For my Prototyping and Optimization in User Experience Design class, I created a set of wireframes for the Helios Automotive Interface project. This project involved designing a user-friendly and intuitive interface for an automotive control system, focusing on providing clear and accessible information to enhance the driving experience.
Project Overview
Objective: The main objective of this project was to design wireframes for an in-car interface that includes navigation, climate control, media management, and vehicle information. The interface needed to be user-centric, ensuring ease of use and safety for the driver.
Scope: The project included the creation of wireframes for various screens within the Helios Automotive Interface, covering essential functionalities such as navigation, climate controls, media controls, and vehicle status information.
Key Components of the Interface
Information Screen:
- Features: Displays critical vehicle information such as fuel level, tire pressure, and maintenance reminders.
- Design: Clear and concise layout with easy-to-read icons and text.
Climate Controls:
- Features: Controls for air direction, fan speed, temperature settings, and seat heaters.
- Design: User-friendly sliders and buttons for quick adjustments, with current settings clearly displayed.
Navigation Screen:
- Features: Provides turn-by-turn directions, estimated time of arrival, and distance to destination.
- Design: Simple and intuitive layout with clear instructions and a map view.
Media Controls:
- Features: Allows users to select and control media playback, view track information, and access playlists.
- Design: Clean interface with easily accessible controls and prominent display of track details.
Contact List and Recent Calls:
- Features: Displays recent calls, contact list, and incoming call notifications.
- Design: Organized layout with search functionality and clear call-to-action buttons for answering or declining calls.
Design Process
Research and User Analysis:
- Conducted initial research to understand user needs and common pain points in existing automotive interfaces.
- Developed user personas and scenarios to guide the design process.
Wireframe Development:
- Created low-fidelity wireframes to map out the basic structure and layout of each screen.
- Iteratively refined the wireframes based on feedback, focusing on usability and clarity.
High-Fidelity Wireframes:
- Developed detailed wireframes with precise placement of elements, ensuring consistency and visual harmony across all screens.
- Included annotations to explain functionality and interactions for each component.
Key Design Elements
Consistency:
- Ensured a consistent look and feel across all screens, using a cohesive color palette and typography.
- Standardized icons and button styles to enhance recognition and usability.
Accessibility:
- Prioritized legibility with high-contrast text and large, touch-friendly controls.
- Designed with accessibility in mind, making it easy for users of all abilities to navigate and interact with the interface.
User-Centric Approach:
- Focused on minimizing driver distraction by simplifying the interface and reducing cognitive load.
- Implemented intuitive controls and clear visual feedback to facilitate quick and easy adjustments.
Learning Outcomes
This project allowed me to:
- Apply User-Centered Design Principles: Ensuring the interface meets user needs and enhances the overall driving experience.
- Enhance Wireframing Skills: Developing both low-fidelity and high-fidelity wireframes using industry-standard tools.
- Improve Visual Communication: Effectively conveying functionality and interactions through clear and detailed wireframes.
- Refine Iterative Design Process: Utilizing feedback to continuously improve and refine the design.
The Helios Automotive Interface wireframes project demonstrated my ability to create functional, user-friendly designs that prioritize safety and usability. It was a valuable experience that showcased my skills in interface design and my commitment to creating intuitive digital experiences.
Silvia Pizarro McCants | UX & Graphic Design Portfolio
