Auto Prototypes
-
Project Duration
2018 - Present
-
Responsibility
Head of Design
-
Software
Adobe XD, Adobe After Effects, Unity
Overview
Here are a collection of prototypes we have built to demonstrate "what could be” for our OEM partners. Our OEM friends still struggle building complete experiences. This, in part, is caused by organizational silos and outsourcing systems to various providers. But, what if they followed-suit with the game changing OEM brands like Tesla? Even Tesla could be doing so much more and they are unobstructed by the same Driver Distraction rules that handicap most OEM experiences. Let’s go through a couple use-cases.
App Store
App Store, believe it or not, is just now catching the OEMs interest. This demo showcases how a user can browse, download, and manage their applications. The concept of building an extensible platform for app developers gained traction as the OEMs continue to loose more users to CarPlay and Android Auto experiences.
Conferencing Apps
Where are all the conferencing apps?
We have worked with a variety of conferencing providers on in-car solutions. With Driver Distraction Rules it is always a challenge designing a product that respects the brands voice and feature set while conforming to an OEMs integration restrictions. Unfortunately, the OEM won’t invest in enabling these experiences unless financially incentivized. Creating engaging user experiences that delight and form stronger retention are just not enough for them. This, more than likely, will make an appearance once competitors like Tesla introduce the experience to their users.
Contextual App & Service Downloads
OEMs are dragged through burning coals with data charges. So, a lot of valuable experiences are hidden behind data packages. Is there a better way to surface valuable experiences that could then lead to subscription walls or downloads? We think so.
Discoverability
Discoverability is a massive problem within the vehicle. Notification systems and map integrations are critical for discovery. When mapping providers and notification systems are disconnected from 3rd party applications, they end up overlying on top-of-funnel marketing. We have proven through various live production and independent studies how valuable these integrations are. We have recorded increased usage by 1400% of features that were otherwise hidden within the HMI.
Widgets
There is an increasing trend in widget systems. Flexible dashboards that support multiple pages of editable widgets. This has become more popular as OEMs switch to android based head units. Unfortunately, most OEMs only support 1st party application widgets. We built a design system where 1st and 3rd party applications can author and where users can fully customize their in-car experience.
Lear
Below is the prototype used to develop a life sized vehicle simulator experience demo. This is displayed in Lear’s Shanghai and Detroit innovation centers.
There are two main parts to this simulator. Firstly, there is a large curved display positioned 10ft in front of the BUCK (automotive term for vehicle simulator). This very large display is fills the driver’s forward facing view. The screen above the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) is running on this large display aiding in the simulator immersion. Secondly, there is the large HMI that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system. These two experiences partner together giving users an immersed experienced.
ConfigurE+
I worked with Lear’s E-systems team on new seating technology. They have a new modular seating system using electrified rails. This system lets their users add new seat types, rotate seat direction, and connects to an onboard and offboard seating control system. The seats are equipped with sensors. These provide a variety of safety features that can be seen the display.
This has proved to be a powerful sales tool. The business development teams are actively working on contracts with a variety of OEMs for this product line.
Byton
Byton markets themselves as “the first premium electric SUV with an encapsulating interior experience as rich as the world it travels.” We worked with their product teams on a variety of in-car experiences. For these prototypes we laid out all the connected devices in the cabin. They use a large touch display in front of the arm rest to navigate their 5’ wide and nearly 12’ tall HD infotainment system.