Kristy Tian
Product Design
Rivian Drive Mode
A UX/UI redesign of Rivian's infotainment platform to improve driver safety, streamline drive mode settings, and integrate real-time driving data visualization.
Overview
Overview
Project Status
Project Status
The redesigned Drive Mode app launched in 2023 as part of a broader evolution of Rivian’s infotainment experience. While the interface has continued to evolve with new themes, this project laid the groundwork for key UX and structural improvements still in use today.
The redesigned Drive Mode app launched in 2023 as part of a broader evolution of Rivian’s infotainment experience. While the interface has continued to evolve with new themes, this project laid the groundwork for key UX and structural improvements still in use today.
Infotainment System Design
UI/UX
Data Visualization
Prototyping
Defining the UX problem
1. How might we make drive mode settings easier to access while driving, especially the frequently used controls?
2. How might we help users better understand what each drive mode changes in real-time?
3. How might we organize drive mode settings in a way that aligns with how users think and navigate?
4. How might we surface real-time vehicle data in a way that’s helpful without overwhelming the driver?
The Team
The Team
The In-Vehicle Design Team sits within Rivian Digital Studio, the organization responsible for shaping digital experiences across Rivian’s vehicle interfaces and mobile platforms. For this project, we collaborated cross-functionally to redesign the Drive Mode experience, focusing on information architecture, interaction clarity, and visual consistency.
The In-Vehicle Design Team sits within Rivian Digital Studio, the organization responsible for shaping digital experiences across Rivian’s vehicle interfaces and mobile platforms. For this project, we collaborated cross-functionally to redesign the Drive Mode experience, focusing on information architecture, interaction clarity, and visual consistency.
Teammates
Teammates
Britt - UI/UX Designer
Britt - UI/UX Designer
Paul - HMI Designer
Paul - HMI Designer
Lan - UX Researcher
Lan - UX Researcher
Julia - Project Manager
Julia - Project Manager
Timeline
Timeline
Oct, 2022 – Jan, 2023
(3 months)
Oct, 2022 – Jan, 2023
(3 months)
My Role
My Role
Led UI design from wireframes to final visuals
Led UI design from wireframes to final visuals
Contributed to UX structure and user flow
Contributed to UX structure and user flow
Partnered with research to test and iterate designs
Partnered with research to test and iterate designs
Challenge
Challenge
Background
Background
When I joined the team, the Drive Mode app existed in a minimal viable form—functional, but lacking critical elements for an optimal in-vehicle experience. Key real-time driving data such as tire pressure, pitch and roll, trip stats, and battery temperature were entirely absent, limiting drivers’ ability to make informed decisions. Additionally, the interface suffered from unintuitive information architecture and suboptimal control placement, which risked driver distraction and decreased operational efficiency.
When I joined the team, the Drive Mode app existed in a minimal viable form—functional, but lacking critical elements for an optimal in-vehicle experience. Key real-time driving data such as tire pressure, pitch and roll, trip stats, and battery temperature were entirely absent, limiting drivers’ ability to make informed decisions. Additionally, the interface suffered from unintuitive information architecture and suboptimal control placement, which risked driver distraction and decreased operational efficiency.
This project began by investigating two broader design challenges:
This project began by investigating two broader design challenges:
1. How might we integrate real-time driving data into the Drive Mode experience in a way that enhances driver awareness without adding cognitive load?
1. How might we integrate real-time driving data into the Drive Mode experience in a way that enhances driver awareness without adding cognitive load?
2. What interaction and architectural enhancements could improve the usability and safety of the Drive Mode app?
2. What interaction and architectural enhancements could improve the usability and safety of the Drive Mode app?
Design Goals
Design Goals
User Research
User Research
Improve Safety Through Better Interaction Design
Improve Safety Through Better Interaction Design
Ensure critical controls are positioned and grouped to reduce driver distraction and support safe in-motion adjustments.
Ensure critical controls are positioned and grouped to reduce driver distraction and support safe in-motion adjustments.
Establish Clear Information Architecture
Establish Clear Information Architecture
Organize drive mode settings in a way that’s intuitive, easy to navigate, and flexible for future expansion.
Organize drive mode settings in a way that’s intuitive, easy to navigate, and flexible for future expansion.
Enhance Driver Awareness With Real-Time Data
Enhance Driver Awareness With Real-Time Data
Integrate contextual driving data—like tire pressure, battery temperature, and pitch/roll—to support informed decision-making.
