IT Home October 29 news: A few years ago, MINI began vigorously promoting a large-screen design, launching an all-new infotainment system that concentrates the vast majority of vehicle information onto a large circular central control screen in the middle of the dashboard. To this day, MINI still has no intention of abandoning this design.
The circular instrument has always been a signature element of MINI, used continuously since the brand’s inception. Through successive updates and iterations, the instrument’s position has moved from the center console to behind the steering wheel, and later returned to the center, yet the circular design has never changed.
As cars enter the digital era, MINI has also continued this tradition with a large circular central control screen, and is quite proud of this design. Alexander Brockhoff, General Manager of MINI Australia, said in an interview with local media Drive: “The circular display is a design unique to MINI, and we want to preserve this brand tradition.”
According to IT Home, the new-generation MINI models are equipped with a head-up display system responsible for showing important driving information, while other functions are concentrated in the central control screen. Physical air-conditioning buttons have been removed from the cabin, while the volume knob is retained.
MINI has no plans to abandon the circular central control screen, but is willing to keep improving it. “However, from a design perspective, I think it is important to retain this characteristic at this stage. Technology will also keep developing, allowing various functions to be better integrated in the future.”
There is another issue with the circular screen: commonly used features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto do not display harmoniously. Because they were not originally designed for circular screens, these two phone connectivity systems can only be presented in rectangular windows. To make the interface look better, it is best to use MINI’s own infotainment system. In response, Brockhoff said that if the vehicle’s built-in navigation is used, the map can fill the entire screen. “After users actually experience it… I think the effect is quite good.”
In mid-2023, MINI launched the MINI Interaction Unit featuring a 9.4-inch OLED screen, first equipped on the all-electric Cooper and subsequently rolled out across the entire product lineup.
In order to let the circular screen fully reflect the brand’s lively and playful style, MINI put a great deal of thought into the design. Stefanie Wurst, then head of MINI globally, pointed out at the launch event: “The new MINI family has enabled us to achieve a major leap in the digital field, while also highlighting the unique charm of the brand’s heritage.”