Navigating the Road of Design: A UX Critique of the Tesla Model 3

Fig 1. Tesla Model 3 from motortrend.com.

As a UX designer, I have always been fascinated by the intricate connection between form and function in design. Over the past five years, owning a Tesla Model 3 has provided me with a unique opportunity to personally explore the nuances of automotive design. In this blog post, I will delve into both the commendable and the areas for improvement in the Model 3’s user experience.

The Good:

1. Easy-to-Clean Seats:

One of the standout features of the Tesla Model 3 is its easy-to-clean seats. As someone who opted for the white upholstery, this design choice has been a game-changer. It allows for a luxurious interior without sacrificing practicality, striking the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.

1. Glass Panel at the Top:

The expansive glass panel at the top of the Model 3 creates an immersive experience, making the interior feel more open and spacious. This design element not only adds to the overall aesthetic appeal but also enhances the driving experience, connecting users with their surroundings.

1. Visual Display for Object Proximity:

The use of a range of colors to represent the proximity of objects or other vehicles is a brilliant example of user-centered design. This color-coded visual language transcends language barriers, is accessible to a diverse group of users, and provides users with a quick and intuitive understanding of their surroundings, contributing to a safer driving experience for individuals with varying levels of visual acuity.

Fig 2. Tesla lane assist that displays the proximity of nearby objects with different colors. From tesla.com.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Intuitive Door Design:

Despite its sleek appearance, the Model 3 falls short in terms of door design intuitiveness. Both the exterior and interior door handles lack clear signifiers, leading to confusion among users. As shown in Fig. 3, a small, tactile rectangle on the exterior handle could serve as a visual cue of where to press, while a more distinctive design for the interior door opening button would eliminate confusion between the window and door button.

Fig. 3. A small rectangle can be added to the door handle as a visual cue for the user to know where to press. Adapted from carbuzz.com.

1. Accessibility Concerns:

The Model 3’s low profile presents accessibility challenges, particularly for individuals with mobility issues. The need to bend down to enter the vehicle excludes a significant portion of the population, including the disabled and elderly. Addressing this concern would contribute to a more inclusive design that caters to a diverse user base.

1. User-Unfriendly Tesla App:

The Tesla app, while offering valuable insights into the car’s status, lacks user-friendliness. Actions such as unlocking the car are buried within icons that might not be immediately intuitive. As shown in Fig. 4, for a user to unlock their car using the phone app, they must press the lock icon to reverse the current status of their vehicle. A redesign focusing on user-centric actions rather than displaying current vehicle could greatly enhance the overall usability of the app.

Fig. 4. Tesla’s phone application displays the current status of the car rather than user-centric actions. Image from hertz.com.

Final Thoughts:

In my journey as a Tesla Model 3 user and UX designer, these observations have fueled my passion for creating designs that are not only visually appealing but also accessible, inclusive, and equitable. The Model 3, like any design, has its strengths and weaknesses. By critically examining these aspects, we can contribute to the evolution of user experiences that cater to a diverse audience, ensuring that design goes beyond aesthetics to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. As I continue to explore the intersection of technology and design, my commitment to crafting solutions that prioritize accessibility remains unwavering. After all, the road to exceptional design is paved with continuous improvement and a deep understanding of the users we aim to serve.