02/05/2024

Why Good UX Is No UX

Great technology is so intuitive it's invisible

Recently, during some downtime, I found myself down a research rabbit hole, fascinated by the evolution of modern car keys. Almost totally utilitarian, we rarely consider how much innovation has happened to car keys over the last 75 years.

In 1949, Chrysler debuted the first key that would start the car with a turn of the ignition tumbler, effectively replacing the two-step turn-key-and-press-starter process before it. Innovation stalled for 15 years until Ford released the first double-sided key that allowed the driver to insert it into the tumbler in either orientation.

From 1965 on, car keys have seen many more iterations—from laser cuts for increased security to proximity fobs and remote start to app-only entry in the modern Tesla.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Fast Company.