Core Viewpoint - The article critiques the trend of automotive companies prioritizing aesthetic and technological advancements, such as hidden door handles, over practical user needs, highlighting the disconnect between innovation and real-world usability [2][4][10]. Group 1: User Experience Challenges - Hidden door handles, while designed for aesthetics and reduced drag, pose significant usability issues, especially in extreme weather conditions, leading to potential safety risks during emergencies [6][7][8]. - The minimal reduction in drag coefficient from hidden handles (0.0001) translates to negligible energy savings (0.02 kWh per 100 km), questioning the value of such design choices [6][7]. - The article emphasizes that the automotive industry is increasingly focused on high-tech features that do not address fundamental user concerns, leading to a "technology surplus" and "experience deficit" [8][10]. Group 2: Regulatory Response and Industry Standards - In response to safety concerns, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China has initiated a project to revise safety standards for automotive door handles, emphasizing the need for mechanical redundancy and clear markings for emergency use [7][10]. - The article notes that the industry's focus on advanced technology often overshadows basic safety and usability requirements, which are now being addressed by regulatory bodies [7][10]. Group 3: Consumer-Centric Innovations - Great Wall Motors, through its brand Wei, is highlighted as a company that recognizes the importance of understanding user needs, moving away from merely showcasing technological advancements [19][30]. - Wei's approach includes establishing user delivery centers to gather real-time feedback and address consumer pain points, demonstrating a commitment to user-centric design and service [26][30]. - The company aims to integrate user feedback into product development, ensuring that innovations align with actual consumer demands rather than perceived needs [41][42]. Group 4: Future Directions and Industry Transformation - The article suggests that the automotive industry must recalibrate its innovation strategies to focus on genuine user needs rather than competing on technological specifications alone [13][33]. - Wei's strategy of combining traditional manufacturing strengths with agile user feedback mechanisms represents a potential path for other companies to follow in the evolving automotive landscape [42][43]. - The emphasis on safety, user experience, and emotional connection in product design is positioned as a critical factor for success in the competitive automotive market [28][31].