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

2 Product Designer

Skills

Prototyping

UX/UI Design

Interaction Design

Client Communications

Timeline

January - April 2025

3 Months

Role

Product Designer

Team

2 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Usability Testing – Testing key features with users on iPads.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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