Study on the Perceived Quality of Hand-Operated Mechanical Controls in Passenger Cars Using the Example of Air Vents

Users perceiving mechanical controls as high quality is critical in automotive engineering. This study examines how 30 participants rated three air vents taken from one vehicle segment. Results indicate that the haptic sense had the greatest influence on the judgement of quality. Participants were even able to detect differentiation of actuation path length and forces. Technical haptic parameters were identified that promise favorable impressions. Future research should use a test-rig to enable specific manipulation of technical parameters.