The Future of Android Auto
In-Car Infotainment Systems are usually slow, hard to navigate, outdated and not the best to look at. Android Auto has been a breath of fresh air, with fluid UIs and improved experiences over-the-air. This project showcases the future of android auto; redesigning the platform to uncover it's full potential.
Device Form Factor
Mobile phone manufacturers are using various techniques like folding technology, to create smaller form factor devices. I envision a simple, square device using Google Material Design for the future.
Main Functionalities
For today's in-car infotainment needs, the main functionalities that people use are music, navigation, temperature control and energy reserve monitoring. For the latter, with the coming of EVs, it is range and charge rather than fuel reserve.
Prototyping
Prototyping the various user interfaces and micro-interactions using software tools like Adobe XD and Protopie.
Adobe XD Interactive Prototype
Use the interactive Adobe XD Prototype on the right to understand the home screen and the new micro-interactions.
Maps Screen
The very familiar Google Maps service, in a dark and minimal experience that allows you to send directions to your car in advance so that it's ready for you when you get there!
Temperature Controls
An quick, easy and intuitive dial selector to change both Air-Conditioning Temperature and Seat Temperature.
Deep UX Research: The Background
Finding the need: User Personas
To start the redesign process, we conducted interviews to understand what information people needed on-the-move. Based on the data we collected, we were able to classify the interviewees into two main user personas.
Curiosity Matrix
The Curiosity Matrix has been summarized for the interviewees through a radar plot. This graph helps us understand how the users fall into different archetypes based on 5 factors.
Customer Journey Mapping
To redesign Android Auto, it was important to map out the different Customer Journeys people may have to comprehend where some of the pain points may lie.
Heuristic Analysis
A heuristic evaluation is a usability inspection method for computer software that helps to identify usability problems in the design. We used Gerhardt-Powals' Cognitive Engineering Principles to conduct Heuristic Evaluations of the Android Auto Software (in-car and mobile app), as case studies to learn from and improve upon.
Unified Modeling Language (UML) Diagramming
This UML diagram shows the states and stages of interaction with Android Mobility. The flow has been split into three main phases of the journey; Getting into the car, During driving, and After reaching the destination.
The Design Process
The Future Experience
