Beyond the Wheel: Human-First Connected Vehicle Design
Overview
A leading OEM in India’s commercial vehicle space set out to pioneer fully connected and integrated vehicles. This included creating a bespoke solution for their instrument cluster and in-vehicle infotainment systems, going beyond what traditional aftermarket options could offer. I had the opportunity to partner with them on this digital adoption journey, contributing to the design and development of a signature digital experience for their commercial vehicle fleet.
The Challenge
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Designing for Diverse Users
Truck drivers came from varied cultural backgrounds, spoke different languages, and had limited experience with technology, making it hard to create an intuitive and accessible interface.
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Small, Fixed Screens
The screens couldn’t be adjusted or moved closer, which limited readability and made interaction more difficult.
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Glanceable Interactions
Since drivers access the system while on the move, information had to be glanceable without distracting from driving.
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Limited Interaction Methods
Touch input wasn’t always safe or practical while driving, restricting how drivers could engage with the system.
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Power and Operational Constraints
The system needed to operate efficiently without interfering with vehicle performance or draining power during long trips.
Solution Focus
We focused on creating an intuitive and easy-to-use experience for users with varied backgrounds and limited digital familiarity. Designs were optimised for small, fixed screens with clear layouts and larger affordance.
To support safe use while driving, we streamlined interactions by reducing steps and complexity and explored alternative input methods to enable safe engagement on the move. We also paid close attention to building trust, using familiar patterns and clear feedback to make the experience approachable for first-time users, while ensuring the system operated efficiently without affecting vehicle performance or power.
My Role
I played a key role in shaping the overall digital experience, driving the project from concept to delivery. During the pre-sales phase, I contributed to securing the client by developing a sample design that demonstrated our capabilities. I led the project end-to-end, overseeing the delivery of two infotainment systems and an instrument cluster design. This involved managing stakeholder interactions, providing design direction, and ensuring quality across all deliverables. I also coordinated design planning, asset handovers, and walkthroughs for both front-end and back-end teams to ensure seamless execution.
Impact
The success of this project paved the way for the brand to bring its connected instrument cluster and infotainment experience to its first electric truck. The EV truck was unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Auto Expo 2025, in New Delhi inaugurated by Hon. Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India
Design Highlights
