Avaos (2011)

Concept and interactive prototype of an infotainment system for cars

Prototype construction

Multi-touch trackpad with static haptic feedback

Route planner widget in minimized view (screenshot of vvv prototype)

Route planner widget in enlarged view (screenshot of vvv prototype)

Email widget, gasoline consumption widget and voice notes widget (screenshot vvv prototype).

Carpool widget and equalizer widget (screenshot vvv prototype)

Client:

Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd (studentisches Projekt während des Studiums)

In collaboration with:

Andreas Brendle (Conceptual Design, Hardware, Implementation)

Services provided:

Conceptual Design, UX/UI Design

Tools used:

Adobe Fireworks®, vvvv

Problem/Requirements:

  • There is a need for vehicle infotainment systems to be operated single-handedly, intuitively, and with minimal distraction to the driver. The traditional infotainment system is evolving into a central control center within the vehicle. Additionally, there is a growing integration of apps into the vehicle cockpit.

Solution:

  • To address these requirements, a large multi-touchpad featuring a tactile honeycomb grid serves as the primary input device. The touchpad's grid corresponds to the grid displayed on the screen, enabling intuitive navigation. For instance, vertical swiping on the touchpad selects the entry above or below in a list, while horizontal swiping selects the next control element on the right or left.

  • The system also includes three touch-sensitive buttons that provide quick access to essential functions such as "back," "search," and "settings." Furthermore, a large rotary control allows for convenient input of values like air conditioning temperature or sound system volume.

  • Instead of using nested menus, all settings and functions are presented as widgets on a spacious dashboard. Third-party manufacturers can also contribute their own widgets to enhance functionality. Users have the freedom to arrange, show, and hide the widgets according to their preferences.

  • The navigation system is situated in a dedicated screen area that remains visible at all times and can be expanded or completely hidden based on the user's needs. This design ensures easy access and usability while maintaining a clear focus on navigation tasks.

 

Disclaimer:

Adobe Fireworks® is a trademark or registered trademark of Adobe Systems Software Ireland Limited. vvvv is a product of the vvvv group. All recognizable data in the screenshots or videos of the mockups and prototypes, such as first and last names, company names, place names, addresses, phone numbers, product names, dates, times, email addresses, GTINs, IDs, performance metrics, etc. are fictitious or purely coincidental and are used for illustration purposes only. Any similarities of names with living or dead persons are purely coincidental and unintentional. "Avaos" is the fictitious name of the student working on a university course shown in the screenshots and video. The name "Avaos" is not an acronym and has no meaning. Similarities to existing product or company names are purely coincidental and unintentional.