Vision K's User-Centered Testing and Research for HMI and Dashboard Design (Short Version)

‍01. Introduction to the Project and User Research Objectives

The primary objective of this user research is to gather valuable insights and feedback that will inform and guide the design and development process, with a focus on creating user-centric and innovative solutions. Through this research, we aim to uncover user pain points, challenges, and preferences across all aspects of the holistic design spectrum, including product design, cockpit and dashboard ergonomics, driving assistance, and more. ‍

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‍By integrating user feedback into every stage of the design process, this project aspires to develop products that not only meet but surpass user expectations, ultimately enhancing the overall driving experience.

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02. User Persona(s) and Their Problems/Challenges/Pain Points‍

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This research identifies the primary user persona as a driver who encounters numerous challenges and pain points while on the road. The driving experience involves planning, strategizing, and managing three levels of task complexity with over 1600 independent tasks. Drivers often face high stress and limited time to complete these tasks. Additionally, driving tends to be a reactionary process, leading to distractions, panic, and stressful situations. The current UI-UX and interactive cabin designs fail to effectively address these issues.

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Specifically, drivers are frequently overwhelmed by displays that bombard them with irrelevant information, requiring numerous taps to achieve simple tasks. Moreover, current HMI designs offer limited customization but lack true personalization, falling short of meeting the unique needs and preferences of individual drivers.

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Through this user research, the aim is to illuminate these pain points and develop solutions that effectively address them. The goal is to create a driving experience that is intuitive, personalized, and enhances the overall journey, reducing stress and improving user satisfaction.

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03. Methodology and Approach for Primary User ResearcH

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‍For our primary user research, a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was employed. The qualitative approach included in-depth interviews and user observations, while the quantitative aspect involved surveys and data analysis.

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To ensure a comprehensive understanding, we targeted a diverse range of users, capturing a wide variety of perspectives and experiences. Our approach remained user-centric, focusing on the drivers' needs and pain points to guide our design decisions. Additionally, we adopted an iterative process, continuously testing and refining our designs based on user feedback, ensuring that the final product is closely aligned with user expectations and requirements.

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04. Findings from Primary User Research: Pain Points‍

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Primary user research has revealed that driving often involves a reactionary process, leading to distractions, panic, and stressful situations for drivers. Addressing these issues requires a careful consideration of cockpit, handset, and HMI design principles.

It became evident that standard interfaces, cabin designs, and current user experience norms are insufficient for providing a truly satisfactory driving experience. To enhance the driver’s comfort and control, it is crucial to develop a consistent and seamless driving experience.

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The information architecture of the HMI needs to be improved to enhance discoverability and navigation. Focusing on both up-vision and down-vision visibility is essential for better situational awareness. Additionally, the design should prioritize the most ergonomic reach envelope and accessible surface areas, ensuring that all controls are within easy and comfortable reach for the driver.

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05. Solutions to Address User Pain Points and Challenges‍

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To address the challenge of driving being a reactionary process that leads to distraction and stress, I have designed the interface based on military standards for enhanced ergonomics. The touch screen is positioned so that users can interact with it using their full arm suspended in the air, providing a more ergonomic experience compared to traditional smartphone usage. This design improves discoverability and navigation, ensuring that the interface is intuitive and user-friendly.

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The components of the features have been meticulously fine-tuned using the Aesthetic-Usability effect, which minimizes interaction and learning costs while driving. This allows users to quickly and easily access the information they need, reducing cognitive load and enhancing safety.

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Information levels have been restructured based on function and information hierarchy to optimize the system design. This rearrangement simplifies the user experience, enabling users to find the information they need without navigating through multiple screens or complex menus.

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The interface also incorporates ergonomic principles by combining speed, usability, and no-look control with a touch-enabled click pad. This design ensures that controls are within easy reach and can be operated without requiring the user to take their eyes off the road.

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Finally, the physical buttons and Prohandset have been designed for effortless use without visual confirmation, allowing the driver to manage the interface seamlessly and safely, maintaining focus on the driving experience.

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06. Design roadmap and interactive patterns based on user research insights

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07. Information architecture of the product or service

08. Statement on Cockpit and Dashboard Design Ergonomic

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‍Cockpit and dashboard ergonomics are essential for ensuring a comfortable and safe driving experience. My design philosophy for this project focuses on creating an optimal layout and user interface that addresses the needs and limitations of the driver.

