The problem
Have you ever used computer while driving? It can be problematic.
Several corporations found this out the hard way by designing systems that didn’t align with the environment of a moving vehicle.
After a massive failure of the first infotainment system, that implemented into Ford automobiles with end-users. (Let’s just say the missing component was a mouse next to the steering wheel) -the next generation of Automotive geniuses needed to come together to define a new way to integrate technology into the car.
So how does one go about finding a solution?
A global automotive study which entails following individuals and the driving habits began. Also, deep dive into various car models and the infotainment systems that are currently being built by the competitive market.
My role and teams involved
My role was supporting the senior UX lead on this project in addition to the Research lead- to catalog, organize and consolidate all of the documentation of this global research. Findings of this project as well as conceptual designs were presented back to senior engineering teams at automotive, as well as CEO leadership of Ford, Microsoft.
Not a bad feather in your cap, if I might say so myself😀💪❤️
The learnings
I love my cars I have three. Exacta love Car so much I have a car that I bought specifically due to the fact that I was watching top gear.
(Insert photo)
Cars really are just extensions of ourselves.
One of my favorite memories is having is the story our lead researcher told when he was in the backseat of a minivan driving down The Highway with the mother turning around to look at her children screaming at them. At the same time, he decried I was on the road, eyes on the road!
Cars was no longer just an extension of ourselves, but they were also a guide and guardian angel.
New technologies could be integrated into cars particularly aligned to health measurements while driving.
Cars can now eye track to ensure you don’t fall asleep at the wheel
The solutions are many
We discovered quite simply the cars need to be more than just a car, because as humans we’re doing more as well.
We also discovered various preferences between buttons knobs and touchscreens; haptics and dashboard displays And have some technologies that were intrusive while others were helpful.
Which UI works, what doesn’t, what apps suck (engineers actually played with texting integrations and social media posts while driving) and what may be the most obvious solution (which is the direct to screen phone integration) isn’t always the preference. For Example more luxury cars would want more customizable integrations of technology
The Learnings
A life-changing inspirational project That showed me the power of research and collaboration between teams that think differently and problem solve from a different angle
I would also say that it was the start to understanding the importance of safety systems globally for technological innovation
One last thing from a teams perspective. genius does not come from one person, It comes from various people sets with unique skill sets That give each other the permission to share their perspective and solutions to the problem in order to garner a greater catalyst of change.
Which then led to really understanding how hard that is take a look at some of my project management skills and how I try and optimize different types of thinking……