Integrate contextual driving data—like tire pressure, battery temperature, and pitch/roll—to support informed decision-making.
Competitor Analysis
Competitor Analysis
As part of our early discovery process, we conducted secondary research to understand how other EV manufacturers design their drive mode interfaces. We analyzed systems from Tesla, Lucid, Porsche, and Ford, focusing on three key areas: control placement and accessibility, the presentation of real-time driving data, and the clarity of their visual hierarchy. Our research revealed opportunities to improve safety by optimizing layout for in-motion use, and to differentiate Rivian’s interface by integrating terrain-aware data like pitch and roll—features rarely seen in competitors’ offerings.
As part of our early discovery process, we conducted secondary research to understand how other EV manufacturers design their drive mode interfaces. We analyzed systems from Tesla, Lucid, Porsche, and Ford, focusing on three key areas: control placement and accessibility, the presentation of real-time driving data, and the clarity of their visual hierarchy. Our research revealed opportunities to improve safety by optimizing layout for in-motion use, and to differentiate Rivian’s interface by integrating terrain-aware data like pitch and roll—features rarely seen in competitors’ offerings.
User interviews
User interviews
To better understand real-world pain points, we interviewed three Rivian owners about their experience using Drive Mode in daily driving scenarios. A common frustration was the placement of certain settings—especially suspension height and traction controls—on the far side of the screen, making them difficult to access while driving.
To better understand real-world pain points, we interviewed three Rivian owners about their experience using Drive Mode in daily driving scenarios. A common frustration was the placement of certain settings—especially suspension height and traction controls—on the far side of the screen, making them difficult to access while driving.
Key User Insights
Key User Insights
1. Control Reachability: Key settings are hard to access safely while driving.
1. Control Reachability: Key settings are hard to access safely while driving.
2. System Transparency: Users don’t fully understand what each drive mode changes.
2. System Transparency: Users don’t fully understand what each drive mode changes.
3. Information Architecture: Settings are not grouped in a way that matches user mental models.
3. Information Architecture: Settings are not grouped in a way that matches user mental models.
4. Data Visibility: Real-time data isn’t expected, but becomes valuable when introduced.
4. Data Visibility: Real-time data isn’t expected, but becomes valuable when introduced.
Use Cases
Use Cases
HMW
HMW
Critical
User Journey
Critical
User Journey
Ideation
Ideation
Persona
Flow 02: View Real-Time Driving Data
Flow 02: View Real-Time Driving Data
Transferring from User Journey to Sitemap
Transferring from User Journey to Sitemap
Defining the UX problem
1. How might we make drive mode settings easier to access while driving, especially the frequently used controls?
2. How might we help users better understand what each drive mode changes in real-time?
3. How might we organize drive mode settings in a way that aligns with how users think and navigate?
4. How might we surface real-time vehicle data in a way that’s helpful without overwhelming the driver?
Drive Mode screen
Drive Mode screen
→
→
"Vehicle Insights" tab / collapsible panel
"Vehicle Insights" tab / collapsible panel
→
Demographics
Demographics
Age: 38
Age: 38
Vehicle: Rivian R1S
Vehicle: Rivian R1S
Driving Style: Mix of city commute and weekend
off-road trips
Driving Style: Mix of city commute and weekend
off-road trips
Pain points
Pain points
Hard-to-reach or scattered controls
Hard-to-reach or scattered controls
Unclear what each mode is doing
Unclear what each mode is doing
Settings are buried or poorly grouped
Settings are buried or poorly grouped
No easy access to key driving data
No easy access to key driving data
Expectations
Quickly adjust drive settings based on terrain or conditions
Understand what each drive mode changes
Monitor real-time vehicle data during trips
Minimize distraction while driving
Alex Carter
Boulder, Colorado
Flow 01: Adjust Drive Mode Settings
Flow 01: Adjust Drive Mode Settings
Launch on home screen
Launch on home screen
→
→
Drive Mode app
Drive Mode app
→
→
Choose drive mode
Choose drive mode
→
→
Adjust ride height / regen with one tap
Adjust ride height / regen with one tap
View live pitch/roll, battery temp, tire pressure
View live pitch/roll, battery temp, tire pressure
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.
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.
