Client
Volvo Cars
Project type
UX/UI Design
Industry
Automotive
Date
2022 - 2025
Introduction
How different design choices lead to a safer driving experience
The Volvo Sensus infotainment system is an essential tool for drivers, providing everything from media controls to vehicle settings. However, the system's swipe-based navigation caused frustration and distracted users. This redesign aims to solve usability challenges and enhance safety.
The Challenge
Swipe-based navigation created friction and distraction
Drivers relied on imprecise swipe gestures to reach core controls, forcing their attention away from the road. Frequent mis-taps, deep menu layers, and inconsistent feedback made even simple tasks like adjusting climate or media feel risky while driving.
Research & Discovery
Understanding how drivers really use the system
We ran interviews and usability tests with current Volvo owners, mapping every interaction during typical drives. Patterns quickly emerged: users hesitated at unlabeled gestures, lost track of where they were in menus, and wanted critical controls within a single reach.
The Solution
A tap-first interface built around the driver’s reach
We replaced ambiguous swipes with a clear, tappable layout. Primary controls live on a persistent home view, secondary actions sit one tap away, and consistent feedback confirms every action — keeping focus on the road.
Driver Display
One language across every gauge cluster
From the focused speed view to the full-bleed map and split layouts, each driver display variant shares the same hierarchy, typography, and colour logic — so switching modes never means relearning the screen.
In the Cockpit
Seen the way drivers actually see it
Every layout was validated in context — behind the wheel, against real ambient light and glance times — to make sure the redesign holds up in the place that matters most.
Outcome & Impact
Calmer interactions, fewer distractions
In usability testing the redesigned system was faster to operate and felt noticeably less distracting, with users completing key tasks more confidently and with fewer errors.
42%
Faster task completion
2×
Fewer interaction errors
9/10
Would prefer the new system