Key considerations integrated into the design include:

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- A user-friendly interface with clear and concise information displays.

- A strong emphasis on minimizing distractions and reducing cognitive load for the driver.

- Intuitive physical controls and buttons for frequently used functions, ensuring they are easily accessible.

- An ergonomic design that maximizes the reach and accessibility of controls while minimizing strain on the driver’s body.

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These elements work together to create a cockpit and dashboard that not only enhance the driving experience but also prioritize the well-being and safety of the driver.

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09. Overhauling Driver Display, Wing Display, and Prohandset Based on User Need

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‍Based on our user research findings and analysis, several areas for improvement have been identified in the design of the Driver Display, Wing Display, and Prohandset. Here are the planned changes:

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Driver Display: The design of the Driver Display will be overhauled to reduce information overload and enhance the user's ability to quickly and easily access the needed information. This will be achieved through a more streamlined information architecture and by reorganizing the display to prioritize the most critical information. Additionally, the visual language will be redesigned to be more intuitive and easier to read at a glance.

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Wing Display: The Wing Display has been redesigned to provide more context-specific information, thereby reducing distractions and improving the overall driving experience. This new design will ensure that relevant information is easily accessible without overwhelming the driver.

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Prohandset: Enhancements to the Prohandset will focus on ergonomic improvements and intuitive controls. The redesign will ensure that drivers can operate the Prohandset without needing to look at it, allowing for safer and more efficient use of the interface.

These changes aim to create a cohesive and user-centric design that addresses the needs and preferences of the driver, ultimately enhancing the overall driving experience.

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10. General Principles of Interactive Experience Design

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Minimize Distractions: The interface should be designed to minimize distractions and reduce cognitive load. Unnecessary information or alerts should be eliminated, with the most critical information displayed prominently to ensure the driver’s focus remains on the road.

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Personalization: Drivers have unique preferences and driving habits. The interface should allow for customization of layout, features, and settings to match each driver's individual needs and preferences, enhancing their overall driving experience.

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Intuitiveness: The interface should be intuitive and easy to use, enabling drivers to navigate the system without requiring extensive training or diverting attention from driving. Simplicity and ease of use are key.

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Accessibility: The interface must be accessible to all drivers, including those with disabilities. It should incorporate features such as voice control, haptic feedback, and large buttons to ensure that everyone can use the system comfortably and effectively.

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Ergonomics: The design should minimize physical strain and discomfort for the driver. Controls should be placed within easy reach, buttons should be appropriately sized and shaped, and the display should be angled for optimal visibility and comfort.

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Integration: The interface should seamlessly integrate with other in-car systems and devices, such as the audio system, climate control, and navigation. This integration ensures that drivers can perform tasks more efficiently and safely, without needing to switch between different systems.

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11. Results from User Testing and Feedback‍

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The redesigned cockpit, dashboard, and Prohandset have significantly enhanced the user experience, leading to a noticeable reduction in stress levels while driving.

Users praised the intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, which made it easy to perform tasks without taking their eyes off the road. The ability to personalize and customize features allowed drivers to tailor the experience to their specific needs and preferences, further enhancing their comfort and control.

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The AI and driving assistant features were well-received, providing real-time feedback and support, which improved user confidence and decision-making during their drive.

The ergonomic design of the cockpit and dashboard offered maximum comfort and convenience, effectively minimizing distractions and enhancing the overall driving experience. The optimized information architecture improved discoverability and navigation, enabling users to quickly access necessary information without having to sift through multiple menus.

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Increased visibility from the redesigned displays and Prohandset contributed to safer driving conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall road safety.

Overall, user testing and feedback indicate that the redesign of the cockpit, dashboard, and Prohandset has made driving more intuitive, personalized, and safe, significantly improving the overall user experience.

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In conclusion, Vision K represents a bold leap forward in automotive design, where user experience and cutting-edge technology converge to create a driving environment that is both innovative and practical. Every element, from the cockpit to the dashboard and Prohandset, has been meticulously crafted to meet the needs of today’s drivers, ensuring a safer, more comfortable, and highly personalized journey. Vision K not only redefines how we interact with our vehicles but also sets a new benchmark for the future of driving, where form and function are harmoniously aligned.

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