Driving can be separated into primary operations (going, turning and stopping) and secondary operations (everything else).
Primary operations involve using the pedals and steering wheel to control speed and direction, while visually checking the road ahead. Secondary operations include looking at the meters, setting the air conditioner and adjusting the audio system. Secondary operations distract the driver from concentrating on the primary operations. For example, if the driver has to stretch or move his or her head to see the speedometer, it increases the time the driver is not watching the road, thereby increasing the risk of an accident.

Thus, the following two points are crucial to build a safe and easy-to-drive vehicle:
An open field of view outside the vehicle (especially to the front) is fundamental to primary operations.
Controls that can be seen and operated quickly and easily are vital to reduce the time needed to perform secondary operations.

A clear front view contributes to safe, enjoyable and less tiring driving. A basic concept for safe driving is to secure an open field of view to enhance the driver's awareness of potential hazards, such as pedestrians and oncoming cars, and enable immediate recognition of roadside traffic lights and signs. Furthermore, an open view allows the driver to see more of the side lines and more of the corner ahead. This helps to capture a true sense of the vehicle's behavior and a natural sense of speed, thereby enhancing the Jinba-Ittai (rider and horse as one) enjoyment of a car that corners precisely as the driver intends. Mazda employs virtual reality technology to research ideal shapes for windows and pillars to optimize the field of vision. Even at the very early stage of development, before any prototypes have been built, we ensure every vehicle offers clear all-round vision.

How do we design meters and switches?
To be safe behind the wheel, a driver must be constantly alert. Actions that involve "looking away," such as checking the speedometer or adjusting the audio system, detract from safe driving. If you are driving on Germany's autobahn at 200 km/h or more, it is considered dangerous to look away from the road for any longer than 0.3 or 0.4 seconds. Thus, the following two points are crucial when designing meters and switches:
Minimize the time needed to check displays and operate controls.
As far as possible, enable controls to be operated without the need to look at your hands.

At Mazda, we are increasingly using our centralized display (1 in the right image). All the information that a driver needs, including the status of the audio and air-conditioning systems, is shown together on a display at the top of the instrument panel. As well as minimizing the driver's eye movement away from the road, we take great care to maximize the legibility by fine tuning the contrast and the size of the display icons. Additionally, many Mazda models feature steering wheel controls (2 in the right image) that can be operated without drivers looking at their hands. We also arrange all the other switches so that the most frequently used are closest to the steering wheel, and use ergonomic design to ensure they are all easy to use.