Solara - EV User Interface
Coursework
UX/UI
Electric Vehicles
EV Interface Design
Prototyping
Branding
Logo Design
Surveying
Marketing
2024
Our objective in the development of Solara, an EV user interface system, was to establish a user interface that was both intuitive and seamless, thereby facilitating the transition of drivers from conventional to electric vehicles. The project prioritized adaptability and personalization, employing a widget-based system that enables users to personalize their dashboards according to their unique preferences. This method guaranteed a harmonious equilibrium between accessibility, aesthetics, and usability. Our design process commenced with a comprehensive investigation of existing automotive interfaces, which included UI deconstructions, user surveys, and empathy mapping to identify common pain points. By conducting an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of systems such as Tesla's and Infiniti's, we identified critical enhancements, including the elimination of congested menus and the enhancement of reachability, that would facilitate a more user-friendly and efficient interface. We prioritized the rapid access to critical functions such as navigation, climate control, and entertainment by creating wireframes and user flows that were informed by the experiences of actual drivers. The interface design is characterized by a desaturated visual style with fluorescent blue highlights, which achieves a balance between a futuristic, tech-forward appearance and a mid-range aesthetic that is accessible to everyday drivers. The system's modular structure enables the creation of modules that can be customized to the preferences of each user, while simultaneously preserving simplicity and clarity. The final execution introduced a refined main UI with bold typography for critical vehicle information, an optimized cluster panel for navigation and driving data, and a structured layout that reduces cognitive burden. In addition, the system includes user-friendly interactions, including an intuitive hierarchy for safety features and swipe gestures for climate controls. We investigated the intersection of automotive design, digital interface adaptability, and user experience through Solara. The UI system that was effectively delivered by the project not only improves driver confidence and efficiency, but also ensures a seamless and engaging transition into the electric vehicle landscape.
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