Intuitive Journeys: Dacia Infotainment Redesigned
This project reimagines Dacia's infotainment, crafting a more intuitive, modern, and sleek interface specifically designed to meet the evolving needs and expectations of today's connected car driver.
University Thesis Project- Automotive UI/UX Redesign
Figma (UI/UX Design, Prototyping, Component System)
Driver Safety, Intuitive Control, Modern Aesthetic, System Integration
3 Months
UI/UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Automotive UX, Information Architecture, Prototyping, Usability Principles
Challenge
Dacia's existing infotainment system faced a critical challenge: it lagged behind competitors in intuitiveness and modern aesthetics, potentially contributing to driver distraction and diminishing the overall in-car experience. My goal for this university thesis project was to comprehensively redesign this core interface, transforming it into a modern, highly intuitive, and aesthetically refined system that prioritizes driver safety and enhances connectivity, bringing Dacia's digital experience up to competitive standards.
Results
The redesigned Dacia Infotainment System successfully delivers a user-centric and visually compelling in-car experience. Through its clean, intuitive navigation and thoughtful integration of essential features (like AI assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and driving aids), the interface actively minimizes cognitive load, promoting safer and more enjoyable journeys. This thesis project stands as a robust demonstration of my ability to conduct in-depth research, tackle complex system design, and apply advanced UI/UX principles to create a highly functional and competitive automotive digital product.
Process
1. Comprehensive Discovery & Strategic Definition
My Goal Here: I embarked on an intensive discovery phase, moving beyond surface-level issues to truly understand the core pain points and safety implications of existing infotainment systems, particularly Dacia's. This involved competitive benchmarking of leading automotive UIs and a thorough analysis of driver cognitive load and interaction patterns to identify critical opportunities for improvement.
What I Achieved: I established a robust strategic framework, precisely defining the user needs and design challenges. This allowed me to frame the problem not just as an aesthetic update, but as a crucial intervention to enhance driver safety, reduce distraction, and elevate the overall Dacia brand perception.
2. Information Architecture & System Logic Mapping
My Goal Here: Given the critical nature of in-car information, my focus was on architecting an intuitive and logical system that prioritized essential data without overwhelming the driver. I meticulously mapped complex functionalities, from vehicle diagnostics and driving assistance to communication and navigation. This way I ensured a clear hierarchy and seamless access.
What I Achieved: I designed a highly efficient and scalable information architecture that simplifies complex vehicle data. This systematic organization is the backbone of the intuitive user journey, ensuring drivers can effortlessly find critical information and control settings with minimal glance time.
3. Precision Interaction Design & Iterative Prototyping
My Goal Here: This stage was dedicated to crafting fluid, responsive, and distraction-minimal interactions. I iterated extensively through wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes, paying acute attention to micro-interactions, input methods (touch, voice), and visual feedback. My creativity shone in developing innovative visualizations for data like tire pressure and parking sensors, transforming raw data into instantly understandable insights.
What I Achieved: I delivered polished, interactive prototypes that validated critical user flows and demonstrated the system's intuitive responsiveness. This rigorous iterative process ensured that every interaction was not only precise and delightful but also actively contributed to a safer and more confident driving experience.
4. Aesthetic Refinement & Brand Harmonization
My Goal Here: The final visual design was a deliberate act of creative expression married with functional excellence. I developed a dark-mode interface, meticulously selecting a modern color palette, clean typography, and iconic elements that conveyed sophistication while prioritizing legibility and reducing eye strain. The goal was to align the UI with Dacia's evolving brand identity, projecting modernity and reliability.
What I Achieved: I finalized a visually stunning, premium-grade interface that significantly elevates Dacia's digital presence. This final output stands as a testament to my dedication to pixel-perfect execution and my ability to craft a cohesive, impactful brand experience that directly enhances user trust and satisfaction.
Conclusion
The Dacia Infotainment System redesign represents a comprehensive and strategically driven exploration into elevating automotive user experience. As a university thesis project, it allowed me to meticulously apply a full spectrum of design methodologies, from in-depth research and intuitive information architecture to precise interaction design and refined visual execution. All aimed at solving a critical market need.
This project successfully demonstrates how a focused, user-centric approach can transform a conventional interface into a highly competitive and delightful digital product. It solidified my expertise in tackling complex system design challenges within a safety-critical context, and reinforced my passion for crafting innovative solutions that enhance daily life through thoughtful design. I am confident that the insights and skills honed during this endeavor are directly transferable to driving impactful product design in any domain.