2025
General Motors (GM) UWB Experiences
Reimagining in-car experiences in 2030-2035 with ultra-wideband technology
2025
General Motors (GM) UWB Experiences
Reimagining in-car experiences in 2030-2035 with ultra-wideband technology
2025
General Motors (GM) UWB Experiences
Reimagining in-car experiences in 2030-2035 with ultra-wideband technology
Role
Product Designer
Team
1 Product Designer
Skills
Prototyping
UX/UI Design
Interaction Design
Client Communications
Timeline
January - April 2025
3 Months
Role
Product Designer
Team
1 Product Designer
Skills
Prototyping
UX/UI Design
Interaction Design
Client Communications
Timeline
January - April 2025
3 Months
Role
Product Designer
Team
1 Product Designer
Skills
Prototyping
UX/UI Design
Interaction Design
Client Communications
Timeline
January - April 2025
3 Months
Summary
In collaboration with General Motors (GM), I explored how ultra-wideband (UWB) technology could enhance future in-vehicle and peripheral experiences through precise, context-aware interactions. Our team designed personalized, user-centered concepts around in-car payments and dynamic air quality and purification profiles.
Summary
In collaboration with General Motors (GM), I explored how ultra-wideband (UWB) technology could enhance future in-vehicle and peripheral experiences through precise, context-aware interactions. Our team designed personalized, user-centered concepts around in-car payments and dynamic air quality and purification profiles.
Summary
In collaboration with General Motors (GM), I explored how ultra-wideband (UWB) technology could enhance future in-vehicle and peripheral experiences through precise, context-aware interactions. Our team designed personalized, user-centered concepts around in-car payments and dynamic air quality and purification profiles.
Context
The Challenge: Envisioning seamless driver journeys through UWB-powered personalization.
In SI 594: Automotive User Experience, in collaboration with GM, I explored how Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology could create more seamless and personalized vehicle experiences, both inside and outside the car, through user-centered research and scenario-based design.
Context
The Challenge: Envisioning seamless driver journeys through UWB-powered personalization.
In SI 594: Automotive User Experience, in collaboration with GM, I explored how Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology could create more seamless and personalized vehicle experiences, both inside and outside the car, through user-centered research and scenario-based design.
Context
The Challenge: Envisioning seamless driver journeys through UWB-powered personalization.
In SI 594: Automotive User Experience, in collaboration with GM, I explored how Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology could create more seamless and personalized vehicle experiences, both inside and outside the car, through user-centered research and scenario-based design.
Vehicle Alignment
Select a GM vehicle and design a comprehensive experience that reflects both GM’s and the specific brand’s values and vision.
Vehicle Alignment
Select a GM vehicle and design a comprehensive experience that reflects both GM’s and the specific brand’s values and vision.
Vehicle Alignment
Select a GM vehicle and design a comprehensive experience that reflects both GM’s and the specific brand’s values and vision.
UWB Integration
Leverage Ultra Wideband technology to envision how GM can enable seamless, personalized interactions in and around the vehicle in 2030-2035.
Tech Stack
Leverage Ultra Wideband technology to envision how GM can enable seamless, personalized interactions in and around the vehicle in 2030-2035.
UWB Integration
Leverage Ultra Wideband technology to envision how GM can enable seamless, personalized interactions in and around the vehicle in 2030-2035.
Executive Presentation
Deliver a final presentation to GM design leadership illustrating key use cases, design features, and UWB-powered system interactions.
Executive Presentation
Deliver a final presentation to GM design leadership illustrating key use cases, design features, and UWB-powered system interactions.
Executive Presentation
Deliver a final presentation to GM design leadership illustrating key use cases, design features, and UWB-powered system interactions.
The Solution: UWB-enabled in-car payments and calming wellness features.
Guided by the GM design team, I collaborated with one other student to develop a UWB-powered in-car payment experience paired with personalized air purification profiles, aligning with Buick’s focus on health and wellness and supporting a calmer, low-effort driving environment.
