One area where having an impeccable user interface is essential is in operating the controls of a car. The Nissan Leaf has several features that I have seen cause much confusion among people who are not very familiar with the ins and outs of the electric car.
One issue that my family members who drive the Leaf a lot still occasionally struggle with is the gear shift. Instead of having to actually physically reposition the shifter into different labeled slots, the user has to maneuver them according to the arrows.
While Reverse, Drive, and Park are fairly straightforward, the “N” and “B” options are not as clear. Unless actually having read the manual, the user wont realize that Brake-mode actually implements regenerative breaking in order to opportunistically recharge the battery. While the steering wheel is given a clear option called “ECO” mode that is obviously environmentally friendly, “Brake-mode” doesn’t suggest anything like that.
In addition, even though sports cars often have another feature next to Drive such as M/S (Manual/Sport), Brake-mode is confusing as the “B” symbol is very unassuming and does not give any hint as to its purpose.
In contrast to Brake-Mode of the Leaf, the M/S option has a more clearly defined interface to actually switch it on. However, to get to Brake-mode the driver must push the shifter down and hold it for an additional second, something that many people would never consider doing. This uncommon shifting protocol is also the same way that the driver must navigate the car to Neutral. Again, while simply pushing the shifter Up or Down yields either Reverse of Drive, the user must press and hold the shifter to the middle to bring the car into neutral. This maneuver is far different to other standard car features such as switching on a turn signal, turning up the windshield wipers, or setting the parking brake.
Although I understand the space constraints and desire for a minimalist gear shifter, I think Nissan could have done a more thorough job with this particular feature. While they probably assumed that buyers are very environmentally concerned and would take the time to study these nuances, I think they underestimated that many new leaf drivers would simply be those taking advantage of a really inexpensive lease deal and uniformed about the more specialized features of the electric car. Therefore, I believe they should have designated Brake-Mode with an environmentally friendly symbol and given this setting, as well as Neutral a more established position/motion to initiate those modes. Perhaps they could have allowed for gestures to the right side of the default central location, as well as the left.