You'll Get Used To It

About a year ago I was in the market for a new car (exciting times). I decided to test drive a few different makes and models before deciding on which one to get.

So I made my way to a very popular dealership to test drive one of their best selling models (I won't mention which one it is as this is not a "flaming" post). We all got in the car, started driving the car and everything went well. As I was driving on the motorway I started approaching a red signal. I stopped waited patiently and when the time came I engaged the gear to start. That's when I started going in reverse! What's happening I shouted inside my head! The kind car salesman that insisted to come with us on the test drive told me that I should be more careful as the reverse gear is right next to the first and there is no lock mechanism. We finished the test drive, returned the car and the salesman didn't hear from us again.

The next day I was describing the incident to a friend that owns the same car. Her reply? "Oh yes, well you get used to that. It's only the first few times and then you'll get the hang of it."

By now you might be wondering how this is even possible. Why would someone do this? Yes I understand that you can get used to such an annoyance, but why have it in the first place? Instead, when you design something, do everything you can to make the experience intuitive and easy. Simplify it until you can use it without even having a manual.

Apple did it with the phone, tablet and computer, so there's no excuse when it comes to simplifying the use of a gearbox.