Tesla Autopilot
Making Tesla’s Autopilot feature safer for the sake of the driver and those around.
Context
During the Super bowl, a commercial aired that challenged the design of Tesla’s auto-pilot feature, showing examples of where the auto-pilot did not recognize child-sized objects and had potentially deadly effects.
While Tesla advertises these features such that the user must still be alert and attending to the road, its affordances do not match this warning as users have been found to do other activities such as sleeping while driving.
My Role
Product Designer
Team
Individual
Timeline
Sep - Oct 2023
Why a solo project?
This is a design sprint project assigned by my INST367 professor. After learning the research methodologies taught in class, I was assigned to put them into practice by working on a one month duration project. I alone am responsible for all the processes, including prototyping, user testing, and designing.
Core Features
Driver attentiveness check
An implemented alertness check that pops up every 10 minutes to ensure that the driver is paying attention and remains awake while driving.
Emergency response
No response from the driver will result in the vehicle pulling over and calling SOS.
Removing phone distractions
One of the main distractions for drivers is smartphone use. To combat texting while driving, the most effective solution is to restrict phone usage when driving.
Now that you’ve seen the end product…
Let’s take a few steps back and go over the process
IDEATION
It started with a pen and paper…
I began sketching various solutions to prevent driver distraction and maintain attention. This approach will enable me to integrate different concepts that I believe will complement each other effectively.
Flashing warning sign on the screen if driver takes their hands off the wheel.
Pressure sensors on the brakes and the steering wheel.
Camera build into the mirror to track eye movement.
Vibrating seat that wakes the driver.
Wireless phone station for driver to place their phone.
Tesla Connect app for user to sync their devices.
And then paper cut-outs…
I created a paper prototype of the features that my proposed system will contain. Making paper prototypes allows me to quickly visualize and test the functionality, facilitating early feedback and iterative design improvements.
USABILITY TEST
Testing my paper prototype
I reached out to two individuals who tested my prototype while I guided them through various tasks, such as “Turn on autopilot” or “Connect your smartphone to your Tesla.” During the process, I tracked any difficulties or questions they had while navigating the system. Some of the comments and questions were…
DIGITIZING
There’s only so much to show on paper.
In the end, this is a digital product. So, what better way to demonstrate its functionality than by creating a digital prototype? As I worked on crafting my low-fidelity frames, I made sure to incorporate changes based on the feedback received during my paper prototype testing.
USER’S EXPERIENCE
Time to test the digital prototype.
After completing the digital version of my design prototype, I reached out to a new set of testers to gain feedback and criticism for further improvement. I recorded what the testers like and dislike about each aspect of the prototype. Here is the results…
Alert ⚠️
Aside from a flashing sign, there will also be a sound that plays, similar to a seatbelt warning.
Pro
- Easily catches driver’s attention
Con
- Alert is very intense
Device Syncing 📱
Phone has to be connected and place on the wireless stand to use auto pilot.
Pro
- Prevents texting and driving
Con
- Needs more instructions/guide
- Am I connecting to MY car?
The comment that made me rethink my approach
“This is too restrictive. If I have to keep both hands on the wheel all the time, I might as well drive manually and not use autopilot at all.”
RE-IDEATE
A product that provides a good experience and serve its purpose
The concept of requiring drivers to keep both hands on the steering wheel was not well-received, as it limits their ability to perform other tasks. However, this approach contradicts the primary purpose of autopilot, which is to allow drivers to relax without completely disengaging. A new idea is needed that enables users to continue utilizing this feature while still maintaining their attention on the road.
NEW FEATURE
Alternative solution
I began exploring other options to replace the restriction that hands must be on the steering wheel. I considered implementing a heart rate sensor to track if the driver is asleep. However, one day at work, I came across a pop-up...
Once I had my idea, I created an example of a check-in feature. However, I also want to incorporate additional features such as voice recognition, allowing the driver to either press the button or say “I am here.”
Button Only
Button and Voice Recognition
FINAL DESIGN
Putting everything together
After numerous design iterations and careful consideration of the feedback received, I have compiled all the insights and suggestions to forge the final design product.
LAST COMMENTS
Presenting my final product
At the end of the project timeline, I presented my final design to my class. Here are the final comments I received…
“I really like how there are two options for me to answer the check-in.”
“The display reminds me of Apple Carplay, something I’m familiar with using.”
“The design approach is smart, these days, there are many irresponsible drivers who text and drive. This should be something added to manual driving cars too.”
REFLECTION
What I learned from this project…
This design sprint project was a mixture of challenge and enjoyment. Unlike my other project, ResLife, where I was given a semester to work on the entire research and design process within a group of five, for this project, I only had a month to ideate, test, and design. During each of my testing phases, I received constructive feedback, which I took into account for my next design iteration. This accelerated pace fostered my ability to rapidly synthesize ideas and iterate on designs, sharpening my agility and adaptability in fast-paced environments.