Johnson Controls' Human Integration Approach Provides Consumers with Added Safety, Comfort and Enjoyment
16 October 2000
Johnson Controls' Human Integration Approach Provides Consumers with Added Safety, Comfort and Enjoyment
Company uses extensive research methods
to develop products consumers want and need
DETROIT, Oct. 16 Technology is providing drivers and
passengers with more and more options for comfort, convenience and lifestyle
within the vehicle interior. At Johnson Controls , the company is
focused on integrating new electronics technology in a safe and convenient way
that keeps drivers' attention focused where it should be -- on the road.
At Johnson Controls, extensive scientific and consumer research guides the
design and development of interior vehicle products and systems. Electronic
products -- developed using the company's human integration approach -- will
be on display at Convergence 2000 International Congress on Transportation
Electronics at Detroit's Cobo Center from Oct. 16 through Oct. 18. The company
also will discuss its newest approach to research, the Human Factors Lab --
which measures driving performance, physiological states, and a driver's self-
reported feelings; then explains them in terms of vehicle interior attributes
and product features.
"To design and develop interior products that are safe, comfortable and
enjoyable, Johnson Controls conducts extensive research in our ComfortLab(TM),
Human Factors Lab and in the field with consumers," said Jim Geschke, vice
president and general manager, Electronics Integration. "As a result of the
information gained in these studies, we are able to develop products that
consumers actually want, need and enjoy. An example is our TravelNote(R)
digital voice recorder which allows drivers to touch a single button and
record thoughts, much safer than balancing a cell phone, driving and writing
down notes and numbers."
Johnson Controls uses a comprehensive approach to determine if interior
products will meet the expectations and needs of consumers. This approach
includes both laboratory and real-world research:
* Comfort Lab -- This unique lab uses several vehicle bucks to reproduce
various interiors and a driving simulator that can recreate sights,
sounds, forces and vibrations. Engineers monitor and record the
experience of drivers and passengers as they take a sensory ride under
all possible road, traffic and weather conditions;
* Human Factors Lab - In this lab, human factors specialists participate
in product design teams to ensure that sensory, cognitive or ergonomic
issues are identified and addressed early in the product design process;
and
* Consumer Research - By conducting extensive research in the field, the
consumer research team provides consumer insights that inspire
innovation, drive better decisions and expand Johnson Controls'
knowledge of consumers. The team emphasizes cross-functional
participation in all phases of research to ensure its usage, application
and understanding throughout the company.
"Since people are spending increasing amounts of time in their vehicles,
we're striving to use our expertise to add comfort, convenience and
enjoyment," added Geschke. "No other interior supplier does more consumer or
laboratory research to develop products that make the driving experience more
pleasurable."
Johnson Controls is not only concerned about consumers, but it also looks
out for the interests of automakers. By conducting research in the product
development stage, automakers reap the benefits through differentiating their
products and building brand loyalty.
The automotive business of Johnson Controls -- which employs more than
65,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide -- achieved US $12.1 billion in
sales for the 1999 fiscal year. In model-year 2000, it will supply interior
products for more than 23 million vehicles.
Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotive systems and
facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major
supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential
facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services,
energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls
, founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its
sales for 1999 totaled US$16.1 billion.
/NOTE TO EDITORS: For access to other Johnson Controls news releases and
additional company information, visit the company's site on the World Wide Web
at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/
/CONTACT: David Roznowski of Johnson Controls Inc., 734-254-5632/
/Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 473547/
/Web site: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/