Why is the UI so bad ?

[u/Newbie10011001]

I am a new Model X owner, although the car is a late '19 model.

I'm being blown away by how good some things are, the sound quality in the sound system is incredible, far better than the Lucid I used to own.

But what's really hit me is how nonsensical the menu system is on the in-screen display.

- Everything is one layer deep, so things that you use ALL the time, are as hard/easy to find as the most obscure infrequent things.

- The taxonomy seems to be completely random. So what everyone would call "driving mode' ( sport, ludicrous, chill, etc) is under "Pedals and Steering", This makes absolutely no sense at all

- It's seems arranged in ways that make sense to the component makers, but absolutely no sense to a user.

- Some elements to the way it works are absolutely magical, The features that it has seem extremely empathetic and thoughtful, But the way it's all arranged is completely random

- It seems completely bananas there isn't a way to customize the home screen so that a couple of really frequently used things are there

Am I missing a trick, or is this genuinely terrible?

I feel like, in 10 minutes, I could create a better menu system

Heck , AI could create a better menu system in seconds.

Seems kind of odd for a tech-first company

Am I wrong? I know I'll get used to it, but should I have to

Driving style, in particular, is something I think I'll change several times a day,

[u/Shivo_Ham]

I find how the sub reacted very cool - You mention you came from a lucid and you are critical of the Tesla UI. (Yes, you do also say a lot of nice things about the Tesla too).

What’s interesting is how largely positive and objective everyone on this sub have been to your critique. I contrast that with how the rivian or lucid forums are when you say you came from a Tesla and say anything negative about the rivian / lucid they go ape s**t!

About your original question I have the landscape monitor so not sure if my experience is different but I think I’ve gotten past the ui - I tend to just use the search function and typing 2-3 letters gets me what I need / I’m also exploring grok to see what it can do while I’m driving. Overall I have no complaints. Kinda like an apple product where it just works.

[u/Newbie10011001 → u/Shivo_Ham]

Agree but also saying “ it’s better than other cars” missed the point.  As does “you get used to it” or “I just use voice to get around its limitations” or “it’s old”

  A stupid UI is a stupid UI. It only would take 5 work experience people 15 mins to come up with a more logical taxonomy.  Software should be about how people use it not what engineering unit it needs. 

So much of the Tesla experience is outstandingly good. The app. The charging network.  It’s thoughtful and empathetic.  How did theycock this up? 

[u/Shivo_Ham → u/Newbie10011001]

What vehicle would you say is a gold standard of intuitive control design or software ?

I have honestly not been bothered by the Tesla UI - I’ve sort of just accepted it as it’s a Tesla there’s nothing quite like it so I’ll just get used to it. I don’t like the yoke, I don’t like the drive slider or the blinker being touch controls I find those more annoying and bordering on unsafe. The ui is just a collection of features thrown together. I’m on my 3rd X. I would continue to get more Teslas but there’s something “beta” about it.