UX word of the day: heads up display

Heads up display (HUD)| noun| Heds · up · dis-play

1. : a transparent display for data presentation placed at eye level to reduce the time you have to look down (keep your ‘head down’)
2. : apart from reducing head down time, HUDs can also help keep the eyes focussed on the view ahead. Looking down would mean that our eyes having to constantly switch focus between the nearer, head-down view and the further, outside view.

I’m glad I splurged on the top end model for my car and got the Heads Up Display. Driving has become so much more easier and focussed. I don’t have look at my instrument cluster to see if I’m below the speed limit or at my touch screen display for my directions. All the information is right there – in front of my eyes.

HUDs in cars can reduce the amount of time you have to look away from the road