Edge is a conceptual design effort to declutter the feature-heavy instrument cluster and to enhance the overall experience. The project is carried out in a quick span of three days.
Motorcycle instrument clusters used to be simple, minimal, and on point.
And now the modern motorcycle dashboard looks something likes this.
These modern motorcycles, specifically high end and electric vehicles, are equipped with TFT or touch screen instrument clusters that allows the designers to utilize every pixel, color range, and motion in every possible way, which is trending now.
But what's the problem?
With the freedom to display anything on this relatively small high definition screen, the features creep tendency also amplifies the issue of displaying too much information.
Leading to distraction and confusion while riding
Before diving in,
Understanding what driver WANTS while riding
V/s
What driver actually NEEDS while riding
Mind mapping
The new essential features manufacturers provide
Real time information
Phone calling
Navigation
Music
Test rides and Experiencing
Inference
Key consideration for design
Clean
Intuitive
Glanceable
Contextual
Assumptions
The user is riding a electric scooter having a 6 inch colour display
The user is wearing a bluetooth earphones which is connected to his scooter’s system.
Scenarios
The user is riding is scooter in a normal speed; what data will he see on the screen?
The user gets a call while riding. How will he interact?
The user wants to change/control the music; How can he do it?
Design considerations
The vehicle is provided with multifunction controller situated on the right handle bar.
But why Physical controls?
Because any other type of interaction would need special arrangements. Whereas the physical controls have a slight learning curve, but once achieved, they will be effortless and fun to use once they become muscle memory.
Task flow
Listen to music
Answer call
Instrument cluster screens
Welcome Screen
The screen welcomes the rider with a greeting along with indicator light.
Home Screen
The welcome screen flows into an uncluttered clean interface along with a hierarchy.
The user can see the range of vehicles without switching the modes. The battery info size is slightly reduced to avoid "range anxiety," which is common in an electric vehicle.
Scenario 1 : Riding at a speed of 30km/h
Starting Screen
When the vehicle is started, unnecessary information is laid off, making the screen more contextual.
Riding screen
While in motion, the speedometer begins to glow from the center to represent the power used, thus displaying the connected information.
Speed is represented in the form of circular meter and digit, thus exploiting the redundancy.
Scenario 2: Getting a call while riding.
Incoming Call
The incoming call screen has been made easy to glance at by reducing the emphasis to the riding screen(yet the essential information is visible).
The information of which button to use is also displayed until it becomes muscle memory to the user.
Received call
To associate the user with the phone call screen is highlighted in green.
Display shoes the time duration clearly in bold letters and also instructions to end the call.
Incoming Call while in call.
The system also provided the call waiting option to give an edge on the overall experience.
Scenario 3: Control the music
Music player
When the user is at rest, he can access the music tab by touching the music CTA. While in motion, he simply long-press the OK button to enter the music menu.
The screen displays the instruction along with the wireframe of the controller for ease of use.
