Phil Pupa

As a personal project, I chose to immerse myself in automotive HMI (Human-Machine Interface) and understand the usability and safety priorities of in-car infotainment systems. My goal was to focus on a single automaker and improve their existing UI (NextGen), followed by a conceptual redesign of the user experience (FutureGen). Personal Project / 2013

To familiarize myself with automotive HMI, I began with benchmarking several automaker HMI's to better understand the strengths and areas for improvement.

NEXTGEN As a near-term improvement to the iDrive, the input controller was optimized to improve access to the shortcut keys and frequently used navigation commands, all while still remaining familiar to existing users.

I conducted an in-depth heuristic evaluation of the iDrive system to better understand using the controller and display to perform the most common tasks. After experiencing iDrive as a first-time user, I identified several trends as areas for improvement (controller mapping, wayfinding, and system status)

After a more detailed assessment and discussion with BMW specialists, I uncovered additional opportunity areas for user experience, including split-screens, data input, and multi-level menu structures.

NEXTGEN As a near-term improvement to the iDrive, the input controller was optimized to improve access to the shortcut keys and frequently used navigation commands, all while still remaining familiar to existing users.

NEXTGEN An exploration of common use-cases demonstrates the quicker access to navigation commands with the redesigned input controller alongside optimized wireframe user interface screens.

NEXTGEN Navigation was a primary focus of this NextGen concept as this is a feature used daily by drivers. A more simplified visual design was also applied to optimize the focus and reduce driver distraction.

FUTUREGEN As a future approach to the iDrive user experience, I sought out emerging technology trends in haptics and how these might be applied to improve driver safety. The primary controller, located on the screen wheel, safely allows drivers to interact with the consolidated instrument cluster display directly in front of them while keeping both hands on the steering wheel. The input controller can also simulate an infinite array of textures, ridges, or shapes to mirror the on-screen display and allow them to easily click in the desired region on the touch surface to make a selection. Users may even customize their own "home" texture when the touch surface is inactive.

FUTUREGEN Special attention to branding was also made to reinforce the BMW driving experience, evident in the startup animation for the iDrive. An interaction paradigm was designed to give users the impression they were being "pulled" into their car through the signature BMW grill during the startup animation. Users may cycle through the primary menu by swiping left or right, creating the sensation they are moving through each of the BMW grill regions.

FUTUREGEN With touch the possibilities are infinite, but a standardized set of "texture templates" was explored to indicate a variety of choices to users. These included pick-lists, horizontal menus, confirmations, alert/warning textures, and switching between modes.

FUTUREGEN Presentation layer for the FutureGen BMW iDrive concept.