NOAA GLANSIS REDESIGN
A website redesign case study for NOAA GLANSIS, a
resource for non-native species data in the Great
Lakes, enhancing usability for a diverse audience and
creating an intuitive tool for efficient species
exploration and data retrieval.
ROLE
UX DESIGNER + UX RESEARCHER
UX DESIGNER + UX RESEARCHER
INDUSTRY
UX DESIGNER + UX RESEARCHER
ROLE
UX DESIGNER + UX RESEARCHER
ROLE
UX DESIGNER + UX RESEARCHER
AAFAF SOPHIA
AAFAF SOPHIA
AAFAF SOPHIA
©2024 AAFAF SOPHIA MOUSTAFA
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©2024 AAFAF SOPHIA MOUSTAFA
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hello
hello
The Process
Identify an Opportunity
Benchmarking
01.
Exploration
User Interview
Persona Creation
Journey Map
02.
Research
Scenario + Task Flow
Wire Frame
User Flow
03.
Design
Design Deck
ROI
04.
Deliverable
Concluding thoughts
05.
Reflection
EXPLORATION
Identifying an Opportunity
The automotive industry is undergoing significant transformation, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). As these vehicles gain popularity, there is an unmarked opportunity to redefine in-car entertainment systems, which have traditionally been limited to basic audio and video options, and a growing demand for more engaging experiences
BMW iVision Dee
Stagnation of In-Car Entertainment
EXPLORATION
Benchmarking
In the Technical Benchmarking phase, I assessed innovative in-vehicle systems and cinematic experiences to identify strengths and weaknesses. This analysis helped inform the design of my immersive entertainment concept. Key benchmarks included:
BMW's iVision Dee showcases the potential of using the windshield as a display, highlighting:
Immersive Windshield: Transforms the windshield into a captivating screen for engaging content.
Augmented Reality: Allows interactive storytelling and real-time information overlays.
Enhanced Interaction: Supports touchless controls and gesture-based navigation, improving user engagement
Key Takeaways:
Project Overview
As part of a 12-week automotive CXD class, I focused on pushing the boundaries of in-car entertainment, specifically for electric vehicles (EVs). With input from automotive design experts and a deep dive into evolving EV technologies, I explored how to enhance passenger entertainment experiences beyond traditional media setups.
The solution centers around creating an immersive, cinematic environment that uses innovative technologies like windshield displays for captivating visuals, personalized audio systems integrated into headrests, and ambient lighting that responds to the content. By seamlessly integrating with popular streaming services, this design transforms the car from a mere vehicle for transportation into a genuine "third space" where users can relax, recharge, and stay entertained—whether they’re families embarking on a road trip or solo drivers seeking a moment of peace.
Throughout the project, I incorporated user research and feedback to ensure that the design meets real user needs and enhances comfort, ease of use, and personalization. The project reflects a bold vision for the future of EV interiors, making the car a key part of the entertainment experience rather than just a vehicle for getting from point A to point B.
Safety Considerations
Participants underscored the importance of safety features in entertainment systems, such as minimizing distractions for the driver while still providing engaging content for passengers.
Exploration
Exploration
Research
Final Product
FINAL PRODUCT
Final Designs
DESIGN
User Flow
IMMERSIVE IN-CAR
CINEMA
ROLE
INDUSTRY
TOOLS
TIMELINE
CLIENT
MY ROLE
INDUSTRY
TOOLS
TIMELINE
UX DESIGNER | RESEARCHER
ENVIRONMENT, GOVERNMENT
FIGMA, FIGJAM
SEP - NOV 2023
AUTOMOTIVE CXD
FIGMA, FIGJAM, MIRO
JAN - APR 2024
Project Overview
As part of a 12-week automotive CXD class, I reimagined in-car entertainment for electric vehicles (EVs) by creating an immersive cinematic experience. Using innovative technology to transform the car into a "third space" for relaxation and entertainment. User research guided the project to ensure comfort, ease of use, and personalization—turning the car into an entertainment hub rather than just transportation.
THIS IS NOT THE COMPLETE PROJECT
VIEW ON DESKTOP FOR FULL PROJECT DETAILS
Exploration
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) presents a key opportunity to redefine in-car entertainment, moving beyond basic audio and video options to meet the growing demand for more engaging experiences.
Stagnation of In-Car Entertainment
In-car entertainment has lagged behind automotive advancements, with most vehicles still offering basic audio and video that fall short of modern consumer expectations.
Existing Systems Leave Room for Growth:
Monitor size limits shared viewing
Inadequate visual and audio quality
Static Interfaces
AAFAF SOPHIA
©2024 AAFAF SOPHIA MOUSTAFA
Go Back To Top
©2024 AAFAF SOPHIA MOUSTAFA
Go Back To Top
Go Back To Top
THIS IS NOT THE COMPLETE PROJECT
VIEW ON DESKTOP FOR FULL PROJECT DETAILS
IMMERSIVE IN-CAR CINEMA
INDUSTRY
AUTOMOTIVE CXD
TIMELINE
JAN - APR 2024
TOOLS
FIGMA, FIGJAM, MIRO
During a 12-week project in automotive CXD, I focused on transforming in-car entertainment for electric vehicles. My design aimed to create an immersive cinematic experience, using advanced technology like windshield displays and personalized audio, turning the car into a relaxing and engaging third space.
