Product Design
Drive Mode directly affects how a vehicle behaves — yet users often struggle
to understand what changes when switching modes, leading to errors and confusion.
This project focused on reducing user error and cognitive load by redesigning
how system state, feedback, and control are presented in the in-vehicle experience.
Reduced user error when adjusting drive mode parameters
Improved user confidence and satisfaction with drive mode controls
Received positive feedback from internal stakeholders and users
Transferring from User Journey to Sitemap
To create a more intuitive and task-oriented experience, we restructured the Drive Mode interface around how drivers think and act—grouping controls by purpose rather than by system category. This new sitemap prioritizes accessibility and clarity, making it easier for users to find the right mode, adjust key settings, and view relevant driving data at a glance.
Visualize Early Design Direction
Early wireframes explored layout structure, information hierarchy, and interaction flows to ensure key controls and data were accessible, clear, and safe to use while driving.
Style Explorations
I explored a wide range of visual directions for control layouts, button styles, and grouping logic to find a solution that felt intuitive, functional, and aligned with different driving contexts.
Exploring Visual Directions
I experimented with different visual and motion concepts to define how Drive Mode should look and feel across contexts.
Prototype
A cohesive design system that combines visual clarity and expressive motion to strengthen user trust and focus during driving.
Widget Style Explorations
We experimented with various widget styles to balance clarity, personalization potential, and visual consistency—keeping future customization and Rivian’s evolving visual language in mind.
Testing in Real World
Tested the UI under real lighting and screen conditions to evaluate color contrast and readability.
Findings:
🎨 Colored backgrounds conflicted with accent colors
👓 Reduced text readability
🌗 Caused theme inconsistency
Refined Advanced View
We refined the widget visuals with a neutral background and accent colors only for key data points. The final design adopts a hybrid line-based style—clean yet expressive enough to help users interpret data at a glance. It maintains clarity, scales well across layouts, and adapts seamlessly to multiple data types.
What I've Learned
Designing for Physical Context
Learned to design with real-world constraints like reach zones and driving posture in mind to ensure safe and accessible interaction.
Visual Communication vs. Readability
Explored bold visuals but realized clarity must come first—especially under challenging lighting and driving conditions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Worked closely with UX, HMI, and research to align design decisions across disciplines and iterate effectively.
©2025 KRISTY TIAN