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DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 10, 2008 – It's no secret that the new Ford Flex offers an unbeatable combination of comfort and style.
It's no accident, either. Just ask Eero Laansoo, the lead ergonomics engineer for the Flex. As the Flex evolved, Laansoo worked with literally hundreds of Ford engineers and designers – watching, testing and revising – to make sure that form and function melded seamlessly, creating a vehicle with its own signature style and high-caliber comfort.
Every dial, every lever, every handle, switch and knob that the customer might touch was scrutinized for usability and ease of motion. "We look it over from the front bumper to the rear bumper. If we expect a customer to interact with that device, we have to make sure it's easy to use," said Laansoo. "We work with the designers and engineers to make it better – everything from adjustable pedals to windshield washer bottles."
Sound like a daunting job? It is. Not only does Laansoo handle the physical aspect of ergonomics – making sure everything is easy to reach and comfortable to hold – but he also reviews the visual and cognitive part as well, ensuring the displays are easy to read and new technology isn't too daunting.
But the end result is well worth it. Customers have raved about the sophisticated, yet easy-to-use SYNC system, which allows the driver voice-activated, hands-free communication and entertainment. The autofold-and-tumble second row seats are operated by the simple push of a button, and the fold-flat third row seats feature a simple 1-2-3 strap mechanism.
And it's all been executed without sacrificing style.
"Every vehicle has a certain aesthetic form the designers are trying to deliver," said Laansoo. "With the Flex, it's sophistication and elegance. You don't want to take away from the aesthetic in the interest of usability – you want that form and function to seamlessly flow together. The most difficult part, the most challenging part, is doing it just right. But the most challenging part is often the most rewarding."
The form-function balance is coming into play more and more, Laansoo said, as vehicles become more sophisticated in terms of technology.
"There are a lot of components going into a vehicle; there are a lot of features becoming more commonplace," said the Toronto native. "And every component and feature traditionally demands its own physical switch: headlamps; bass and treble adjust for the radio; CD select buttons; HD radio buttons; satellite radio buttons; map controls; phone controls; message center controls – controls and switches everywhere. If we're not careful, we can have a vehicle interior that's just a sea of buttons. That can make a vehicle more daunting to use, not less. We need to make sure that every feature in a vehicle can be operated simply and easily, without taking away from the most important task – driving the vehicle safely."
Customers expect that – and at Ford, they get it. They just not might talk about it, and they may even take it for granted. That's just fine with Laansoo.
"Everyone has a horror story of something that doesn't work," he said. "Maybe it's trying to learn software or set their clock or work their controls for their DVR. But no one blushes and starts talking at a dinner party about how easy their controls are to use. Really, no news is good news. Ergonomics and usability doesn't get any attention if it's done right. If it's done very poorly, it gets a lot of attention. Solid ergonomics in a vehicle is an expectation, not a luxury."
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit our website at www.ford.com.