MY ROLE
MY ROLES
UX DESIGNER | UX RESEARCHER
Through initial exploration, I recognized several key trends and gaps in existing systems:
Despite the rapid advancements in automotive technology, in-car entertainment systems have largely remained stagnant. Most vehicles continue to offer basic audio and video options that do not align with the evolving expectations of today's consumers.
Car as a Third Space:
The concept of the car as a "third space"—a sanctuary separate from home and work—is gaining popularity, particularly among younger generations. Users want their vehicles to be multifunctional environments for relaxation and connection.
Existing Systems Leave Room For Growth
Existing Systems Leave Room For Growth
Elevate in-car entertainment with an immersive cinematic experience, transforming the car into a unique "third space" for relaxation and enjoyment.
Key Features:
Immersive Windshield Viewing
Personalized Audio & Customizable Seating
Ambient Lighting & Streaming Service Connectivity
OVERVIEW
The Goal
Monitor size limits shared viewing
Inadequate visual and audio quality
Static Interfaces
Lack of innovation
Sony x Honda - Afeela
Insights from the Afeela included:
Integrated Entertainment: Merges automotive design with advanced entertainment technology for a seamless experience.
Headrest Audio Systems: Features immersive sound systems built into the headrests, enhancing audio quality for all passengers.
Cinema
Evaluating current cinema technologies revealed several key insights:
Immersive formats, such as IMAX and Dolby Atmos, enhance the visual and auditory experience, drawing viewers into the narrative.
Strategic seating configurations improve comfort and interaction, allowing for an engaging viewing experience.
Adaptive and ambient lighting enhances the atmosphere, synchronizing with content to intensify emotional engagement and transform the overall cinematic experience.
RESEARCH
User Interview
In the User Interviews phase, I engaged with potential users to gather insights into their preferences, pain points, and expectations regarding in-car entertainment. This qualitative research was vital in gaining a accurate view of the user.
Quality
Participants highlighted the need for high-quality audio and visuals, desiring immersive sound and clear displays to enhance their travel experience.
Importance of Comfort
Interviewees highlighted the value of in-vehicle comfort, particularly regarding seating configurations and audio quality. Customizable seating and sound systems were seen as essential features for enhancing enjoyment during journeys.
Social Aspect
Interviewees valued the ability to engage multiple passengers, emphasizing the need for entertainment options that cater to both friends and families, enabling shared experiences during trips.
RESEARCH
Persona Creation
In the Persona Creation phase, I developed detailed profiles of target users based on insights gathered from interviews. These personas represent key demographics, motivations, and pain points. For example, one persona is Chris, a family-oriented driver seeking a seamless in-car entertainment experience that accommodates both children and adults. His needs include customizable seating, access to streaming services, and high-quality audio. Creating these personas helped to ensure that the design remained user-centered, focusing on enhancing the overall in-car experience for diverse users.
RESEARCH
Journey Map
The Journey Map visually outlines the Chris' experience from pre-drive to post-drive, illustrating interactions with the in-car entertainment system. It identifies key touchpoints, such as setting up streaming services, adjusting seating, and engaging with content during the journey. The map highlights Chris' emotions, pain points, and opportunities for improvement, providing a holistic view of the experience.
DESIGN
User Scenario & Task Flow
Design
As Chris and his family stop to charge their EV, they find themselves with some downtime. Bored, Chris's car detects the opportunity and prompts him, "Looking to Relax with a movie?" Chris agrees, and through the car's console, he navigates to his account, selects the streaming service, and browses through the movie options. After choosing a family favorite, It prompts him asking if they'd like to experience the film in "Immersive Cinema" or "Standard View." Chris picks Immersive Cinema and the car immediately initiates the preconditioned cinema view settings. The car adjusts each seat for optimal viewing comfort and synchronizes the sound system for immersive audio.
As they settle in, the car's windows tint to create a theater-like atmosphere, and the ambient lighting shifts to match the mood of the movie, transforming their mundane charging break into a memorable, immersive family cinema experience
FINAL PRODUCT
Design Deck
FINAL PRODUCT
ROI
By ensuring users find the immersive cinema feature enjoyable and easy-to-use, we aim to observe increased time spent in-vehicle and regular usage of the feature, with metrics tracking both duration of usage and frequency of utilization.
Users find the feature fun and easy to use
01.
The Goal
Users spend increased time in-vehicle, and viewing content regularly
02.
The Signal
How long the users spend in immersive cinema feature
and how often they use it
03.
