CAR | Game Mode

HUD (Head-Up Display) Introduction

In today's high-tech era, the Head-Up Display (HUD) has become integral to several industries, offering a direct way to present essential information to users without the need for them to divert their gaze. From video games to aviation, the application of HUD spans multiple sectors, making it a popular and ever-evolving technology.

Video: The Head-up Display(HUD) is popular in various industrial

HUD Applications in Automobiles

In recent times, the HUD technology has made its way into the automotive industry, offering drivers a safer and more intuitive driving experience. In cars, the HUD typically projects crucial data onto the front windshield, allowing drivers to remain informed without the need to look down at the traditional dashboard.

Safety: By presenting information directly within the driver's line of sight, HUDs help reduce the time drivers divert their attention from the road, enhancing driving safety.

Real-time Data: From speed, fuel levels, to navigation cues and traffic alerts, HUDs provide drivers with the real-time data they need to stay optimally informed about their vehicle and road conditions.

Customization and Interactivity: With technological advancements, modern automotive HUD systems allow drivers to customize the information they wish to display and even interact with other vehicle systems, such as music playback or phone functionalities.

As technology continues to progress, we can anticipate the HUD systems in automobiles to further evolve, offering drivers more features and an improved driving experience. Whether for enhancing driving comfort or elevating road safety, the role of HUDs in the automotive sector is set to become increasingly significant.

Problem Statement

How can we enhance driver safety during Highway drives through improved HUD (Head-Up Display) design?

In 2022, the NHTSA projected 42,795 traffic fatalities, a slight decrease from 2021, with a lower fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Despite increased driving, the fourth quarter of 2022 saw a third consecutive decline in fatalities after seven quarters of increases. The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Roadway Safety Strategy and substantial funding aim to combat this crisis and improve road safety.

According to existing data that traffic accidents are more frequent on roads. , while highway collisions tend to cause more significant damage and loss of life due to higher vehicle speeds.

Primary Research

Secondary Research: Interview

I initiated the process with a desire to understand the needs of long-distance drivers, specifically looking into challenges they face and what could improve their driving experience.

Participant Recruitment:
I reached out to several long-distance drivers, inviting them to share their experiences. My target group comprised individuals who frequently traveled intercity, either for work or leisure.

Main Interview Questions:

• How often do you go on long-distance drives?
• What are the common challenges you face during these journeys?
• Have you ever felt boredom or fatigue during long drives? If so, how do you combat it?
• How familiar are you with Head-Up Displays (HUD)?
• What features would you like to see in an ideal HUD?
• Do you often travel alone or with someone?
• How does that influence your driving experience?

Result:
After conducting multiple interviews, I began to notice patterns. A subset of our interviewees, represented by Samto, was skilled drivers who traveled long distances weekly. They not only expressed concerns about safety but also mentioned the element of boredom during such trips. The idea of an enhanced HUD as a solution was a recurring theme, with many wishing for a fusion of safety and entertainment features.

Persona

Samto is my persona profile. He is a skilled driver who embarks on long-distance trips with his wife to nearby cities every week. He aspires to design a new HUD (Head-Up Display) to address the issue of boredom during long drives, aiming to enhance both driving safety and entertainment.

Brainstorming-Card Storing

Based on my user persona, I have redefined the objectives to be achieved and identified three major categories from which I can address these issues.

Crazy 8

In Crazy 8, I came up with 8 different solutions to achieve the user's GOAL

Affinity Clustering

Prioritization Matrix

Design solution - Activation

Game Mode

Drivers have the option to choose from three distinct game modes during their journey.

In 'Easy Mode', they are tasked with collecting 3 stars. For a more challenging experience, 'Hard Mode' requires the collection of 4 stars. Lastly, the 'Robust Mode', designed for those seeking the utmost challenge, demands the collection of 5 stars.

This mode implies a heightened level of fatigue and emphasizes the need for enhanced concentration on the road. Each increase in game difficulty serves to amplify the driver's attention, ensuring not only entertainment but also improved driving safety.

Design solution - Collecting stars during driving

Stars will appear on the road, guiding drivers to either stay straight or maintain their lane during turns. In areas requiring heightened caution and attention, stars will emerge for drivers to collect, emphasizing the importance of careful navigation.

Design solution - Unsafe Alerts

Unsafe alerts will be displayed as visual notifications on the HUD, reducing the driver's overall score. These alerts serve as reminders for drivers to maintain focus and attentiveness throughout their journey.