In-Car Apps

Within the realm of UX design, my primary mission was to elevate the user experience within the infotainment system, with a particular focus on the design of In-Car Apps. These In-Car Apps were envisioned to provide users with essential information, including weather forecasts, the latest news updates, and detailed points of interest within the navigation system, among other functionalities. 

Role: Ux Design, UI Designer, Product Designer.

Duration: 2 years.

Tools: Sketch.

Tasks: Concept, Wireframes, Prototypes, Graphic specification.

Context

This project revolved around the creation of web applications within the infotainment system of the cutting-edge Touareg 2024. To ensure seamless integration and user engagement, I drew inspiration from preview versions and other group brands, using them as a reference to craft In-Car Apps that seamlessly harmonized with the new system. 

The weather application offers you real-time weather updates for both your current location and your desired destination in the Touareg. Additionally, you can check the weather in your preferred locations. In the daily overview, you'll receive details regarding temperature, wind conditions, and any weather alerts. The 7-day forecast is a valuable tool for improved trip planning as well.

The news application delivers the most recent news directly to your infotainment display in your Touareg. You have the option to customize your preferred news sources in advance. Additionally, it allows for voice-controlled reading of the news, ensuring you stay informed during your journeys.

With the online POI search in your Touareg , you can find special destinations such as restaurants or sights even more efficiently - even using voice input. You will also receive up-to-date information on the relevant destinations. The online database provides you with a variety of entries and an optimised search engine. 


Research

A comprehensive foundation was laid through extensive research efforts. I began by conducting a thorough competitive analysis of in-car apps, gaining insights into various aspects. Simultaneously, I immersed myself in the model and technical specifications associated with the project. This comprehensive understanding was pivotal for navigating the system and integrating the web apps seamlessly with the native HMI. 

Ideation

Ideation was a collaborative endeavor, involving active participation from the client, technical support from the product owner, contributions from suppliers, and insights from specialists. This collaborative approach ensured that all parties were well-informed and aligned, facilitating well-considered decisions. To enhance communication with stakeholders, I crafted low-fidelity wireframes, meticulously considering all interfaces and technical prerequisites. 

Specifications

To empower developers and maintain alignment with the project vision, I diligently prepared comprehensive documentation and specifications. These included wireframes, mockups, style guides, and more. These resources served as indispensable references, providing developers with all the necessary information to implement the desired functionality and graphics across all In-Car Apps. Moreover, these documents were instrumental in creating test cases and conducting rigorous testing activities. 

Visual language

A standout achievement of this project was the establishment of a consistent visual language. The In-Car Apps seamlessly adhered to the brand's distinctive style, ensuring a harmonized Human-Machine Interface (HMI) across the entire system. This visual consistency not only enhanced the user experience but also reinforced the brand's identity within the infotainment ecosystem. 

Conclusions

This project exemplifies my commitment to user-centric design, meticulous attention to detail, and effective collaboration, resulting in a unified and user-friendly infotainment experience within the automotive industry.