The Measure
Reflection
REFLECTION
Concluding Thoughts
Working on this project was an exciting and transformative experience. I absolutely loved the process of reimagining and transforming a physical space, which gave new meaning to UX design for me. It showed me a completely different dimension of design—one where the environment itself plays a critical role in user interaction and experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed creating this concept from the ground up, taking something old and outdated, and turning it into something entirely new and immersive. It was incredibly rewarding to see how the principles of UX could be applied not just to digital interfaces, but to a dynamic, physical environment like the inside of a vehicle. This project really deepened my appreciation for the power of design to shape how we experience the world around us.
Working on this project was an exciting and transformative experience. I absolutely loved the process of reimagining and transforming a physical space, which gave new meaning to UX design for me. It showed me a completely different dimension of design—one where the environment itself plays a critical role in user interaction and experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed creating this concept from the ground up, taking something old and outdated, and turning it into something entirely new and immersive. It was incredibly rewarding to see how the principles of UX could be applied not just to digital interfaces, but to a dynamic, physical environment like the inside of a vehicle. This project really deepened my appreciation for the power of design to shape how we experience the world around us.
OVERVIEW
The Goal
Elevate in-car entertainment with an immersive cinematic experience, transforming the car into a unique "third space" for relaxation and enjoyment.
Key Features:
Immersive Windsheild Viewing
Personalized Audio- Headrest Systems
Customizable Seating
Ambient Lighting synced to content
Streaming Service Connectivity
The Process
Identify an Opportunity
Benchmarking
01.
Exploration
User Interview
Persona
Journey Map
02.
Research
Scenario
Task Flow
User Flow
03.
Design
Design Deck
ROI
04.
Deliverable
Concluding thoughts
05.
Reflection
OVERVIEW
The Goal
EXPLORATION
Identifying an Opportunity
Car as a Third Space
The concept of the car as a "third space"—a sanctuary separate from home and work—is gaining popularity, particularly among younger generations. Users want their vehicles to be multifunctional environments for relaxation and connection.
In the Technical Benchmarking phase, I assessed innovative in-vehicle systems and cinematic experiences to identify strengths and weaknesses, informing the design of my immersive entertainment concept. Key benchmarks included:
EXPLORATION
Benchmarking
BMW's iVision Dee showcases the potential of using the windshield as a display, highlighting:
Immersive Windshield: Turns the windshield into a captivating display.
Augmented Reality: Enables interactive storytelling and real-time overlays.
Enhanced Interaction: Supports gesture-based navigation for better engagement.
BMW iVision Dee
Insights from the Afeela included:
Integrated Entertainment: Combines automotive design with advanced tech for a seamless experience.
Headrest Audio: Immersive sound systems built into headrests for enhanced audio quality.
Sony x Honda - Afeela
Evaluating current cinema technologies revealed several key insights:
Immersive formats like IMAX and Dolby Atmos elevate visuals and sound, drawing viewers into the story.
Strategic seating boosts comfort and interaction for a more engaging experience.
Adaptive lighting syncs with content, enhancing atmosphere and emotional impact.
Cinema
Research
RESEARCH
User Interview
In the User Interviews phase, I engaged with potential users to gather insights into their preferences, pain points, and expectations regarding in-car entertainment. This qualitative research was vital in gaining a accurate view of the user.
Key Takeaways:
Comfort is Essential
Safety is crucial
Desire for social engagement
High Quality Audio and Visuals
RESEARCH
Persona
I developed user profiles from interview insights. One persona, Chris, is a family driver seeking seamless entertainment for all ages, with needs like customizable seating, streaming access, safety, and high-quality audio. This ensured a user-centered design that enhances the in-car experience.
RESEARCH
Journey Map
The Journey Map outlines Chris's experience from pre-drive to post-drive, detailing interactions with the in-car entertainment system. It identifies key touchpoints like setting up streaming services, adjusting seating, and engaging with content, while highlighting Chris's emotions, pain points, and areas for improvement.
Design
DESIGN
User Scenario & Task Flow
While charging their EV, Chris and his family have some downtime. The car detects the opportunity and prompts, "Looking to relax with a movie?" Chris agrees, navigates to his streaming account, and selects a family favorite. He chooses "Immersive Cinema," and the car initiates the settings, adjusting the seats for comfort and synchronizing the sound system.
As they settle in, the windows tint for a theater-like atmosphere, and the ambient lighting shifts to match the movie's mood, turning a mundane charging break into a memorable family cinema experience.
DESIGN
User Flow
Final Product
FINAL PRODUCT
Final Designs
FINAL PRODUCT
Hero Image
REFLECTION
Concluding Thoughts
Reflections
Working on this project was a transformative experience. I loved reimagining a physical space, which gave new meaning to UX design and revealed a different dimension where the environment plays a critical role in user interaction.
Creating this concept from the ground up—transforming something outdated into an immersive experience—was incredibly rewarding. It deepened my appreciation for how UX principles apply not just to digital interfaces but also to dynamic physical environments like vehicles. This project highlighted the power of design to shape our experiences in the world.