This page is part of my Graduation Portfolio for the Master Industrial Design at Eindhoven University of Technology.
My Current Project: Glide
As autonomous vehicles (AVs) become more prevalent, ensuring passenger trust and comfort is essential. Glide addresses this by allowing passengers to intuitively adjust driving parameters—distance, acceleration, and speed—via a tactile physical interface.
To find out more about the project click here:
Expertise Area Development & Integration during my FMP
Over the past two years, the Industrial Design Master’s program has equipped me with a unique and comprehensive skill set, preparing me to tackle the challenges of my Final Master Project. During this project I designed Glide, which helped me grow significantly across all expertise areas and allowing me to fine tune my professional identity and vision even further.
Below you will find a detailed description of how I applied previously developed skills (Past Development) and developed new ones in my FMP.
User & Society
In line with my PI&V, I took a user-centred approach in my FMP. If AVs make it to the market, improving the passenger experience will be a globally relevant issue. Therefore, I wanted to involve potential users throughout the design process. However, due to the speculative nature of AVs, it was challenging for users to grasp the context. As a result, I focused on experts to better align my concept with user needs. However, this approach also taught me that while experts bring years of experience and knowledge, they may also be biased by their own expertise.
Throughout the project, I applied previously learnt methods, such as co-creation and thematic analysis, to evaluate concepts and then analyse findings[1][2]. I aimed to incorporate various perspectives by involving participants inside and outside of Mercedes-Benz. This ensured that the project aligned with Mercedes-Benz’s goals while also being evaluated from external viewpoints.
The project was designed with the upcoming implementation on AVs in mind. Glide therefore reflects my awareness of future societal challenges.
[1] What is Co-Creation. (2024, November 30). The Interaction Design Foundation. https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/co-creation?srsltid=AfmBOorWqSrd3qhcpG6505cKEX4w2sGA7U7DcK6qlIMU-IWoATqzTDeF
[2] J. Fereday and E. Muir-Cochrane, “Demonstrating rigor using thematic analysis: A hybrid approach of inductive and deductive coding and theme development,” International journal of qualitative methods, vol. 5, pp. 80-92, 2006.
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Creativity & Aesthetics
For this project I used a non-linear design approach inspired by the Design Thinking methodology [3], to meet my goals. I worked on the Graphic UI, Tangible UI and its technical implementation in parallel. Each of these aspects were iterated upon simultaneously to tie together form, function and interaction. While the development of the final demonstrator aimed to make as many aspects of the design experienceable as possible, some compromises had to be made to ensure feasibility.
Given that I worked on this project for Mercedes-Benz, it was important to incorporate their design language to ensure the GUI and TUI integrate well in the vehicle. This was validated by supervisor at Mercedes-Benz. The evaluation can be found [here].
Overall, I reflected about the concept repeatedly from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd perspective to ensure a well-rounded concept which aligns with my PI&V as well as the values of all stakeholders involved.
[3] T. Brown, “Design thinking,” Harvard business review, vol. 86, no. 6, p. 84, 2008.
Technology & Realisation
Before starting the semester, I set myself the goal to create physical lo-fi prototypes as soon as a promising idea materialises. I implemented this rapid prototyping methodology extensively during the semester. Initially, I created quick wireframes t and later to the development of the handle design. Additionally, I purchased a 3D printer to assist in this goal.
While working at Mercedes-Benz, I also learned about different prototyping tools such as ProtoPie. With the help of colleagues, I learnt how to use it and created a interactive environment that integrates the TUI and GUI into a cohesive system.
Additionally, during the semester, I pushed far beyond my previous technical prototypes. I developed a technical interface that incorporates various motors and sensors and is capable of wirelessly transferring data. Although the prototype has some technology-based limitations, it effectively communicates the desired features, and it could be used in a field study to evaluate the concept with users.