I designed the following presentation to communicate our team’s vision for UWB-enhanced vehicle experiences directly to GM leadership, highlighting key design decisions.
The Solution: UWB-enabled in-car payments and calming wellness features.
Guided by the GM design team, I collaborated with one other student to develop a UWB-powered in-car payment experience paired with personalized air purification profiles, aligning with Buick’s focus on health and wellness and supporting a calmer, low-effort driving environment.
I designed the following presentation to communicate our team’s vision for UWB-enhanced vehicle experiences directly to GM leadership, highlighting key design decisions.
The Solution: UWB-enabled in-car payments and calming wellness features.
Guided by the GM design team, I collaborated with one other student to develop a UWB-powered in-car payment experience paired with personalized air purification profiles, aligning with Buick’s focus on health and wellness and supporting a calmer, low-effort driving environment.
I designed the following presentation to communicate our team’s vision for UWB-enhanced vehicle experiences directly to GM leadership, highlighting key design decisions.
Design Challenge
How can UWB as a technology improve the GM customer's experience?
General Motors (GM) invited students to design the next-generation in-car experience using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to enable seamless, personalized interactions inside and around the vehicle.
Design Challenge
How can UWB as a technology improve the GM customer's experience?
General Motors (GM) invited students to design the next-generation in-car experience using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to enable seamless, personalized interactions inside and around the vehicle.
Design Challenge
How can UWB as a technology improve the GM customer's experience?
General Motors (GM) invited students to design the next-generation in-car experience using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to enable seamless, personalized interactions inside and around the vehicle.
Vehicle Selection
Buick Enclave Avenir
We chose to focus on the Buick Enclave Avenir, the top-tier trim of the three-row Enclave SUV, designed for buyers seeking near-luxury features at a more accessible price than traditional luxury brands.
Vehicle Selection
Buick Enclave Avenir
We chose to focus on the Buick Enclave Avenir, the top-tier trim of the three-row Enclave SUV, designed for buyers seeking near-luxury features at a more accessible price than traditional luxury brands.
Vehicle Selection
Buick Enclave Avenir
We chose to focus on the Buick Enclave Avenir, the top-tier trim of the three-row Enclave SUV, designed for buyers seeking near-luxury features at a more accessible price than traditional luxury brands.
How Might We
How might we design future-forward, UWB-enabled in-car experiences that align with Buick’s vision of effortless luxury while meeting the evolving needs of tomorrow’s driver?
How Might We
How might we design future-forward, UWB-enabled in-car experiences that align with Buick’s vision of effortless luxury while meeting the evolving needs of tomorrow’s driver?
How Might We
How might we design future-forward, UWB-enabled in-car experiences that align with Buick’s vision of effortless luxury while meeting the evolving needs of tomorrow’s driver?
Research Insights
Key insights that informed our approach.
Insights gathered from research on the Buick brand, analysis of competitors, and feedback from GM leadership helped guide and inform our design decisions.
Research Insights
Key insights that informed our approach.
Insights gathered from research on the Buick brand, analysis of competitors, and feedback from GM leadership helped guide and inform our design decisions.
Research Insights
Key insights that informed our approach.
Insights gathered from research on the Buick brand, analysis of competitors, and feedback from GM leadership helped guide and inform our design decisions.
Key Insights
Key InsightS & Opportunity Areas
Opportunity Areas
Target Audience
Buick attracts the modern, young professional who wants an entry-level luxury vehicle.
Target Audience
Buick attracts the modern, young professional who wants an entry-level luxury vehicle.
Target Audience
Buick attracts the modern, young professional who wants an entry-level luxury vehicle.
Emphasize Quiet Luxury
Deliver concise, high-relevance content summaries that fit within clinical time constraints.
Emphasize Quiet Luxury
Deliver concise, high-relevance content summaries that fit within clinical time constraints.
Emphasize Quiet Luxury
Deliver concise, high-relevance content summaries that fit within clinical time constraints.
Health & Wellness
Health and wellness is central to the brand, emphasizing calm, comfort, and simple tech that reduces stress.
