Overview
This project focused on redesigning elements of the BMW iDrive system to improve the user experience. User research revealed several pain points, the cluster interface was perceived as visually cluttered, causing driver distraction; the climate control menu's complexity hindered ease of use; and customization options did not adequately cater to individual user preferences.
In response to these challenges, we developed a proof of concept that simplified menus and integrated smart features, aiming to make the system more intuitive, less distracting, and ultimately safer for drivers.
Impact
Problem Statements
How might we simplify the cluster interface to reduce visual clutter and minimize driver distraction?
How might we redesign the climate control menu to make it more intuitive and easier to navigate while driving?
How might we enhance customization options to better align with user preferences and improve overall system interaction?
Reported Problems
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Taking your eyes off the road for more than 2 seconds doubles your risk of a crash.
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BMW Drivers took on average of 38 seconds, to complete the task on the iDrive system
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Task error rate high due to poorly structured and cluttered menu controls in the infotainment system.
Our goal
Our goal was to identify opportunities to improve BMW’s infotainment system and then design a proof of concept that is easier to interact with while staying true to BMW’s safety standards.
Outcome
1 - Reduced driver distraction with a new feature.
2 - Faster interactions with a properly structured UI.
3 - Improved usability by minimizing cognitive load.
Design
Design System
Having NO access to the BMW Design system. We designed a design system based of the BMW Brand Identity. It was our practice to make sure we can build a design system that would help us build better UI for the system.
Design Anatomy
Components
Testing & Improvements
We conducted automotive UI usability tests (according to AAM Guidelines) in real-world conditions to see how people would actually interact with our designs. Even though our resources were limited, we found creative ways to simulate everyday driving experiences and collect feedback.
This hands-on approach helped us identify issues early on and improve the interface, making it more intuitive for users. By improvising with what we had, we were able to learn quickly and make our product better without needing expensive tools.
Our solution
We had a great time working on this project over the past four weeks. Despite limited resources, we're proud of what we delivered. Our team focused on creating user-centric features that truly address the needs of our users and solved their problems. We divided our solution into three interconnected features, each tackling a specific problem. Since the system is quite complex, we prioritized high-impact changes which could be measured and implemented with minimal resources. Here's what our solution looks like:
Climate Control
By using interaction function priority analysis, we strategically placed each button for intuitive use, helping drivers remember and navigate the system with ease.
Widget Resizing
We've made your BMW iDrive more personal with our new widget resizing feature. Now you can enlarge the widgets you use most and shrink the ones you rarely need, ensuring the key information stands out.
