Integrated Automotive
Diagnostics System
A system created to be integrated with vehicles to allow people to better understand their carās needs, feel secure as they drive, and allows users to make vital, informed decisions.
Role
UX Research UX Designer
Time
January 2025 - March 2025
Tools
Figma
āI wasnāt sure if I could make the 15 minute drive home,
ā Me
or if I would blow up in 15 seconds.ā
Whatās The Problem?
Drivers receive vague warning lights (e.g., check engine) that donāt specify whatās wrong or how urgent the issue is. This leads to unnecessary stress, potential overpaying for repairs, or ignoring issues that may be critical or really not a big deal.
My Solution
A peek to the Figma file of the wireframes, user flow, and final prototypeā if you want it. Or, scroll along to see it here!
Research
After conducting interviews and refining my problem statement, I got to work on creating personas and journey maps.
User Persona
Journey Mapping
Scenario
John just dropped the kids at school and is on his way home when suddenly the engine light turns on.
He doesn't like to deal with car stuff, but is worried about his kids getting in a potentially dangerous situation.
Without Integrated Daignostics
-
The check engine light turns on on Johns dashboard. He tries to figure out what is wrong with the car himself, but doesnāt know the first thing about the engine or where to look.
Google and Youtube only further confused him. He even tried to turn the car on and off, and drive for a bit longer, hoping it would just go away.
It didn't.
-
Finally John caves and drives to the nearest mechanic. Itās not the one he usually goes to, but because the car is relatively old and heās not exactly sure what the issue is, he doesnāt risk the drive there.
-
John waited for hours for the mechanic to first get to Johns car, then to evaluate it. He even had to arrange a ride home for the kids since he couldn't make it.
-
Thankfully, it wasn't that big a dealā the spark plug needed to be replaced. John reluctantly payed the mechanic for his time and effort but was annoyed by how he had to he spend his one day off. But, at the very least, the was glad the car wasn't going to explode.
With Integrated Diagnostics
-
The check engine light turns on on Johns dashboard. He panics for a second before remembering itās not how it used to be in the olden days. He can figure it out himselfā probably.
-
John doesn't want to pull over just yet, eager to get home and enjoy his day off.
He asked his car to run diagnostics and listens intently to the response. He ignored the visuals and text providing more information because he was driving (he could also probe, but doesnāt feel it is necessary at this time).
The voice tells him the spark plugs need to be replaced, but explains itās not critical. He has up to a week before taking it to the mechanic is necessary to prevent further damage. It also tells him it usually only takes a few hours to replace them and the estimated cost is $300.
-
John factors in how much time he has left before he needs to get back to the kids school. He calls his mechanic to see how long it would be before the car could be taken care of, but when the mechanic tells him there are 5 cars before him, John decides today is not the day to go in. He calls his wife and they create a plan for when the car can be taken in without disrupting their schedule or their finances.
-
Three days later, the car has been serviced, and with minimal stress and hardship.
Design
Lofis