Health & Wellness
Health and wellness is central to the brand, emphasizing calm, comfort, and simple tech that reduces stress.
Health & Wellness
Health and wellness is central to the brand, emphasizing calm, comfort, and simple tech that reduces stress.
Promote Wellness-Driven Features
Surface clear indicators of trustworthiness like journal type, study size, and peer-review status.
Promote Wellness-Driven Features
Surface clear indicators of trustworthiness like journal type, study size, and peer-review status.
Promote Wellness-Driven Features
Surface clear indicators of trustworthiness like journal type, study size, and peer-review status.
In-Car Commerce
GM's previous Marketplace failed due to too many steps and a cumbersome experience.
In-Car Commerce
GM's previous Marketplace failed due to too many steps and a cumbersome experience.
In-Car Commerce
GM's previous Marketplace failed due to too many steps and a cumbersome experience.
Simplify Transaction Flows
Drivers want fast, simple, and context-aware transactions.
Simplify Transaction Flows
Drivers want fast, simple, and context-aware transactions.
Simplify Transaction Flows
Drivers want fast, simple, and context-aware transactions.
Convenience is Key
Drivers expect things to be effortless. They want actions to be timely, relevant, and tailored to their needs.
Convenience is Key
Drivers expect things to be effortless. They want actions to be timely, relevant, and tailored to their needs.
Convenience is Key
Drivers expect things to be effortless. They want actions to be timely, relevant, and tailored to their needs.
Deliver Contextual Automation
Offer AI search features with adjustable levels of automation to accommodate different comfort levels.
Deliver Contextual Automation
Offer AI search features with adjustable levels of automation to accommodate different comfort levels.
Deliver Contextual Automation
Offer AI search features with adjustable levels of automation to accommodate different comfort levels.
Ideation
Brainstorming UWB features for 2030-2035 vehicle experiences.
After exploring the Buick brand and key driver pain points, we brainstormed UWB-enabled features that align with the needs of the future Buick driver. Below is a summary of our brainstorming session.
Ideation
Brainstorming UWB features for 2030-2035 vehicle experiences.
After exploring the Buick brand and key driver pain points, we brainstormed UWB-enabled features that align with the needs of the future Buick driver. Below is a summary of our brainstorming session.
Ideation
Brainstorming UWB features for 2030-2035 vehicle experiences.
After exploring the Buick brand and key driver pain points, we brainstormed UWB-enabled features that align with the needs of the future Buick driver. Below is a summary of our brainstorming session.
We decided on a UWB-powered experience that streamlines in-car payments and introduces health and wellness-aware features.
After consulting with the GM design team, we focused on features tailored to the young professional driver. We chose to prioritize an in-car payments system that streamlines transactions at gas stations, drive-thrus, and curbside pickup, supporting a busy, on-the-go lifestyle.
To reflect Buick’s focus on health and wellness, we also introduced a feature called Purification Profiles. This system provides personalized air quality settings based on each driver’s individual preferences and health needs.
We decided on a UWB-powered experience that streamlines in-car payments and introduces health and wellness-aware features.
After consulting with the GM design team, we focused on features tailored to the young professional driver. We chose to prioritize an in-car payments system that streamlines transactions at gas stations, drive-thrus, and curbside pickup, supporting a busy, on-the-go lifestyle.
To reflect Buick’s focus on health and wellness, we also introduced a feature called Purification Profiles. This system provides personalized air quality settings based on each driver’s individual preferences and health needs.
We decided on a UWB-powered experience that streamlines in-car payments and introduces health and wellness-aware features.
After consulting with the GM design team, we focused on features tailored to the young professional driver. We chose to prioritize an in-car payments system that streamlines transactions at gas stations, drive-thrus, and curbside pickup, supporting a busy, on-the-go lifestyle.
To reflect Buick’s focus on health and wellness, we also introduced a feature called Purification Profiles. This system provides personalized air quality settings based on each driver’s individual preferences and health needs.
Initial explorations
With this direction, I started creating low-fidelity sketches to visualize key interactions and layout ideas, focusing on the driver display and UWB payments feature.
