The automotive human-machine interface is the prime point of interaction between driver and car.
Users often evaluate car experience based on the experience they have with HMI.
Bad learnability
Learnability is a major factor that influences user experience.
With more and more car features added, modern human-machine interfaces are growing in complexity.
Users rarely read product manuals and instructions; they learn things by doing.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
A good user interface is invisible.
It gives users the information and features they need when they need them.
Designers need to craft HMI in a way that minimizes complexity and prevents cognitive overload.
Product design processes should always start with learning user needs and understanding the use context.
The goal is to define critical scenarios of interaction.
Once you do that, it’s possible for you to go to the drawing board and prioritize features.
What has been changing drastically is the integration of electronics in modern vehicles.
The USA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guideline states that drivers eyes should be looking at the road ahead.
But when drivers have to glance at large displays while driving, this might lead to car accidents.
First, the system should not force users to keep a lot of information in working memory.
How many miles can I go on this tank?
What is the temperature in the cabin?).
Manufacturers should provide this information either in the instrument cluster or inthe head-up display.
The latter is preferable because drivers dont have to look away from their viewpoint.
Second, the system should give users freedom of choice when in selecting an interaction method.
Next, the user can use gestures to select a particular option and set it as a destination.
Old Infiniti Q45 ad that demonstrates the power of voice-based communication while driving.
Last but not least, the system should overwhelm users with too many notifications.
As a result, even cutting-edge technology wont be used to its best advantage.
Its much better to introduce mechanics that learn about user preferences and suggest changes proactively.
The car system should learn and adapt to user needs on the fly.
Yet, the visual design of HMIs often does not spark any emotions.
This pseudo-sci-fi aesthetics creates a cold and uninviting feeling right from the beginning.
One second of emotion can change the whole reality for people engaging with a product.
By improving the systems visual aspect, we improve how the system is perceived.
The attractive design has a better chance of creating a positive first impression and staying in a users memory.
Interacting with a voice-based AI assistant.
Gleb brings us the future in a way that users can feel connected to.
His passion for creating is matched only by his endless desire to learn.
No industry or category is out of bounds.
No platform is off-limits.
From prototyping to CGI, Gleb brings an unmatched range of skill and artistry to each new project.
Gleb is the founder of Milkinsidethe Mobile UX 2018 Boutique Agency of the Year.
