OVERVIEW
Leddartech, a Quebec-based company specializing in intelligent sensors for autonomous vehicles, collaborated with Humber College to host a design competition. The challenge was to design the interior of an autonomous vehicle for 10 years in the future, using Leddartech’s sensors.
After winning the competition, I was hired as a research assistant to continue the design. My team was given one week to design a vehicle that is possible to produce now and a second blue sky vehicle, which explored beyond what is possible.
This led to the creation of MEGO! The final designs for MEGO prioritized trust while creating an exciting driver-focused environment that was possible now and went above and beyond for the future!
MEGO
Developing Trust in Autonomous Vehicles through the Interior Display
-
Research on technology & consumer market
-
User Research (Competitive Analyses, Surveys, etc)
-
Ideation of Concepts (BlindSpot Display, Auto-horn, Nano-tint)
-
Sketching, Wireframing, Prototyping
-
Poster & Slide Content
-
Led Daily Stand-Ups
My Role
-
Sarah Power ~ Product Innovation Analyst
-
Ainsley Andres ~ Creative Product Manager
-
Megan Piemlue ~ Visual Communication Specialist
-
Wendy Lee ~ Interactive Content Producer
Team
-
Figma Design
-
Figma Prototyping
-
Google Suite
Tools
1 Week
Timeline
OUTCOME
MEGO - Custom interior designs that incorporate Leddartech’s intelligent sensors to foster a technologically advanced and luxurious experience. MEGO prioritizes safety, awareness, and enjoyment to increase trust.
MEGO ERA: Designed using existing technology
MEGO SANCTUARY: Using currently impossible technology
PROBLEM
Drivers often feel unsafe in autonomous vehicles due to the lack of confidence and trust in the technology. Not trusting autonomous technology limits safety advancements in vehicles.
When asking 35 drivers about car features they dislike the most, 100% of drivers mentioned semi-autonomous features.
34%
34%
Lane Assist
Adaptive Headlights
Cruise Control
32%
Drivers felt that they often had to “fight” the vehicle for control when these features were utilized. Not feeling in control led to a lack of trust in their personal safety.
Due to this we decided to focus the design on Level 3 Autonomy, which describes having the driver be in control with some autonomous features being present.
If users do not trust autonomous vehicles, then any features we develop that do not take this into consideration will not be successful
WE ALL HAVE TRUST ISSUES
Increase a driver's sense of safety, confidence, and enjoyment through autonomous technology and features
How Might We
WE ALL HAVE TRUST ISSUES
Based on our research, the team individually made sketches of features that worked to build trust using a futuristic lens.
My concepts were the auto horn, nano-tint, and the windshield blind-spot display.
Rearview Mirror is displayed on windshield and can be interacted with using middle console
Route is highlighted when fully autonomous
Blind spot is on windshield display
IGNITING INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS
After conducting user research, we identified which features aligned with our new insights and the design brief. We then brainstormed ways to expand on these concepts and introduce new ones to meet both briefs effectively.
obstacle warning in icon
Small Windshield Display
Nano Windshield
360 view camera
(automatically shows up when needed)
Personalized Profile
It remembers the driver’s preference
Autohorn
Blind spot warning
Existing
obstacle warning with real-time detect
Blind spot warning on wind shield
Perfect conditions (Filter out the bad weather visual. ex: rain, low visual at night)
Directions projected on the real road
Future
IDEATING FEATURES
The name MEGO ERA was chosen for the currently existing technology design because it suggests both a respect for existing innovations and a vision for what's to come.
Playful journeys with sensorial feedback and a simplified console
The name MEGO Sanctuary was chosen for the fully personalized experience that is provided through driver profiles that can be taken with them from vehicle to vehicle.
A journey crafted for you with every twist, turn, and obstacle in mind
Upon learning that our designs would be pitched to Leddartech board members, we knew our design had to be not only refined but also comprehensive. Therefore, we decided to dedicate time to developing MEGO’s marketable identity.
MARKETING MEGO
MEGO ERA
LETS EXPLORE A NEW ERA OF PERSONALIZATION
Through MEGO's the simplified menu design
MEGO SANCTUARY
A glance into how future technology beyond this era can innovate travel to create your own personal happy place
Car Menu
This provides a visual 360 view of your car's needs.
(i.e., tire pressure, oil change needs, etc)
MEGO ERA
THE BRAKE DOWN
Key Insights
1. Drivers do not trust technology
2. Low Visibility Conditions are a concern
How Did We Foster Trust
By ensuring our vehicle design fostered safety, awareness, and enjoyment throughout the addition of the personalization features
Solutions/Features
Auto Horn
-
Uses time-to-impact tech to alert of dangers without removing your hands from the wheel.
Windshield Display
-
Keeps eyes on the road through displaying key info like speed, directions, and blind spot images
Simplistic Information
-
Middle console is organized to only display relevant and non-distracting information.concern
WHAT I LEARNED
Turning Blind Spots Into Strengths
Creating MEGO was an exciting journey filled with daily learning. Initially, diving into the automotive industry was challenging, as my prior knowledge was limited to F1 and daily commuting. However, I found that insights can come from unexpected places and that not knowing everything can be a strength. My unfamiliarity with current vehicle advancements provided a fresh perspective, which I then complemented thorough research into the industry.
We All Hate Backseat Drivers
Having a large team was fantastic during the ideation phase, as we all brought unique perspectives and ideas. However, when it came to designing, we quickly realized that having too many drivers in the car could be challenging. To improve efficiency, we split into smaller groups, which allowed us to produce better work and offer each other fresh feedback during team meetings.
Personal Menu
This allows access to change your default settings that MEGO determines through your patterns.
(i.e., Which Driving Assistance Features are turned on and when)
Widget Menu
This displays personalized visuals based on your current driving state and past experiences.
(i.e., View of map and recommended music)