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Math, Data & Computing
While developing the prototype, I had to consider the transfer of data between the technical prototypes, ProtoPie Connect, and ProtoPie Studio. In the latter, I used the received data and converted it into different variables. Given the three-dimensional orientation of the GUI, these variables had to be adapted through calculations, to transform it into visual changes.
Additionally, I had to account for the computing power of the microcontrollers and optimize the code to ensure smooth functionality. It was also necessary to manage the transfer of data between three separate prototypes, with unique identifiers and mirrored values. This required careful coordination to ensure seamless communication across the system.
The prototype also takes into account future user testing. It is constructed in such way that quantitative data about user behaviour can be collected. Overall, this project shows my ability to consider computational limitations and combine various tools to create a well-integrated experience.
Business & Entrepreneurship
As mentioned previously, I worked on my FMP for the Mercedes-Benz Advanced UX Design team. This was my first internship in such a large corporation, and revealed many unexpected industry aspects. One example is the extensive timeline in developing a car. The long development time, however, confirmed that I had chosen the timeline for Glide correctly, as it aligns with the industry’s pace. Furthermore, as touched upon above, when considering the feasibility of Glide, I had to consider the values of Mercedes-Benz. Ensuring the design aligns with them was key to have Glide inspire future designs.
Additionally, I used my access to experts to involve them in the design process. By considering their insights and balancing it against other knowledge, I made informed decisions about my own design process. For example, choosing not to continue the ideation phase and instead exploring control division first.
Overall, I integrated well into the team, aligning with my PI&V of being a flexible and empathic designer (Externally validated [here]).
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Relationship between the EAs
The most important relationships between the different expertise areas are firstly U&S, C&A and B&E. These EAs were closely intertwined, as I had to balance the needs and values of users with those of Mercedes-Benz. This ensured that the design aligned with Mercedes-Benz’s design language while remaining functional, feasible, and user centred.
Secondly the technical implementation of Glide required a strong integration of T&R, M, D&C and C&A. Code optimizations and data transfer between different devices was required to tie together the tangible and graphic interfaces. Additionally, the form, function, and interaction of the design influenced one another and had to be carefully considered to create a cohesive and experienceable demonstrator.
To read more about my future plans:
Appendix – Supervisor Evaluation
It has been a pleasure to have Lucas with us for his master design project. His focus on creating a democratic interface for autonomous driving, allowing multiple users to negotiate the driving style of a self-driving car, was both innovative and thought-provoking.
Lucas developed an interactive prototype that effectively demonstrated his concept. The quality and finish of his presentation were exceptional, and the technical setup was notably impressive. His solution stood out by incorporating rich physical interactions supplemented by a screen, making it far more engaging than a standard touch screen interface.
Lucas exhibited a commendable work ethic throughout his project. He was often in the office more than many of his colleagues. Despite a slower start during the research and brainstorming phase, he gained significant momentum during the prototyping phase, enabling him to produce multiple iterations of his design.
Although Lucas worked independently, he made excellent use of his colleagues by involving them in brainstorming sessions and interviewing them as experts to gather feedback on his concept. One of his best decisions was to simplify the number of variables that could be set and to make the concept slightly less democratic by putting the person in the traditional driver’s seat in charge. This refinement significantly enhanced the usability of his interface.
Lucas was also keenly interested in other projects within the company, seeking to understand how different approaches or technologies could be integrated into his work. This curiosity and willingness to learn were evident throughout his project.
At Mercedes-Benz, we pride ourselves on being pioneers in autonomous driving, notably being the first OEM to receive permission to sell Level 3 capable vehicles to customers in Germany and some US states. We are also renowned for our luxurious interiors. Lucas’ approach to combining advanced technology with rich physical interaction aligns perfectly with our brand ethos.
I am delighted to share that Lucas will be joining us for an internship to work on some of our production car topics. His creativity, technical skill, and dedication will undoubtedly be valuable assets to our team.
Zane Amiralis
Manager Advanced UX Design, Mercedes-Benz
Sindelfingen, Germany
zane.amiralis@mercedes-benz.com