Smart Car Key
The Physical & Virtual Interfaces module focussed on the mobility of the future. The aim was to create a car key with a graphical user interface. This was also physically produced using a 3D printer. The key extends the basic range of functions of a car key with a number of useful functions and gadgets that are intended to make everyday life with a car easier, faster and simpler. I was responsible for the concept, design and prototype in this project.
The challenge
The project was realised as part of my studies and the project is a prototype that is representative of the car key of the future. The task was to design a car key of the future, determine the target groups for such a technology and test the prototype with a number of test persons. It was particularly challenging to maintain the small form factor of a car key. This required the user interface to be relatively small and therefore had a strong influence on the development of the user interface.
The solution
To begin with, I analysed the competition and gained an initial overview of comparable ideas and projects. In order to define a target group as precisely as possible and to define the requirements for such a product, I conducted several interviews. All subjects came from different backgrounds, have different relationships with cars and use them in different ways. The results showed that the needs were very dependent on how the car is used. However, it became clear that some functions relating to the preparation of the vehicle were particularly important in winter. For example, starting the engine in advance so that the heater could already warm up the car and de-ice the windows.
Another need related to car maintenance. Some respondents wanted to be able to read out fluid levels or the charge status of the battery. It was mentioned particularly frequently that the fill level of the tank / battery level is very important for electric cars. This would allow journeys to be better planned and time to be used more efficiently.
A third point related to parking the vehicle out of tight parking spaces. It would be very practical to be able to park the vehicle using the key if the parking space is too narrow.
This defined the rough range of functions and the target group.
The next step was to create possible use cases to define the range of functions for the prototype.
Use Cases:
- Vehicle information (petrol)
- Navigation
- Vehicle locations
- Quick access
In the next step, I created wireframes to define the content and initial approaches to the operating concept. Due to the size of the display, sufficiently large operating areas are essential to guarantee a good user experience. This meant that some complex functions had to be accommodated in a very small space. This was only possible by dividing the functions into steps or displaying them in a significantly simplified form.
Icons
For the visual design, I developed some icons based on a system:
Based on the interviews and wireframes, I created the basic design concept and developed it for further use cases.
The prototype was developed in the team with the help of Noodl and used for further user tests.