OverviewResearchIdeationIterationSolutionReflection
Problem Statement
How can we create a connected experience for team drivers traveling in separate cars during lengthy road trips?
Goals & Objectives
3s
Real-time Communication
80%
Task Success Rate
+60%
V2V Interaction
Research
1. Competitive Analysis
What's on the existing vehicle system landscape?
Innovation highlights few car brands have pioneered that we think could potentially elevate user experience during long distance group road trip :
  1. V2V Communication - Multi-Vehicle Location Display, enhance coordination during group travel.
  2. Camera Display & Recording - view and record images captured by external vehicle cameras
  3. Video Chatting - video communication between vehicles
What applications commonly used by road trippers that we could integrate to vehicle system?
  1. Travel-focused Navigation System - POI, Route suggestions
  2. Emergency React System- quick access to emergency services and contacts
  3. GPS Trip Tracking - log their journeys and create a digital travel record for future reference or sharing with friends and family
  4. Weather & Road Condition Check - real-time weather updates and road condition assessments
2. User Interview
We undertook focused interviews with 8 car owners from 20-50 in all gender, centering our discussions around the following key areas: Travel Plans, Navigation, Travel Companions, Activities During Trips, Emergency Situations, and the Regular Usage of In-car Systems and Travel-Related Apps.
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Safety Concerns
  1. Inconvenience arises with features requiring over 3 steps to access.
  2. Information overload can disrupt optimal route decision-making
  3. Urgent alert for critical technical conditions like tire pressure is helpful in dealing with emergency
Interaction & Communication
  1. Sharing locations in multi-car trips is complex, often needing co-driver aid for real-time updates.
  2. Seamless communication during long-distance travel is crucial, but it is equally important to avoid disrupting others.
  3. Capturing and sharing beautiful scenery during the journey becomes difficult when driving
Persona
Derived from our user research, we refined a persona to finely tailor design features and functions to the preferences of our intended users. Allow me to introduce you to Jason Hart – a software engineer who delights in embarking on road adventures with his companions safely.‍
User Journey
We mapped out user journey to identify the key user touchpoint during road trip, pre-travel planning, the journey itself and share memory after trip. By doing so, we found potential areas for improvement and innovation throughout this journey.‍
1. Pre-travel Planning
Travel Plan Suggestions
Sync Travel Itinerary
2. During Road Trip
Abnormal weather/ road condition alert
Multicar interaction
Real-time Audio communication
Guided emergency suggestion
3. Share Memory
Automated posting generation
Core Features
Company
Safety
Real-time Communication
Sync Destination
View
Capture
Pin-It Marker
Deviation Notice
Emergency Help
Design Exploration
User Flow
After analyzing the user flow, we've pinpointed essential areas of emphasis:
  1. Seamless Onboarding Experience with Synchronizing Itinerary and Downloading Offline Maps:
    ‍    These features not only enhance convenience but also ensure that users are equipped with the necessary tools for uninterrupted navigation, even in areas with limited connectivity.
  2. Identifying Key Features and Priority:
    By understanding their needs and preferences, we're strategically prioritizing functions such as real-time audio contact, notifications for urgent conditions, deviations, and manual markups on the map, as well as capturing and sharing views.
  3. Interaction Between Initiator and Receiver Sides:
    A significant part of the HMI system's success hinges on effective communication between those initiating travel plans and those receiving them. By streamlining notifications, acceptance mechanisms, and real-time updates, we aim to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between both parties.
Layout Concept
Layout Explore
1. Pre-travel Planning
Cons :
Limited Information display on each card
Hard to access the button on the right
2. During Road Trip
Cons :
Main functions are far away from driver.
Function distribution is scattered.
3. Share Memory
Pros:
Consolidation of diverse functions on the left side, facilitating simplified access for drivers.
Winner Scheme
  1. Voyage link main function panel - Real-time communication, Pin-it Marker, View Capture
  2. Basic functional setting panel - Car condition, Air condition settings, Music, Volume, More apps
  3. Expansion of the Main Function Panel - Incorporating a slide-in side panel to enhance driver accessibility
  4. Voyage link navigation system - Multi-car location sharing, Travel progress bar
Notification System
All types of notification are displayed to the bottom left corner, ensuring information is easy and quick to digest without excessive attentions.
Notifications are displayed one at a time. The displayed order is based on its level of importance and time, ensuring effectiveness and safety.
Usability Testing Feedback
75% of users concern about the safety and timing of video calls.
Users appreciated real-time communication, yet 75% of them felt distracted by the video display. Additionally, they observed that accessing the feature to speak took more than 3 seconds.
50% of users were unable to mark an event within 3 seconds due to the presence of excessive options.
Users encounter challenges in distinguishing among the listed marking options. Half of the users are unable to identify or correctly mark the intended issue within 3 seconds.
The photo function was expected to include recording function as well.
Users prioritized recording while on the road over capturing photos with the camera. This preference is driven by concerns that high speed could lead to focus issues, diminishing the usefulness of photos.
Design Iteration
Iteration 01 : View Capture
Implementing a toggle between the "photo" and "recording" functions enables users to capture views more conveniently even at high speeds. This addition also offers a distinct camera experience for capturing moments outside of the vehicle.

