The integration of TouchSensor™ field-effect technology into the 2011 Ford Edge ICS began after a thorough review of both interior design standards and the abundance of new and emerging technologies. After studying vehicle communications trends and drivers' use of technology inside their vehicles, it was evident that the way drivers interact with their auto's technology was rapidly becoming obsolete. Ford and Methode joined forces to pioneer the next-generation User Interface experience for customers around the world.

The electronic finish panel on the 2011 Lincoln MKX ICS demonstrates the advantages of field-effect technology in a beautiful, engaging package. Used to control the climate, volume and fan functions, TouchCells™ create a tiny, undetectable electrical field that, when broken by the swipe of a finger, turns on or off like a traditional switch. With no real buttons to push, the industry's first complete field-effect User Interface (UI) allows the user to seamlessly modify the vehicle's temperature and audio-component volume with the swipe of a finger.

The Sony® Audio System integrated its high-gloss electronic finish panel with Methode's field-effect switch technology to create a revolutionary sound system in the 2011 Ford Edge. Excluding the center knob, the Sony panel is completely flat, allowing the TouchCellTM technology to create circular "landing zones" for the user’s finger. Consistent with Sony home audio products, the audio portion of the control panel is divided into "Source" and "Sound" sections, inviting users to select the input and tune the sound with the bass, treble, fade and balance inputs on the screen.