Tesla HVAC Redesign
Through comprehensive user testing, this project has enabled me to make notable changes to Tesla’s infotainment system, significantly enhancing safety for drivers.
Project Brief
In today's technology-focused environment, many automotive brands are transitioning to button-less interiors. One of the most prominent brands leading this shift is Tesla, so I set out to evaluate whether its infotainment system meets user expectations. Through surveys, interviews, prototyping, and usability testing, I identified weaknesses in Tesla’s infotainment system and designed a more intuitive interface that is significantly more user-friendly and less distracting for drivers.
Role
UI/UX Designer
Passion Project
Project
Project Scope
Automotive UX
4 Months
Timeline
The Problem
Tesla’s button-less climate control system, while sleek and modern, may compromise ease of use and driver safety by requiring users to navigate digital menus instead of using physical controls. This can lead to increased distraction and reduced user satisfaction, highlighting the need for a more intuitive and accessible interface.
The Solution
With the redesigned Tesla HVAC interface, users can access climate controls instantly, without navigating through multiple menus. The settings are always visible and ready to adjust, reducing the need for extra interactions and minimizing driver distraction.
The Impact
Usability testing has shown that users complete tasks more quickly with the redesigned HVAC system. These improved performance results suggest strong potential benefits for a broad range of Tesla drivers.
Lets Dive In
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User Research
To support my goal of designing an intuitive automotive interface that minimizes driver distraction while using the HVAC system, I began by creating a survey for Tesla drivers. The data collected provided valuable insights that informed the development of the information architecture, enabling me to clearly define the content and structure for the redesigned HVAC interface.
Participant Survey
I designed a participant survey to gather meaningful insights and develop a comprehensive understanding of Tesla users' needs. Through my research, I gained valuable perspective on user goals and motivations, which informed the creation of a detailed user persona.
Take a closer look at my survey here
User Persona
I created a persona based on the results of my survey. This helped identify key focus areas for my redesign of Tesla’s HVAC system.
Feel free to take a closer look at the persona here
Navigation Mapping
The next step in this process was essential for determining the information and content at each stage of the climate control interface. To ensure a seamless flow, I conducted extensive research to understand how drivers familiarize themselves with certain automotive climate control icons.
Low-Fidelity Prototype
After organizing the content of the HVAC system, I moved on to creating a low-fidelity prototype. This phase of the design process gave me the opportunity to experiment with various layouts, optimizing for efficiency and ensuring smooth navigation throughout the HVAC system.
Typography and Color
Tesla carries a minimalist, sleek, and professional aesthetic and I ensured to carry that out in my final design.
The Final Product
My final design seamlessly combines Tesla’s minimalist aesthetic with enhanced accessibility. I envision the climate control screen positioned at the lower portion of Tesla’s main display, keeping it readily accessible at all times during vehicle operation. This eliminates the need for users to take an extra 2-3 steps to reach their climate controls.
Driver/Passenger Side Controls
The driver-side and passenger-side controls allow easy access to adjust seat heating, temperature, and airflow strength specifically for the either side of the cabin. These functions are within comfortable reach for both the driver and passenger.
Passenger Side Controls
Driver Side Controls
Cabin Control Functions
The central section of the display houses the main climate control features, allowing both driver and passenger to easily adjust the front or rear cabin climate. At the bottom of the display, additional controls enable activation of the heated steering wheel, cabin air recirculation, hazard lights, and front and rear windshield defrost. The central interface also allows drivers and passengers to precisely direct airflow within the cabin.
Key Take Aways
As an aspiring automotive UX designer, this project has been an incredibly valuable experience. I had the opportunity to conduct research, gather user insights, and design an interface tailored to meet the specific needs of these users. In the end, I successfully bridged the gap between user needs and design, creating a more intuitive and effective solution for Tesla’s HVAC system.
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