Helios Case Study
Redefining the In-Car Infotainment Experience with Helios
Overview
Helios is an advanced in-car infotainment system designed to enhance driver safety, accessibility, and entertainment. The goal was to create a user-friendly interface that provides seamless access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings while ensuring minimal distractions.
Problem Statement
Many existing in-car infotainment systems suffer from complex interfaces, slow responsiveness, and lack of intuitive navigation. Drivers often struggle with accessing key features efficiently, leading to frustration and potential safety risks. Helios aimed to simplify interactions while maximizing usability and accessibility.
Research & Insights
User Interviews & Key Findings
Conducted 12+ interviews with drivers across different age groups and experience levels.
Identified that 75% of users found existing infotainment systems distracting and difficult to use.
Noted that voice control was underutilized due to inaccurate recognition and poor system responsiveness.
Drivers expressed frustration with buried settings menus and non-intuitive controls.
Competitive Analysis
Evaluated systems like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Tesla’s UI.
Found that simplicity and large, glanceable UI elements contributed to safer user interactions.
Noted that many systems lacked proper customization options for driver preferences.
Design Process
Core Features & UX Priorities
Gesture & Voice Controls – Minimized manual interaction by enabling smart voice commands and intuitive hand gestures.
Simplified Navigation – Designed a clutter-free dashboard with one-touch access to frequently used features.
Personalized Driver Profiles – Allowed users to customize their experience with profile-based settings.
Smart Safety Alerts – Implemented real-time hazard detection alerts integrated with voice guidance.
Wireframing & UI Design
Created low-fidelity wireframes to structure navigation and content hierarchy.
Developed high-fidelity mockups focusing on large, accessible touchpoints.
Incorporated contrast-based color schemes to enhance visibility during driving conditions.
Prototyping & Usability Testing
Built an interactive prototype using Figma for on-device simulation.
Conducted usability testing with real drivers in controlled environments.
Iterated on the design by refining gesture controls and optimizing touch areas.
Final Solution
Enhanced Safety & Accessibility – Reduced driver distractions through intelligent voice and gesture-based interactions.
Streamlined UI & Personalization – A simplified interface with custom driver profiles for a tailored experience.
Seamless Media & Navigation – Easy-to-access music, podcasts, and navigation with minimal manual input.
Real-Time Safety Alerts – Integrated AI-powered hazard detection to proactively warn drivers.
Impact & Results
30% Reduction in Driver Distraction – Users reported fewer distractions due to optimized navigation and voice controls.
50% Increase in Voice Command Usage – Improved accuracy led to higher adoption of hands-free interactions.
Faster Interaction Time – Drivers completed common tasks 40% faster than with previous infotainment systems.
Reflection & Next Steps
Further AI Integration – Expand the use of AI-driven personalization for predictive UI adjustments.
Third-Party App Integration – Allow users to integrate Spotify, Google Maps, and smart home controls.
A/B Testing in Real-World Conditions – Conduct on-road testing to refine usability and safety measures.