Renault OpenR-link
Renault Megan-E revealed with new HMI system, OpenR-link, in 2021.
Base on Android Automotive, this new cockpit offers new experience with Google Map, Podcast and Google Assistance service.
The architecture has been completely reworked in order to offer simple & fluid system to meet the challenges of on-board
New cockpit system
Advanced driving system
Platform
Google Automotive
8mos
1yr
2yrs
Design Concept
Visualizing
Screen Design
Cluster+Infotainment
Follow up
Production
Project Goal & Challenge
Our task involved defining new features and creating new UX/UI design in Google automotive platform. We posses a deep understanding of Renault's and Google's constraints, working collaboratively to ensure the best user experience. The architecture had been completely reworked in order to provide a simple and fluid system that aligns with Renault's generative theme, creating continuity between the instrument cluster and the infotainment system.
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Overall Design Process & Result
UX Design
Define UX principle
Analysis needs and expectations during cross business squads. Understand Google automotive system and inputs from Renault. Defined UX principle & vision.
UX Scenario
Draw user journey and wire frame. All scenario defined discussed in squads and plateau with product planning, marketing and ergonomics.
Prototype
Realization of interactive models of principle to validate the scenarios by prototyping each layouts and functions.
User Test
Monitoring user tests and updated scenarios
UI Design
Generative
Create design concept and define the graphic universe of cockpit, cluster and infotainment
Develop
Produce designs with design components. Realize UX frames into user interface to check & improve usability.
Mockup
Produce designs with design components. Visualizing UX frames into user interfaces to check & improve usability.
Implement
Monitoring of system development, validation and adaptations with technical constraints.
My Role
As a part of the UX/UI design, I've been involved from the early stages of concept research through to the final design release and follow-up phases. Here's a breakdown of my contributions
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Phase 1 ; Design Concept & visualizing
Over a period of 5 months, we had regular workshops to come up with designs for new onboarding experience and advanced driving technology like 3D surrounding view & Google system. I played the role of the main designer for the concept called 'Generative' and enhanced it with others(3 internal designers and 2 external designers). Afterward, we designed the graphic universe into L-shape.
Generative
Alive, Cutting Edge, Minimalism
Our generative system features dynamic and refined dot animations that embody modern technology. They dynamically adapt to real-time road conditions & driving modes, delivering an immersive experience and providing a high-tech feel.
Phase 2 ; UX Principle & Conceptualizing new features
In previous clusters, primary features took up a significant portion of the screen, leading to inconsistent information placement and sizes across different views. This lack of uniformity posed usability challenges. Our UX solution aimed to address this issue and emphasize user-friendly design. We defined the UX principle to provide users have a consistent with all the new features in the cluster.
The cluster is structured into 4 views, Classic, ADAS, Map, Minimal. I was in charge of Google Map and Minimal view.
Simple, One Gesture, Effective
In any view, driving information is on the left, while additional features like widgets and volume control are on the right. The core functions are centered, aligning with the physical button locations on the steering wheel for user continuity.
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UX Principle
Previous UX design
New UX design
Our product was the first to implement Google Maps in the car's display.
We had two strategy: one was to show the map in full on the screen for a high-tech look, and the other was to maintain consistent interfaces for driving information.
Two proposals underwent extensive discussions. After an internal user test with a prototype and considering the software constrain, A option was selected because it matched what drivers are used to other views.
Google Map view
A ; Floating box interface
Keep the consistency of interface with other views
B ; Thin & slim bar interface
Maximized the map screen and minimize the driving info
Minimal view
As the first feature in the cluster, it wasn't initially planned? but design team convinced everyone why it's important. This feature provides drivers with a relaxed environment amid the overload of information. It adds a unique touch by showing dots that move with driving speed & acceleration, making the driving experience more immersive.
Phase 3 ; Develop & interface design
I worked the UX scenario, wireframes, guideline, visual design and motion direction for 5 features in infotainment system (home widget, Air quality, driving eco, auto parking, system setting) . All in close communications in regular squad meetings with prototypes and animation effects.
Responsible widget ;
With the collapse button, you can switch between two views,(regular & Mini) for a better map guide.
Evaluation
Comparé aux précédents systèmes, on a gagné sur tous les plans ; on est vraiment très proche d'un smartphone moderne
All the premium manufacturers have suddenly a worse infotainment system than Renault
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Caradisiac
C'est très réactif, les graphismes sont plaisants ; enfin Renault rentre de pleins pieds dans le XXIe siècle
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Josip Ricov
This is really impressive, this is amazing...
Really impressed by the beautiful graphics.
The interface is very user friendly
Selected works
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