Nissan EV Cluster

2023 Ariya E-power Digital Cluster Design


01.      Project Brief

My RoleFull Time Visteon design studio UX/UI designer
TimeframeDEC 2020 - JUN 2021
Team (20)UX/UI DesignerProject ManagerSystem EngineerSoftware EngineerValidation Engineer
What I Accomplished

02.      Define

Problem Statement

Designing the user interface for the dashboard cluster in a new Nissan electric car model.

The challenge was to create an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that provides all the necessary information and controls to the driver while ensuring that the design is visually appealing and fits in with the overall aesthetic of the car.


User Goals

Easily monitor the vehicle's battery level and range View driving statistics and history (e.g. average speed, energy consumption)Customize dashboard layout and display options and control vehicle settings (e.g. lights, climate control)

Target Users

Tech-savvy and environmentally-conscious car buyers who value innovation and sustainability Drivers who prioritize energy efficiency and want to monitor their driving habits to optimize their usage

Constraints

Design must comply with relevant safety regulations and standards Digital cluster must be compatible with existing vehicle systems and hardware cost and resource constraints for production and manufacturing

Business Goals

Differentiate the Ariya E-power from competitors with innovative digital cluster designIncrease customer satisfaction and brand loyalty through an intuitive and user-friendly interfaceLeverage data and analytics from the digital cluster to inform future product development and marketing strategiesStreamline production and manufacturing processes for the digital cluster to reduce costs and increase efficiency

03.      Research

Research Methods

Market Research Analysis

Customer Interviews

Prototype Testing

04.      Sketch

Design Approach

To address the challenge at hand, I adopted a user-centered design approach that prioritized the driver's experience and focused on delivering an interface that is both functional and visually appealing. I conducted thorough research to understand the target audience, their needs, and preferences. This research formed the foundation of my design decisions and guided me throughout the process.


Key Design Concepts

Digital cluster design concept is a cutting-edge interface that provides drivers with an intuitive and customizable way to interact with their vehicle

E-power digital cluster design concept is a sleek and modern interface that seamlessly integrates digital technology with the driving experience. The cluster features a fully customizable display, allowing drivers to personalize their driving experience to suit their preferences.

Central Display

The most important information, such as speed, battery level, and range, is displayed prominently in the center of the dashboard.

Customizable Widgets

The driver can choose which additional information is displayed on the dashboard, such as music controls or climate settings.

Minimalist Design

The design is clean and uncluttered, with a focus on clear and easy-to-read information.

Main Color

05.      Final Design

Classic / Enhanced Eco Pedal Modes- 3 Types:

There are three modes: Classic, Enhanced, and Driving Mode. Driving Mode makes the display more visible, allowing the driver to quickly check their current speed, battery level, and essential warnings, helping them stay focused on the road. Enhanced Mode provides more space for additional information when not driving.


Testing

User testing, feedback, and revisions.

One of the significant challenges was enhancing the automotive display to minimize driver distraction. To address this, I conducted comprehensive user testing to identify key issues, gathering valuable insights directly from users. Based on this feedback, I redesigned the interface to include three distinct modes: Classic, Enhanced, and Driving Mode.

 Driving Mode prioritizes visibility, presenting only the most critical information, such as current speed and essential warnings, to reduce visual clutter and help drivers stay focused on the road. This dynamic approach ensured that the display adapts to different driving situations, significantly improving both user experience and driving safety.


06.      Interaction Design

Animation Starting Point

The validation team requested all the cases that require a transition and mode change animation

 I narrowed down the number of cases by making and referencing this table.

Opening mode

Opening and transition animation


Mode change

Classic to Enhanced mode change

Transition

Transition mode

AfterEffects Design File

Software used - Adobe AfterEffects

To give a natural transition, the gauge was designed using a 3D program called Blender and edited with 3D assets.

Animation Design Guidelines

Each mode was produced based on the design guidelines of specific reference values.

The animation is designed to provide drivers with essential information about the car's performance in each mode, including speed, fuel levels, and engine performance. This information is presented in an intuitive and easy-to-understand way, providing drivers with quick access to essential information without overwhelming them with unnecessary data.

07.      What I Learned

An Improved User Experience.

Overall, our team was able to design an intuitive and visually appealing dashboard cluster for the Nissan electric car model. By conducting thorough research and testing, we were able to create a design that met the needs and preferences of drivers, while also incorporating best industry practices and new innovations. The final design was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing,  helping to enhance the overall user experience of driving the car.