Miles
Innovative car media control
Overview
The Miles project is an ambitious initiative aimed at mitigating distracted driving incidents, particularly in older vehicles that lack modern safety features and technology. By leveraging a combination of AI, gesture control, and vehicle health monitoring systems, Miles seeks to significantly reduce the risks associated with distracted driving, making roads safer for everyone.
My Role
As the project lead, my responsibility was to guide a team of three UX designers through the development of this solution. This role entailed coordinating the design process, ensuring that our solutions were user-centric, and navigating the challenges of integrating new technology into older automotive frameworks.
Highlights
Problem
Distracted driving is a leading cause of road accidents and fatalities
Older vehicles, which form a significant portion of the cars on the road, often lack the advanced safety features and connectivity that can help mitigate these risks. Drivers of such cars are at a higher risk of engaging in behaviors that distract them from driving, such as using their phones or other devices.
.jpg)
Solution
Miles introduces a suite of technologies designed to retrofit older cars with modern safety features, including:
- An AI-assisted dashcam that monitors driving patterns and alerts drivers to potential distractions.
- A Seatbelt Gesture Control Device that enables drivers to control their car's media, navigation, and communication features through simple hand gestures, reducing the need to interact with mobile devices or car controls.
- An OBD2 Reader that not only monitors the car's health and maintenance needs but also integrates with the Miles app to provide drivers with insights and alerts related to their driving habits and vehicle condition.
Approach
The development of Miles began with comprehensive research into the causes and consequences of distracted driving. We conducted user interviews, surveys, and observational studies to understand the specific challenges faced by drivers of older vehicles. This research informed our design decisions, ensuring that the solutions we developed were both effective in reducing distractions and compatible with a wide range of vehicle models and types.
Design
The design phase focused on creating intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces for the Miles technologies, with a particular emphasis on minimizing cognitive and physical distractions. We employed an iterative design process, using prototypes to test and refine our ideas. User feedback was instrumental in shaping the final designs, ensuring that they would be well-received by our target audience.
Impact
While it's too early to quantify the full impact of the Miles project on distracted driving statistics, initial feedback and pilot tests have been promising. Drivers report feeling more focused and less tempted to use their phones while driving, thanks to the hands-free control options and driving aids provided by Miles. Over time, we expect to see a measurable decrease in distracted driving incidents among users of the technology.
Reflection
This project underscored the critical role of UX design in addressing complex issues like distracted driving. It challenged us to think creatively about how to integrate new technology into old cars in a way that feels seamless and intuitive for users. The experience reinforced the value of user-centered design and iterative development, teaching us valuable lessons about the importance of adaptability and empathy in creating solutions that can make a real difference in people's lives.
By focusing on the prevalent issue of distracted driving and addressing it with innovative technology, the Miles project exemplifies how thoughtful design and user-centric solutions can improve safety and enhance the driving experience, even in older vehicles.