This project was developed as part of my diploma thesis and focuses on optimizing the user experience of autonomous electric vehicles through intuitive mobile app interface design. The goal was to simplify complex vehicle interactions, enhance user safety, and create an enjoyable digital environment for drivers. I conducted user research, designed clear user flows, and developed minimalistic yet engaging interfaces, bringing a user-centered approach to the future of mobility.

Objectives

• Simplify complex interactions within vehicle systems.

• Enhance usability, accessibility, and safety of interfaces.

• Improve overall user satisfaction and emotional engagement with AEV technology.

Research & Analysis

Extensive user research was conducted, involving user observation, interviews, and usability testing, to deeply understand user needs, expectations, and behavioral patterns. Key insights revealed the importance of clarity, minimal distraction, and ease of use.

Design Principles

• Simplicity and Clarity: A clean and understandable layout.

• Consistency and Predictability: Uniform interaction patterns across the interface.

• Immediate Feedback: Real-time responsiveness to user interactions.

• High Contrast and Clear Typography: Ensuring readability and usability in various lighting conditions, particularly critical for automotive contexts.

Design Process

• Developed low to high-fidelity wireframes to define interface structure clearly.

• Created high-fidelity prototypes in Figma, emphasizing intuitive navigation, functionality, and aesthetics.

• Evaluated feasibility and implementation strategies using SwiftUI, ensuring adherence to Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines.

App Screens

The final prototype, named ViCar, consists of five main screens designed with intuitive navigation, clear visual hierarchy, and user-centric functionality:

1. Welcome Screen: Friendly introduction and straightforward login.

2. Vehicle Control Screen: Centralized vehicle interaction controls.

3. Vehicle Status Screen: Easy access to critical vehicle status updates.

4. Trip & Service Screen: Scrollable interface presenting detailed travel history, maintenance information, and support.

5. User Profile Screen: Customizable user preferences and settings, including dark mode.

Outcomes & Future Directions

• Successfully demonstrated the feasibility of translating Figma designs into fully functional SwiftUI code.

• Established UX guidelines that enhance user trust, reduce uncertainty, and improve interaction with autonomous systems.

• Identified future UX trends for autonomous vehicles, including adaptive UIs, voice assistance, and gesture controls.

This thesis contributes valuable insights and design strategies to the rapidly evolving field of automotive UX, paving the way for more user-friendly, accessible, and effective digital experiences in autonomous electric vehicles.

Optimizing User Experience in Autonomous Electric Vehicles

Project Overview

This project was developed as part of my diploma thesis and centers on enhancing user experience (UX) in Autonomous Electric Vehicles (AEVs) through intuitive mobile app interface design. Rapid technological advancements are transforming cars into advanced computing platforms, creating new UX/UI design challenges and opportunities. The project aimed at designing more efficient, safe, and user-friendly digital solutions, significantly improving human-machine interaction (HMI).