Interactive Eco Feedback For Drivers Edit
The Ford Smart Gauge

Ford’s new digital dashboard interface does more than show the driver’s speed and engine revolutions. The high-tech digital interface that is about to find its way into selected new models just might help reduce the car’s impact on global warming.

There are other things we can do to reduce our impact on the environment besides producing more fuel efficient cars and researching alternative eco-friendly fuels; this includes driving with fuel consumption in mind.

Ford’s new interface displays the image of a plant which grows healthier and more lush depending on the quality of your driving style. Drive more economically, and you will end up with a strong and healthy plant, but accelerate too fast or brake rapidly, and your plant will start to shed its leaves.

This strong visual metaphor evokes an emotional connection, and it appeals to our competitive nature. The gauge is also likely to be desirable to the majority of drivers that would like to save money in light of rising fuel costs, as following its advice could save drivers thousands of dollars over the life of the car.