Initial explorations
With this direction, I started creating low-fidelity sketches to visualize key interactions and layout ideas, focusing on the driver display and UWB payments feature.
Initial explorations
With this direction, I started creating low-fidelity sketches to visualize key interactions and layout ideas, focusing on the driver display and UWB payments feature.
Iteration & User Testing
Designing with the goal of creating seamless and intuitive driving experiences.
After sketching low-fidelity wireframes, we created mid-fidelity prototypes to build user flows, shape our digital in-vehicle experience, and run user testing. During this phase, I took ownership of the driver display, landing page, entertainment, navigation, HVAC, vehicle controls, and app selector sections of the center display.
Iteration & User Testing
Designing with the goal of creating seamless and intuitive driving experiences.
After sketching low-fidelity wireframes, we created mid-fidelity prototypes to build user flows, shape our digital in-vehicle experience, and run user testing. During this phase, I took ownership of the driver display, landing page, entertainment, navigation, HVAC, vehicle controls, and app selector sections of the center display.
Iteration & User Testing
Designing with the goal of creating seamless and intuitive driving experiences.
After sketching low-fidelity wireframes, we created mid-fidelity prototypes to build user flows, shape our digital in-vehicle experience, and run user testing. During this phase, I took ownership of the driver display, landing page, entertainment, navigation, HVAC, vehicle controls, and app selector sections of the center display.
Exploring GM Vehicles – Informed how the digital interface fits into the physical experience.
Exploring GM Vehicles – Informed how the digital interface fits into the physical experience.
Exploring GM Vehicles – Informed how the digital interface fits into the physical experience.
Usability Testing – Testing key features with users on iPads.
Usability Testing – Testing key features with users on iPads.
Usability Testing – Testing key features with users on iPads.
Learning Through Observation – Gathering insight through real-time feedback.
Learning Through Observation – Gathering insight through real-time feedback.
Learning Through Observation – Gathering insight through real-time feedback.
Driver Display Iterations
The driver display is located directly in front of the driver and presents critical real-time information such as speed, fuel level, navigation prompts, and safety alerts. I began by designing a layout with traditional gauges, but shifted to a more digital format to align with the brand’s modern aesthetic. After conducting user testing, I combined both approaches by integrating classic gauge elements with a central digital area that displays key information like navigation and ADAS features.
Driver Display Iterations
The driver display is located directly in front of the driver and presents critical real-time information such as speed, fuel level, navigation prompts, and safety alerts. I began by designing a layout with traditional gauges, but shifted to a more digital format to align with the brand’s modern aesthetic. After conducting user testing, I combined both approaches by integrating classic gauge elements with a central digital area that displays key information like navigation and ADAS features.
Driver Display Iterations
The driver display is located directly in front of the driver and presents critical real-time information such as speed, fuel level, navigation prompts, and safety alerts. I began by designing a layout with traditional gauges, but shifted to a more digital format to align with the brand’s modern aesthetic. After conducting user testing, I combined both approaches by integrating classic gauge elements with a central digital area that displays key information like navigation and ADAS features.
V1: Analog Gauges
Familiar and intuitive for most drivers
Provides a sense of motion through moving needles
Information overload is potentially distracting
V1: Analog Gauges
Familiar and intuitive for most drivers
Provides a sense of motion through moving needles
Information overload is potentially distracting
V1: Analog Gauges
Familiar and intuitive for most drivers
Provides a sense of motion through moving needles
Information overload is potentially distracting
V2: Digital Readout
Minimal and modern look feels clean and up-to-date
Reduces information overload with less information
Less flexibility for custom layouts or layered information
V2: Digital Readout
Minimal and modern look feels clean and up-to-date
Reduces information overload with less information
Less flexibility for custom layouts or layered information
V2: Digital Readout
Minimal and modern look feels clean and up-to-date
Reduces information overload with less information
Less flexibility for custom layouts or layered information
V3: Hybrid Design
Customizable center area depending on driver needs
Glanceable information architecture
Aesthetic balance that feels both premium and intuitive
V3: Hybrid Design
Customizable center area depending on driver needs
Glanceable information architecture
Aesthetic balance that feels both premium and intuitive
V3: Hybrid Design
Customizable center area depending on driver needs
Glanceable information architecture
Aesthetic balance that feels both premium and intuitive
App Selector Iterations
When designing the center display, I began with the app selector and chose to combine it with the climate controls to maximize space. After a few layout iterations, I explored ways to show when the climate controls were active. A simple color change wasn’t clear enough during user testing, so I added a lighter background around the driver and passenger controls to clearly signal they were open at a glance.
