User interface design for a navigation and communication system in the automotive world

Abstract

What makes a "smart graphic" and what distinguishes it from other design or graphic variants? Many existing designs for navigation and communication systems in high-end cars are not so attractive, don't feel the user emotional and are not easy to use. In contrast, smart graphics have the advantage that it entice the user to interact with the display, the systems or the application and appealing to his aesthetic expectations while maintaining high quality appearance. It is totally user-friendly and uncomplicated thus avoiding misapplication. Smart graphic uses real time execution of all functions ensuring simple and fast interaction. A limiting factor of performance is the capacity of the computer systems so a graphic has to adapt to the characteristics of the medium used. In the end, it also must satisfy high design expectations and technical features. The aim of this paper is to investigate the potential of 'smart graphics' in the design of user interfaces for automotive navigation and communication systems. A comparison will be made with other design and graphic variants to fully grasp the additional value of 'smart graphics'. Our experience has taught us that a smart graphic integrates all of these aspects while optimally combining aesthetic qualities, user specific conditions and the environment it is used in (e.g. in a vehicle). These insights are of great importance to arrive at interface designs that fully adhere to technical, aesthetic, emotional and usability requirements. © Springer-Verlag 2004.