Drive Mode
On-Road
Off-Road
Towing
All-Purpose
All-Terrain
Trailers
Sport
Rock Crawl
Conserve
Sand
Snow
Rally
Ride Height
Ride Feel
Brake Regen
Stability
Compass
Elevation
Tire Pressure
Motor Temp
Battery Temp
Trip Info
Pitch & Roll
Mode Selection
Settings
Driving data
Drive Mode
On-Road
Off-Road
Towing
All-Purpose
All-Terrain
Trailers
Sport
Rock Crawl
Conserve
Sand
Snow
Rally
Ride Height
Ride Feel
Brake Regen
Stability
Compass
Elevation
Tire Pressure
Motor Temp
Battery Temp
Trip Info
Pitch & Roll
Mode Selection
Settings
Driving data
Visual Design
-Controller
Visual Design
-Controller
Visual Design
-Driving Data
Visual Design
-Driving Data
Testing
Testing
Final Direction
-Driving Data
Final Direction
-Driving Data
Next Step
Next Step
Closing
Closing
Style Explorations
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.
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.
I experimented with different visual and motion concepts to define how Drive Mode should look and feel across contexts.
Visualize early design direction
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.
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.
👍 All areas visible at a glance
👍 All areas visible at a glance
👎 Visual hierarchy
👎 Visual hierarchy
👍 Contextual data reveals with mode
👍 Contextual data reveals with mode
👎 not enough space to put settings and data
👎 not enough space to put settings and data
Mode Settings
Mode Settings
Mode Selection
Mode Selection
Driving Data
Driving Data
Mode Selection
Mode Selection
Gauge View + Driving Data
Gauge View + Driving Data
Tire Pressure
Tire Pressure
Trip Data
Trip Data
Battery Temp
Battery Temp
Motor Temp
Motor Temp
Mode Selection
Mode Selection
Gauge View + Mode Settings
Gauge View + Mode Settings
Tire Pressure
Tire Pressure
Trip Data
Trip Data
Battery Temp
Battery Temp
Motor Temp
Motor Temp
Driving Data
Driving Data
(Swipe Left)
(Swipe Left)
👍 Modular widget-based layout
👍 Modular widget-based layout
👎 May feel too technical or impersonal
👎 May feel too technical or impersonal
Mode Settings
Mode Settings
Mode Selection
Mode Selection
Driving Data
Driving Data
👍 Modular widget-based layout
👍 Modular widget-based layout
👎 May feel too technical or impersonal
👎 May feel too technical or impersonal
Mode Selection
Mode Selection
Mode Settings
Mode Settings
Driving Data (Widgets)
Driving Data (Widgets)
👍 Visually product-centric, highlights the vehicle
👍 Visually product-centric, highlights the vehicle
👎 Hard to maintain reachability across UI
👎 Hard to maintain reachability across UI
Mode Selection
Mode Selection
Gauge View + Mode Settings
Gauge View + Mode Settings
Driving Data
Driving Data
Widget Style Explorations
We learned from user research that many drivers wanted more control over their driving experience. So in the next phase, we will explore what customization could look like for Drive Mode.
We learned from user research that many drivers wanted more control over their driving experience. So in the next phase, we will explore what customization could look like for Drive Mode.
Designing for Physical Context
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.
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
Visual Communication vs. Readability
Explored bold visuals but realized clarity must come first—especially under challenging lighting and driving conditions.
Explored bold visuals but realized clarity must come first—especially under challenging lighting and driving conditions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Worked closely with UX, HMI, and research to align design decisions across disciplines and iterate effectively.
Worked closely with UX, HMI, and research to align design decisions across disciplines and iterate effectively.
We refined the widget visuals with a neutral background and accent colors only for key data points.
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.
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.
It maintains clarity, scales well across layouts, and adapts seamlessly to multiple data types.
Testing in Real World
Testing in Real World
Tested the UI under real lighting and screen conditions to evaluate color contrast and readability.
Tested the UI under real lighting and screen conditions to evaluate color contrast and readability.
Findings:
Findings:
🎨 Colored backgrounds conflicted with accent colors
🎨 Colored backgrounds conflicted with accent colors
👓 Reduced text readability
👓 Reduced text readability
🌗 Caused theme inconsistency
🌗 Caused theme inconsistency
Refined Visual System
What I’ve Learned
Final Visual & Motion System
Final Visual & Motion System
A cohesive design system that combines visual clarity and expressive motion to strengthen user trust and focus during driving.
A cohesive design system that combines visual clarity and expressive motion to strengthen user trust and focus during driving.
Expectations
Quickly adjust drive settings based on terrain or conditions
Understand what each drive mode changes
Monitor real-time vehicle data during trips
Minimize distraction while driving
Exploring Visual Directions