App Selector Iterations
When designing the center display, I began with the app selector and chose to combine it with the climate controls to maximize space. After a few layout iterations, I explored ways to show when the climate controls were active. A simple color change wasn’t clear enough during user testing, so I added a lighter background around the driver and passenger controls to clearly signal they were open at a glance.
App Selector Iterations
When designing the center display, I began with the app selector and chose to combine it with the climate controls to maximize space. After a few layout iterations, I explored ways to show when the climate controls were active. A simple color change wasn’t clear enough during user testing, so I added a lighter background around the driver and passenger controls to clearly signal they were open at a glance.
V1: Basic Layout
Separation between app selector and climate controls
Touch targets are too small, making selection difficult
App icons split, right side requires uncomfortable reach
V1: Basic Layout
Separation between app selector and climate controls
Touch targets are too small, making selection difficult
App icons split, right side requires uncomfortable reach
V1: Basic Layout
Separation between app selector and climate controls
Touch targets are too small, making selection difficult
App icons split, right side requires uncomfortable reach
V2: Color-Based Indicator
Clear separation between apps and climate controls
Larger touch targets to reduce mis-taps
Climate controls indicator is too subtle
V2: Color-Based Indicator
Clear separation between apps and climate controls
Larger touch targets to reduce mis-taps
Climate controls indicator is too subtle
V2: Color-Based Indicator
Clear separation between apps and climate controls
Larger touch targets to reduce mis-taps
Climate controls indicator is too subtle
V3: Highlighted Control
Large visual indicator for climate controls
Improved glanceability to help driver process information
Expanded app selector to include phone access
V3: Highlighted Control
Large visual indicator for climate controls
Improved glanceability to help driver process information
Expanded app selector to include phone access
V3: Highlighted Control
Large visual indicator for climate controls
Improved glanceability to help driver process information
Expanded app selector to include phone access
Landing Page Iterations
For the center display landing page, I focused on creating a clear and welcoming starting point, as it’s the first screen drivers see. I started with a split-screen layout, but it felt too overwhelming. I switched to a single screen showing key info like driving range, calendar, and weather, and added buttons to find gas and get directions to the next event.
Landing Page Iterations
For the center display landing page, I focused on creating a clear and welcoming starting point, as it’s the first screen drivers see. I started with a split-screen layout, but it felt too overwhelming. I switched to a single screen showing key info like driving range, calendar, and weather, and added buttons to find gas and get directions to the next event.
Landing Page Iterations
For the center display landing page, I focused on creating a clear and welcoming starting point, as it’s the first screen drivers see. I started with a split-screen layout, but it felt too overwhelming. I switched to a single screen showing key info like driving range, calendar, and weather, and added buttons to find gas and get directions to the next event.
