Designed a comprehensive usability framework to evaluate and improve Electric Vehicle user interfaces
My role - UX Researcher
Academic Project
< 5%
Error Rate
≤ 40
NASA-TLX Score
< 5
Task Completion Time
We noticed something interesting -
As EV adoption grows, their in-car user experience (UX) has become a significant barrier. While traditional vehicles have undergone decades of UX refinement, EVs face new challenges, including cognitive overload, interface unfamiliarity, and interaction inefficiencies. This project aimed to identify those challenges and build a Usability Framework that designers, researchers, and engineers can use to evaluate and improve EV UX.
PERSONAS
Ted Mosby
Architect
Frustrations: Overwhelmed by the number of touchscreen menus; confused by new icons and labels
Needs: A simple interface with clear visual cues, onboarding support, and minimal distraction while driving
Robin
Journalist
Frustrations: Buried settings, lack of shortcuts, and laggy performance
Needs: Faster navigation, customizable controls, and deeper integration with personal devices
Barney Stinson
Businessman (PLEASE)
Frustrations: Small font sizes, unclear voice prompts, and hard-to-find basic controls
Needs: Larger touch targets, voice-guided support, simplified dashboard, and minimal interaction required while driving
Research
We began with secondary research, analyzing 20+ papers and industry reports to identify common usability issues in EV interfaces, such as cognitive load and poor menu structures. To validate and expand on these findings, we conducted primary research through surveys and interviews with 18 EV users, uncovering real-world challenges with navigation, feature discoverability, and safety during driving.
