Minimizing Driver Frustration Through Personalized Infotainment Systems .

Audi e-Tron In-Vehicle Theme for Luxury Consumers

Challenge: Drivers often face frustration due to usability issues with infotainment systems, compounded by overstimulation during commuter traffic. This can escalate stress and even lead to road rage.

How can we enhance the driving experience for luxury customers by using motion graphics, calming color palettes, and customizable themes to create a more connected and personalized in-car environment?

Solution: To reduce driver frustration and create a more enjoyable and personalized driving experience, we designed an infotainment system with features that prioritize usability, relaxation, and customization.

Personalized Widgets: Allow drivers to organize content within movable and customizable widgets, providing flexibility and multiple viewing options.
Relaxation Mode: Includes guided breathing exercises to help drivers unwind after parking, promoting a sense of calm and reducing stress.
Customizable themes and layout: Mobile app that offers a theme scheduler and various design customization options to reflect individual preferences and enhance user connection.

Demo

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Infotainment System - Center Console

App Selector: Home view/resting page with intuitive access to key features.
Vehicle Controls App: Wipers, Side Mirrors, Drive Mode (Normal, Eco, Tow Mode)
HVAC: Driver and passenger controls for temperature and fan speed.
Media & Entertainment: Play/Pause, Source Selector, Volume, Next/Previous, Song Name, Artist Name, Album Art
Navigation: Search/Add Navigation, Interactive map with real-time arrow for current location.

Relaxation Mode

After parking, drivers can activate Relaxation Mode to perform a guided breathing exercise - promoting mindfulness and a sense of calm.

Instrument Cluster

Driving Information: Speedometer, Odometer, PRNDL, Alerts for safety and vehicle performance.

Mobile Screens

Vehicle Controls + Theme Personalization

Mobile Vehicle Controls: Lock/Start the car, Activate Alarm, Open Trunk.
Customizable Themes: Customize additional themes here. Personalize the vehicle's interface and ambiance to suit individual preferences.
Additional Features: Quick access to customer support. Real-time news updates.

Style Guide

The design library, developed in collaboration with Kait, adheres to Audi's branding guidelines while introducing modern elements for a cohesive and luxurious aesthetic.

So, What's Next?

This project was presented as part of General Motors' Luxury Consumer design brief to their UX Design team.

Feedback Highlights:
A Senior Designer remarked they would use the Relaxation Mode in their own vehicle - an encouraging endorsement of our vision for luxury and innovation.

Future Enhancements:
I plan to expand this case study by including detailed research insights that informed our designs. If you'd like to review this research earlier, feel free to email me at wspeck@umich.edu.

Minimizing Driver Frustration Through Personalized Infotainment Systems .

Audi e-Tron In-Vehicle Theme for Luxury Consumers

Challenge: Drivers often face frustration due to usability issues with infotainment systems, compounded by overstimulation during commuter traffic. This can escalate stress and even lead to road rage.

How can we enhance the driving experience for luxury customers by using motion graphics, calming color palettes, and customizable themes to create a more connected and personalized in-car environment?

Solution: To reduce driver frustration and create a more enjoyable and personalized driving experience, we designed an infotainment system with features that prioritize usability, relaxation, and customization.

UX Team

Role / Contribution

Tools

Duration