and provides enough power to charge multiple devices.
‘ For anyone with an older car, upgrading to a newer model can make a noticeable difference in ease of use. ’
Improvements in newer models
Newer generations show clear improvements in terms of user-friendliness. Screens are larger, offer better resolution and are easier to read in bright light. The menu structure is often more logically organised, with fewer layers between the home screen and frequently used functions. That makes operation faster and less distracting.
The response time of touchscreens has also improved. Newer systems react faster to touches and offer smooth transitions between menus. That makes the user experience more pleasant, especially for everyday actions. Voice control works more reliably and recognises commands better, which makes hands-free use easier.
In addition, smartphone integration has become standard in many newer models. Functions such as wireless charging, better Bluetooth connectivity and support for popular apps make the system more versatile. For anyone with an older car, upgrading to a newer model can make a noticeable difference in ease of use.
Practical tips for better use
Set up the home screen so that your favourite functions are immediately visible. That saves time and prevents you having to scroll through menus while driving. Put frequently used options such as navigation, phone and audio on fixed shortcuts or widgets.
Regularly check whether the screen brightness is set correctly. Automatic brightness does not always work optimally, especially when light conditions change frequently. Manual adjustment gives you more control and prevents you from being dazzled while driving or being unable to read the screen properly.
Use steering wheel controls and voice commands for simple actions. That reduces the need to reach for the screen and keeps your attention on the road. Learn the controls for climate and audio by heart so you need to look at them less often. That increases both safety and comfort on longer journeys.
Discover more about cars and user experience
On the Carnews website, you’ll find much more information about car technology, user experience and practical tips for car enthusiasts. Whether you want to know more about common problems, maintenance tips or the latest developments in infotainment, there is always something to discover. Take a look and stay up to date with what is going on in the automotive world.
Frequently asked questions
A user-friendly infotainment system ensures that the sporty driver can operate functions quickly and intuitively, without having to search through menus for long. Thanks to logical menus, clear screen displays and physical buttons for basic functions, the time needed to glance at the screen remains short. As a result, the driver can keep more attention on driving and on the course of the road, which strengthens the feeling of control and dynamism. A slow or illogical system would instead cause irritation and distraction, disrupting the sporty driving experience.
Modern dashboard displays offer extensive personalisation of the layout, allowing you to choose which tiles or widgets (navigation, media, driver assistance systems, trip computer data) are prominently shown. Drivers can often set shortcuts or favourites so that frequently used functions are accessible at the press of a single button. In addition, font size, brightness, colour theme and sometimes day/night modes can be adjusted for better legibility in different driving conditions. For car enthusiasts, this means that performance data, fuel consumption, driver assistance systems or navigation information can be placed exactly where they want it.
For fast and intuitive interaction while driving, especially in sporty use, physical buttons are in practice superior to full touchscreen control. You can operate physical buttons by touch, without taking your eyes off the road, which is both quicker and safer. Touchscreens generally require more looking time and precision, especially with vibrations or at higher speeds. An ideal solution is a combination: physical buttons for core functions (volume, climate, driving modes) and a touchscreen for less critical settings.
Important must-have infotainment functions include a clear, fast-responding touchscreen with an intuitive layout and large, easy-to-read displays. Smartphone integration (for example for navigation, music and calls) and reliable voice control add comfort in everyday use and reduce distraction. For performance-oriented driving, a configurable instrument cluster with real-time driving information (such as engine speed, fuel consumption, temperatures) and clear navigation/route information with traffic updates are essential. Physical buttons and steering wheel controls for core functions (volume, phone, driving modes) improve both ease of use and concentration when driving more sportily.
Fast response speed and smooth graphics contribute strongly to a premium feel, because the system feels modern, powerful and refined. Sluggishness or stuttering animations immediately make a car look older and less upmarket, even if the rest of the equipment is good. For car enthusiasts, a clear, cleanly designed interface with high resolution and logically structured graphics is an important sign of technological sophistication. When the display, layout and speed are up to scratch, the car aligns much better with their expectations of innovation, quality and brand experience.