V1: Split-Screen Layout
Allows for parallel interactions with multiple views
Visually overwhelming, especially on startup
Increases cognitive load and distraction risk while driving
V1: Split-Screen Layout
Allows for parallel interactions with multiple views
Visually overwhelming, especially on startup
Increases cognitive load and distraction risk while driving
V1: Split-Screen Layout
Allows for parallel interactions with multiple views
Visually overwhelming, especially on startup
Increases cognitive load and distraction risk while driving
V2: Single-Screen Layout
Welcoming and digestible at a glance
Increased salience of core vehicle interaction buttons
May feel less dynamic or interactive
V2: Single-Screen Layout
Welcoming and digestible at a glance
Increased salience of core vehicle interaction buttons
May feel less dynamic or interactive
V2: Single-Screen Layout
Welcoming and digestible at a glance
Increased salience of core vehicle interaction buttons
May feel less dynamic or interactive
V3: Quick Action Buttons
Encourages context-aware behavior (e.g., find gas)
Prioritizes essential information without clutter
Reinforces the car as the core of the experience
V3: Quick Action Buttons
Encourages context-aware behavior (e.g., find gas)
Prioritizes essential information without clutter
Reinforces the car as the core of the experience
V3: Quick Action Buttons
Encourages context-aware behavior (e.g., find gas)
Prioritizes essential information without clutter
Reinforces the car as the core of the experience
Music Player Iterations
When designing the audio experience, I first created a split-screen view that allowed the driver to use music controls while viewing the ADAS display. However, user testing showed this layout was too distracting and required the driver to reach too far, reducing usability. I then designed a simpler single-screen layout with larger touch targets, and later added options to view the playlist and switch audio sources.
Music Player Iterations
When designing the audio experience, I first created a split-screen view that allowed the driver to use music controls while viewing the ADAS display. However, user testing showed this layout was too distracting and required the driver to reach too far, reducing usability. I then designed a simpler single-screen layout with larger touch targets, and later added options to view the playlist and switch audio sources.
Music Player Iterations
When designing the audio experience, I first created a split-screen view that allowed the driver to use music controls while viewing the ADAS display. However, user testing showed this layout was too distracting and required the driver to reach too far, reducing usability. I then designed a simpler single-screen layout with larger touch targets, and later added options to view the playlist and switch audio sources.
V1: Split-Screen Layout
Allows simultaneous access to music and other features
Cramped layout makes touch targets smaller
Music controls may feel secondary
V1: Split-Screen Layout
Allows simultaneous access to music and other features
Cramped layout makes touch targets smaller
Music controls may feel secondary
V1: Split-Screen Layout
Allows simultaneous access to music and other features
Cramped layout makes touch targets smaller
Music controls may feel secondary
V2: Simplified View
Enhances focus on the current media experience
Makes core controls easier to reach
Lacks context on current source or next song
V2: Simplified View
Enhances focus on the current media experience
Makes core controls easier to reach
Lacks context on current source or next song
V2: Simplified View
Enhances focus on the current media experience
Makes core controls easier to reach
Lacks context on current source or next song
V3: Playlist Enhancements
One-click source switching reduces friction
Collapsible playlist view gives users more control
Aligns with familiarity of streaming apps
V3: Playlist Enhancements
One-click source switching reduces friction
Collapsible playlist view gives users more control
Aligns with familiarity of streaming apps
V3: Playlist Enhancements
One-click source switching reduces friction
Collapsible playlist view gives users more control
Aligns with familiarity of streaming apps
Design Decision 1: Visual Language
Evolking calm sophistication through color.
Initially, we explored various shades of blue, but found them too vibrant for the sophisticated tone we wanted to achieve. A muted purple tone emerged as a better fit, conveying a sense of refined tranquility and distinction. Paired with subtle glows, transparent gradients, and rounded icons, this color system created a soft, approachable experience that aligned seamlessly with the brand’s identity.
Design Decision 1: Visual Language
Evolking calm sophistication through color.
Initially, we explored various shades of blue, but found them too vibrant for the sophisticated tone we wanted to achieve. A muted purple tone emerged as a better fit, conveying a sense of refined tranquility and distinction. Paired with subtle glows, transparent gradients, and rounded icons, this color system created a soft, approachable experience that aligned seamlessly with the brand’s identity.
Design Decision 1: Visual Language
Evolking calm sophistication through color.
Initially, we explored various shades of blue, but found them too vibrant for the sophisticated tone we wanted to achieve. A muted purple tone emerged as a better fit, conveying a sense of refined tranquility and distinction. Paired with subtle glows, transparent gradients, and rounded icons, this color system created a soft, approachable experience that aligned seamlessly with the brand’s identity.
