Vehicle Key Fob Design

I had the distinct privilege of driving a Lexus the other day and was startled by how poorly designed the buttons on the key fob were, especially considering the “high end” nature of the vehicle itself.

The most notable infraction here is the double duty the top button is performing for both Lock and Panic. I instinctively didn’t want to press the button that most commonly needs to be pressed, fearing I would set off the alarm. Not good. Apparently the Panic mode is activated when the button is held down, and the car is locked with a single press.

The Unlock button is equally as befuddling. Why is the text off to the side, while the button itself is left blank? Furthermore, I find the use of text largely unnecessary (simple padlock icons will do).

Coincidentally, the topic of key fob design is mentioned in the bonus features for the recently released Gary Hustwit film, Objectified (worth a look for sure). Andrew Blauvelt argues the importance of the design of this object, in that it “provides a direct connection between the owner of the vehicle and the vehicle itself.”