As mentioned in a previous Article, today's vehicle is no longer just a simple means of transport. It becomes a real connected and personalized living space. Driven by a constantly evolving technological revolution, notably with the emergence of augmented reality, the driving experience is undergoing a major transformation. This change requires in-depth reflection on theuser experience (UX), with the aim of making driving safer, more intuitive and more enjoyable.

A historical look at the evolution of embedded interfaces

To better understand current issues, it is useful to look back at the evolution of embedded interfaces, especially the Dashboards, which reflect the technological transformation of the sector.

In the 70s, they were purely analog, consisting of simple needle counters. The 1980s introduced the first electronic components, bringing comfort and new features. But it was from the 1990s, with the arrival of on-board navigation systemss, that the era of connected vehicles has truly begun.

Since the 2010s, this evolution has accelerated significantly: touch screens, voice commands, mobile connectivity et fully digital interfaces redefine the relationship between driver and vehicle. These innovations pave the way for richer experiences, but also raise new UX challenges, particularly in terms of readability, ergonomics and attention management.

Towards a multi-sensory user experience

In this context, a central question emerges: how to design a fluid UX, consistent and human-centered, capable of integrating AR and all on-board technologies?

The answer lies in a multisensory approach, simultaneously requesting view, hearing et touchThe goal is to provide interaction natural, intuitive and less cognitive. Multisensory UX design combines visual, audio and haptic stimuli to improve perception, guide attention and reduce the driver's cognitive load.

Augmented reality, in this context, has a well-defined role: to encourage the driver to keep their eyes on the road. To be truly useful, it must be part of a comprehensive and coherent experience, with display continuity and seamless integration with other on-board interfaces.

Accessibility and security

A well-designed and accessible user experience not only reduces driver stress, but also increases driving confidence and, consequently, improves road safety. To achieve these goals, it is imperative to start from the real needs of users.

Today's drivers are a diverse group that requires special attention. They vary in gender, age, physical and cognitive abilities, driving experience, and familiarity with digital technologies. Designing an inclusive UX means adapting interfaces to diverse profiles without unnecessary complexity, while ensuring a smooth, consistent, and understandable interaction for everyone.

Readability of content

To ensure distraction-free interaction, readability of content is fundamental, both on the dashboard screens that on augmented reality interfaces (HUD). This implies:

• legible typography and large enough,
• Un simple graphic design, without visual overload,
• Un high contrast between texts and backgrounds, to ensure good visibility in all conditions.

These elements must support the driver concentration and allow a fast, intuitive and effortless reading.

Quality interaction

Interacting with the various interfaces on board a vehicle represents one of the main challenges in automotive user experience today. Modern cars are now equipped with adaptive and customizable dashboards, sometimes integrating up to 3 or 4 screens, complemented by a head-up display (HUD). The goal is to offer an innovative, fluid and comfortable driving experience, while keeping your eyes on the road, just like the vehicles BMW or the panoramic HUD developed by Valeo.

The driver then becomes a real conductor, having to manage several information channels simultaneously: changing music, adjusting a parameter or entering an address into the GPS... so many simple gestures, but potentially sources of distraction.

Faced with this complexity, it becomes essential to:

• Prioritize information,
• Design simplified menus,
• Offer sufficiently wide touch areas,

Most screens should also be able to be easily enabled or disabled, depending on the driver's needs.

Voice assistance and haptic feedback: a multisensory synergy

In a logic of reducing visual solicitations, voice assistance coupled with haptic feedback (vibrations) becomes a key solution. Thanks to the cvoice commands and tactile signals integrated into the steering wheel, the driver can interact with the vehicle without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.

For this experience to be truly effective, several factors must be taken into account:

• Recognition of varied languages, accents and intonations,
• Replies fast, contextual and relevant,
• Ability to understand natural formulations, even in disturbed sound environments.

Le vocal design must be inclusive, intelligent and tolerant of error, while the haptic feedback can play a role discreet but powerful in confirming actions or alerting.

Safety and regulatory compliance

Beyond the technological aspects, the security and regulatory conformity are essential dimensions. In the European Union, all designers are required to respect the strict standards in terms of security, ergonomics and data protection.

These regulations aim to:

• Protect private life drivers,
• Limit distractions, by framing the displayed content and interactions,
• Ensure accessibility for all user profiles.

Integrating these requirements from the early stages of design allows build confidence, ensure compliance and above all, promote more responsible driving.

Conclusion

The vehicles are today more connected, customizable and intelligent than ever. To offer a driving experience at a time safe, pleasant and innovative, the builders, like Valeo, BMW, Stellantis and many others, must therefore place user experience (UX) central to their strategy.

A successful automotive UX is based on an approach multisensory, fluid and human-centered, harmoniously integrating augmented reality, voice interaction, haptic feedback et adaptive interfaces.