Design Decision 2: Adaptive Infotainment
Infotainment designed to fit user context.
To support diverse driving scenarios, we designed an adaptive infotainment screen that rotates between portrait and landscape modes, offering flexibility based on user context. This feature enables seamless switching via steering wheel or infotainment controls, tailoring the experience for tasks like navigation, media, or multitasking.
Design Decision 2: Adaptive Infotainment
Infotainment designed to fit user context.
To support diverse driving scenarios, we designed an adaptive infotainment screen that rotates between portrait and landscape modes, offering flexibility based on user context. This feature enables seamless switching via steering wheel or infotainment controls, tailoring the experience for tasks like navigation, media, or multitasking.
Design Decision 2: Adaptive Infotainment
Infotainment designed to fit user context.
To support diverse driving scenarios, we designed an adaptive infotainment screen that rotates between portrait and landscape modes, offering flexibility based on user context. This feature enables seamless switching via steering wheel or infotainment controls, tailoring the experience for tasks like navigation, media, or multitasking.
Design Decision 3: Wellness Focus
Centering wellness in every drive.
Through brand research and collaboration with the GM team, we identified health and wellness as a core element of Buick’s identity. To support this, we incorporated UWB technology to enable personalized wellness profiles, such as Allergy Mode and Asthma Mode, which tailor air purification settings to individual needs.
Design Decision 3: Wellness Focus
Centering wellness in every drive.
Through brand research and collaboration with the GM team, we identified health and wellness as a core element of Buick’s identity. To support this, we incorporated UWB technology to enable personalized wellness profiles, such as Allergy Mode and Asthma Mode, which tailor air purification settings to individual needs.
Design Decision 3: Wellness Focus
Centering wellness in every drive.
Through brand research and collaboration with the GM team, we identified health and wellness as a core element of Buick’s identity. To support this, we incorporated UWB technology to enable personalized wellness profiles, such as Allergy Mode and Asthma Mode, which tailor air purification settings to individual needs.
Ultra-Wideband Features
Seamless drive-through contactless payments.
Leveraging UWB technology, we enabled secure in-vehicle payments that allow drivers to seamlessly pay for fuel, parking, or drive-thru orders without leaving the car. This enhances convenience while maintaining Buick’s focus on a safe and frictionless driving experience.
Ultra-Wideband Features
Seamless drive-through contactless payments.
Leveraging UWB technology, we enabled secure in-vehicle payments that allow drivers to seamlessly pay for fuel, parking, or drive-thru orders without leaving the car. This enhances convenience while maintaining Buick’s focus on a safe and frictionless driving experience.
Ultra-Wideband Features
Seamless drive-through contactless payments.
Leveraging UWB technology, we enabled secure in-vehicle payments that allow drivers to seamlessly pay for fuel, parking, or drive-thru orders without leaving the car. This enhances convenience while maintaining Buick’s focus on a safe and frictionless driving experience.
Toll Booth – Harper breezes through as tolls auto-charge, no transponder needed, no slowing down.
Toll Booth – Harper breezes through as tolls auto-charge, no transponder needed, no slowing down.
Toll Booth – Harper breezes through as tolls auto-charge, no transponder needed, no slowing down.
Drive-Thru Stop – She orders from the center display and pays before reaching the window.
Drive-Thru Stop – She orders from the center display and pays before reaching the window.
Drive-Thru Stop – She orders from the center display and pays before reaching the window.
Fuel Up – She stops for gas, pumps and pays, no tapping, swiping, or screen unlocking required.
Fuel Up – She stops for gas, pumps and pays, no tapping, swiping, or screen unlocking required.
Fuel Up – She stops for gas, pumps and pays, no tapping, swiping, or screen unlocking required.
Tolls
At the toll, UWB detects the vehicle as it passes through, and a payment confirmation appears on the driver display, without slowing down or stopping.
Tolls
At the toll, UWB detects the vehicle as it passes through, and a payment confirmation appears on the driver display, without slowing down or stopping.
