This project was part of my application for an internship. I focused on designing a car-OS navigation system, conducting research on electric vehicles, and developing a user-centered interface. The aim was to enhance my skills in UI and UX design within the automotive industry, with a strong emphasis on usability and visual appeal.
Project Brief: Design a car-OS with navigation as the central focus of the user experience. Don’t overthink elements outside of the navigation, think of it more as giving the navigation a frame. The Navigation should address key user needs such as everyday use, long journeys, charging anxiety, and re-routing.
I began by conducting thorough research on electric cars, route planning, and GPS functions to understand the specific challenges and requirements of designing a navigation system for EV users. This research phase was crucial in identifying user pain points and best practices in the industry.
Next, I developed wireframes to outline the basic structure and flow of the navigation system. These wireframes were iteratively tested and refined through user testing sessions. Key findings from user testing included the need for larger buttons and text, higher saturation in color to distinguish active elements from disabled ones, and other common findings such as simplifying the interface to reduce driver distraction and ensuring critical information is easily accessible.
Based on the feedback, I created an interactive prototype to visualize the navigation system in action. The prototype focused on key aspects such as everyday use, long journeys, charging stations, and smart re-routing options. Finally, I presented my design, highlighting its features, usability, and visual appeal.
While the project was a great learning experience, I identified several areas for improvement. The UI still felt more like wireframes, indicating that more effort was needed to polish the design. Additionally, some key points were missing, such as notifications for the next stop and more information on urgent battery alerts.
Despite these gaps, I was pleased with the outcome, considering I had only two weeks and only little prior knowledge of navigation or electric vehicle route planning. The project provided a solid foundation for future improvements and gave me confidence in tackling complex design challenges.
