Comments on: BMW’s manual gear shift

By: David Airey :: Graphic Designer

David Airey :: Graphic Designer — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:47:02 +0000

BMW vids,

The knob doesn’t actually resemble a thumb, but I appreciate you stopping by. ;)

By: BMW videos

BMW videos — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:32:10 +0000

On another note, we don’t get manual trans in the united states for the 7 series so it is interesting to see what the knob looks like.

By: Nathan Nash

Nathan Nash — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 05:31:45 +0000

I like the concept. I think it is a pretty neat idea.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 10:08:07 +0000

Vectormonkey, it’s reverse I’d be worried about, not fourth.

Beth Ellen, BMW have added a thumb shift to their 7 Series. There’s no gear stick in the middle of the car. It’s a little button behind the steering wheel were your indicator or window wiper levers are, kind of like Formula One cars, except a lot slower and more comfortable.

By: Beth Ellen

Beth Ellen — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 19:55:42 +0000

I don’t see phallic but then again I am pure. :) I don’t understand the strapline. The phrasing is awkward. I don’t get the ad but then maybe because it is about cars? So, is it a “thumbs up” kinda thing?

By: Vectormonkey

Vectormonkey — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:37:22 +0000

At first glance, I like the clean layout, drawing the eye nicely to the thumb.

On second glance, Pinksy does have a point, sorry.

On third glance, and I’m not sure why I have this reaction, I’m filled with an urge to grab the thumb and probably hurt the hand shifting into 4th gear.

Other than that, it’s great.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:02:11 +0000

It’s a valid point Pinksy, although you could say that all gear sticks are phallic looking. Then should BMW stay clear of stick shift advertising?

You got me thinking though. It’s a clever idea, and one I like, but I’m not sure I’d want to use this particular image. Perhaps if more of the hand was shown rather than it being cut off the page it would be more effective.

Richard, thanks for the kind words. I think the thumb would look less out of place, as mentioned above, if more of the hand was in the shot.

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 15:50:41 +0000

I quite like it, although the gear shift on the thumb looks a little bit off to me for some reason…

I’d prefer the strapline to read “We’ve just replaced the gear shift.” or something a little more creative.

Love the site design, in particular your logo!

Richard

By: Pinksy

Pinksy — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:03:14 +0000

Looks a bit too phallic to me!