We're also fine-tuning the layout and button placement to enhance the operational flow, guaranteeing users swift and seamless access.

BEFORE

  • The action button serves both for selecting the camera and capturing photos, leading to confusion and accidental touches.

AFTER

  • The process is clearly break down into 3 steps, each of which is designed in a designated tap area, which enhance the effectiveness and clarity to understand.
Iteration 02 : Real-time Communication System
After conducting usability tests, the decision has been made to remove the video chat feature due to potential user safety concerns. The refined conversation interface is now more lucid and succinct, enhancing information accessibility.
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Users now have the convenience of clicking on their avatars for direct access to group or private chats, eliminating the need for the three-step process required for video chat. This streamlined approach not only improves safety performance but also resolves any user confusion arising from the overlapping functions of the call button and avatars.
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BEFORE

  • It takes more than 3 steps to speak and act with the existing design.
  • The avatar function and call button serve overlapping purposes which cause user confusion.
  • Video chatting while driving could potentially increase safety concern. We will return back to audio recording.

AFTER

  • Introduce the Group Chat Feature, tailored specifically for group road trips with friends.
  • Simplify into audio recording and potentially convert to text
  • Integrate the deviation invite notice to reduce conflict
Final Solution - Navigating Adventure with Voyage Link
Scenario 01 : Sync Itinerary & Download offline map
Upon entering the car, the VoyageLink HMI System automatically syncs Jason and Emily's trip itineraries. When the system detects an area with weak cellular coverage, it prompts them to download an offline map. With a simple tap, the map is downloaded, ensuring smooth navigation without needing an internet connection.
Scenario 02: Interaction along the road
While on the journey, Jason observed a road accident and added a marker on the map to notify his friends. He also sent a voice message through the group chat to keep them informed. Later on, he stumbled upon a breathtaking scenic spot and used the external camera to capture videos of the scenery, which provide convenience and interaction along the road.
Iteration 03 : Add stop & deviation invite
After hours of driving, Jason start to get hungry. So he adds a restaurant stop to the plan, addressing his need for a meal. Furthermore, he extends a friendly invite to his travel companions, utilizing the deviation feature to suggest a detour for a shared dining experience. This underscores the collaborative essence of their road trip.
Reflection & Next Step
Safety concern
Safety consistently ranks as the foremost concern within our design process. While aiming for enriching interactions, we are aware that this must never compromise the essential aspect of safety. Our focus is to strike the right balance, ensuring that every feature and function aligns with safety standards and regulations.
Information prioritization
We recognize the significance of information hierarchy during the driving experience. Our efforts are directed towards optimizing information delivery, which involves refining the user interface to minimize unnecessary interactions. By clearly defining the priorities, we enhance usability while reducing distractions.
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Prototype and Test Physical Product Design:
Expanding the scope of the HMI system involves several exciting avenues. We are introducing pre-planning capabilities that enable users to map out their trips before setting off. Additionally, post-trip features offer the possibility of memory sharing and community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging among users. The synchronization and interaction between mobile devices and the HMI infotainment system will be refined, allowing seamless transitions between platforms for enhanced convenience.