Tolls
At the toll, UWB detects the vehicle as it passes through, and a payment confirmation appears on the driver display, without slowing down or stopping.
Drive-Thru
At the drive-thru, UWB detects the vehicle’s arrival, triggering the app to prompt the user to order and enabling seamless in-car payment.
Drive-Thru
At the drive-thru, UWB detects the vehicle’s arrival, triggering the app to prompt the user to order and enabling seamless in-car payment.
Drive-Thru
At the drive-thru, UWB detects the vehicle’s arrival, triggering the app to prompt the user to order and enabling seamless in-car payment.
Gas Station
At the gas station, UWB detects the specific pump, prompting the user to pay from the car and enabling seamless, contactless payment.
Gas Station
At the gas station, UWB detects the specific pump, prompting the user to pay from the car and enabling seamless, contactless payment.
Gas Station
At the gas station, UWB detects the specific pump, prompting the user to pay from the car and enabling seamless, contactless payment.
Curbside Pickup
At curbside pickup, UWB detects the vehicle’s arrival, automatically notifying the store and enabling seamless in-car confirmation and pickup.
Curbside Pickup
At curbside pickup, UWB detects the vehicle’s arrival, automatically notifying the store and enabling seamless in-car confirmation and pickup.
Curbside Pickup
At curbside pickup, UWB detects the vehicle’s arrival, automatically notifying the store and enabling seamless in-car confirmation and pickup.
Final Prototype
Designing the drive ahead.
The final prototype showcases both the driver display and center display, bringing together key features such as HVAC, media, vehicle controls, and navigation.
Final Prototype
Designing the drive ahead.
The final prototype showcases both the driver display and center display, bringing together key features such as HVAC, media, vehicle controls, and navigation.
Final Prototype
Designing the drive ahead.
The final prototype showcases both the driver display and center display, bringing together key features such as HVAC, media, vehicle controls, and navigation.
Reflections & Learnings
Innovating in sync with brand identity.
This project taught me the importance of aligning innovative design solutions with a brand’s core values to create experiences that feel both authentic and meaningful to users.
Reflections & Learnings
Innovating in sync with brand identity.
This project taught me the importance of aligning innovative design solutions with a brand’s core values to create experiences that feel both authentic and meaningful to users.
Reflections & Learnings
Innovating in sync with brand identity.
This project taught me the importance of aligning innovative design solutions with a brand’s core values to create experiences that feel both authentic and meaningful to users.
Designing Beyond Familiar Platforms — This experience expanded my understanding of UX by applying core principles to a vehicle interface. Unlike web or mobile, the in-car environment introduced unique spatial, contextual, and interaction challenges.
Designing Beyond Familiar Platforms — This experience expanded my understanding of UX by applying core principles to a vehicle interface. Unlike web or mobile, the in-car environment introduced unique spatial, contextual, and interaction challenges.
Designing Beyond Familiar Platforms — This experience expanded my understanding of UX by applying core principles to a vehicle interface. Unlike web or mobile, the in-car environment introduced unique spatial, contextual, and interaction challenges.
Designing Within Boundaries — This project highlighted how regulatory and safety standards shape design in the automotive space. Navigating these constraints required creative problem-solving to maintain both usability and compliance without compromising the user experience.
Designing Within Boundaries — This project highlighted how regulatory and safety standards shape design in the automotive space. Navigating these constraints required creative problem-solving to maintain both usability and compliance without compromising the user experience.
Designing Within Boundaries — This project highlighted how regulatory and safety standards shape design in the automotive space. Navigating these constraints required creative problem-solving to maintain both usability and compliance without compromising the user experience.
Designing for Emerging Tech — Exploring UWB features pushed me to think beyond current interaction models, considering how new technologies can be made intuitive and purpose-driven for users.
Designing for Emerging Tech — Exploring UWB features pushed me to think beyond current interaction models, considering how new technologies can be made intuitive and purpose-driven for users.
Designing for Emerging Tech — Exploring UWB features pushed me to think beyond current interaction models, considering how new technologies can be made intuitive and purpose-driven for users.
