Shaping Advanced Vehicle Experiences with a Focus on Key User Needs

This project explored, researched, prototyped, validated, and documented the in-vehicle user experience for a leading mobility provider. Driven by real-world driver needs, the initiative aimed to shift OEMs away from isolated, feature-focused development toward a proactive, needs-based platform strategy that leverages the broader mobility ecosystem to deliver safer, smarter, and more consistent driving experiences. The work laid the groundwork for future in-vehicle HMI systems and directly influenced Android Auto implementations, including those featured in Volvo vehicles, such as the EX90.

By analyzing aggregated driving data, the system highlights potentially hazardous road areas using a gradient overlay and solid line, while offering contextual speed guidance to support safer decision-making. Lane-keeping indicators reinforce driver confidence during complex maneuvers, such as navigating traffic circles, while clear visual alerts—such as warnings for fast-approaching vehicles or those in blind spots—build greater trust in ADAS functionality.

Content layout and zoning principles were developed to standardize information organization across various dashboard configurations. In the instrument cluster, navigation is presented through step-by-step instructional cards, with routes highlighted in green and key landmarks emphasized for quick recognition. On larger central displays, drivers are offered an expanded view of upcoming lane changes, intersections, and directional cues—again focusing on visually reinforcing critical landmarks.

This HMI project advanced in-vehicle UX thinking and was key in informing Volvo’s Android Auto integrations in vehicles such as the Polestar 2 and EX90, helping define a new benchmark for driver-focused digital experiences.