Cars have always been a source of fascination for people since their invention. They are not just means of transportation but also cultural icons that reflect social trends and personal tastes. For many, cars represent status and power, while others see them as an extension of themselves. It comes as no surprise then that car manufacturers often use subtle design cues to attract buyers' attention and make them feel good about their purchase decision. One such detail is the hatch and sunroof buttons on modern vehicles.
The button that opens the hatch of a car is typically located near the gearshift or the center console. Its placement is strategic because it allows drivers to reach out without taking their eyes off the road and interact with this part of the car more frequently than other parts.
Some carmakers have taken things one step further by creating buttons designed specifically to evoke sexual arousal and intimacy between driver and passenger(s). These buttons may be shaped like lips, breasts, penises, vulvas, or other suggestive shapes.
The effectiveness of these buttons depends on how well they play into our psychosexual desires and fantasies.
A lip-shaped button could create a sense of kissing and intimacy between two people sitting close together in the front seats. A breast-shaped button can create a feeling of closeness and familiarity, even when driving alone. Similarly, a penis or vulva-shaped button can trigger feelings of sexual attraction and desire.
Using sexually suggestive buttons can backfire if they are not executed correctly. They could come across as tacky or juvenile and turn off potential buyers who value practicality over sensuality. This risk can be mitigated by making the buttons tasteful and understated, so they blend seamlessly into the overall design of the car. The best designs are those that hint at but do not scream about sex, leaving it up to the imagination of the viewer to fill in the details.
Hatch and sunroof buttons can be used to create a unique, memorable experience for customers and convey subtle messages about intimacy and sexuality. By playing to our innate desires and emotions, car manufacturers can differentiate their products from others and attract new buyers. But, they must tread carefully, avoiding crudeness or overdoing things to maintain credibility and respectability.