Role | Research, Ideation, UI/UX designer Timeline | Aug 2024 - Jan 2025 Tools | Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effect Team | Jennifer Wang, Jaebum Choi, Hyeon Kim, Colby Carter, Huamin Wen
External HMI
This project looks into new ways for electric vehicles to communicate with people outside the car through External Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI). It focuses on two main goals: improving the user experience in premium electric vehicles and making safety communication clearer as cars become more autonomous. As vehicles get smarter, it’s important they can easily show what they’re doing—not just to drivers, but also to pedestrians and others nearby. This research explores design ideas and technologies that help vehicles communicate clearly, naturally, and with emotional impact. The goal is to build trust and confidence between people and vehicles, creating a safer and more human-centered future.
22-30% of Honda users do off-road riding with their current Honda vehicle
Honda Customer Survay, 2024
80% of the surveyed group drive other makes/models off-road.
Honda Customer Survay, 2024
Distracted driving contributed to ~29% of road deaths in 2022
How might we design an intuitive infotainment system that shows only the important trail information, helps drivers stay confident off-road, and reflects Honda’s adventurous spirit?
This question helped frame our approach toward reducing cognitive load, creating a smarter, more focused user experience, and visually aligning with Honda’s next-generation brand identity. The goal was not only to provide functionality, but to deliver an emotionally resonant and purpose-driven driving experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
User Goals
Goal 01 Minimize cognitive load
Goal 02 Make the interface intuitive
Goal 03 Deliver context-aware information
Goal 04 Reinforce the cohesive brand identity
The Solution
Honda Trail Infotainment system is an intuitive, adaptive HMI designed specifically for off-road and adventure drivers. It prioritizes and displays only the essential trail information, reducing cognitive load so users can stay focused and confident on the terrain ahead. The interface dynamically adjusts in real time to different driving situations, supporting novice and experienced drivers alike, as well as those camping in their vehicles. Built with a rugged yet refined visual style that aligns seamlessly with Honda’s adventurous brand identity, the system keeps the experience simple, clear, and intuitive. By simplifying complex data and tailoring content to user needs, the Trail Infotainment system transforms how drivers interact with their vehicle off-road, making exploration safer, smarter, and more enjoyable.
Key Features
Key Takeaway
• Collaborated closely with researchers, engineers, motion designers, and 3D artists to align design goals with technical constraints. • Prioritized early-stage testing of key interactions such as pitch and roll indicators and vehicle orientation to validate usability before final visual design. • Iterated design solutions based on user feedback and cross-team input, improving clarity and intuitiveness. • Gained valuable experience in managing cross-disciplinary collaboration and balancing user needs with engineering feasibility in automotive HMI projects.
Process
The product development process was highly dynamic and non-linear, shaped by continuous feedback and evolving insights from multiple studios. As the project lead and lead UI/UX designer in the LA R&D design studio, I guided the concept, UI/UX, and prototyping phases while navigating this iterative flow that demanded frequent adjustments and realignments. To ensure a smooth and effective process, I organized and led recurring weekly meetings with cross-functional teams, including researchers, motion designers, engineers, and the leadership team, facilitating clear communication, alignment, and collaboration at every stage from development through production.
Problem (Old Design)
01 Visually Cluttered and Overwhelming The previous interface displayed too much information at once without clear grouping, causing cognitive overload and distracting drivers from the trail.
02 Poor Information Organization Key data lacked clear hierarchy and structure, making it difficult for both novice and expert users to quickly find what they need.
03 Outdated and Inconsistent Design The screen’s look was visually outdated and didn’t align with the refreshed brand identity, weakening user trust and engagement.
04 Complicated Interaction The interface was not intuitive, which discouraged novice users and reduced engagement for avid off-roaders who need quick, effortless control.
Until 2025, Honda’s TrailSport meter screen displayed excessive information simultaneously, resulting in a cluttered and visually outdated interface that was difficult to navigate. The lack of visual hierarchy and adaptability made it challenging for drivers of all skill levels to quickly find important data, reducing driver confidence and failing to embody the adventurous and focused spirit of the TrailSport brand.
Magic Moments
01 Wouldn’t it be great if your meter screen showed only the essential info so you could focus on driving without distractions, whether you’re just starting out or tackling tough trails?
02 Wouldn’t it be great if key data was organized clearly so everyone could find what they need quickly and easily?
04 Wouldn’t it be great if interacting with your meter screen felt effortless so newcomers feel confident and off-road enthusiasts stay fully engaged?
03 Wouldn’t it be great if the screen’s look matched the fresh brand style, creating a modern, cohesive driving experience?
User Goals
01 Simplify the Screen See only the essential information by reducing clutter and minimizing visual noise
02 Improve Navigation Easily find and understand key data through clear organization and visual hierarchy.
03 Enhance Brand Experience Engage with a modernized design that strengthens and reflects the refreshed brand identity
04 Boost User Engagement Interact effortlessly with the meter screen for a more intuitive and enjoyable driving experience.
The goal is to create a meter screen that presents only the essential information clearly and intuitively, allowing drivers, whether novice, expert, or avid off-roaders, to focus on the trail without distraction. By simplifying the interface, organizing data with a clear visual hierarchy, and updating the design to reflect the refreshed brand identity, the experience becomes more engaging and accessible for all users, boosting confidence and enjoyment during every drive.
Research & Concept Development
Customer Survey Helped identify the types of trail information users want to feel more confident and in control during off-road driving.
Expert Interviews Provided guidance on which technical features and real-time vehicle data are essential for safe and effective off-road experiences.
Competitor Benchmarking Revealed that Honda’s current infotainment offering lagged behind key competitors, many of whom already provide advanced trail-focused features.
The Trail Information concept was developed through multi-source research and collaborative design efforts to ensure the solution was both user-centered and market-aware. Key insights came from:
22-30% of Honda users do off-road riding with their current Honda vehicle
Honda Customer Survay, 2024
22-30% of Honda users do off-road riding with their current Honda vehicle
Honda Customer Survay, 2024
80% of the surveyed group drive other makes/models off-road.
Honda Customer Survay, 2024
Distracted driving contributed to ~29% of road deaths in 2022
Up to 25% improvement in driver decision making speed with visually prioritized interfaces
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 2022
Global off-road vehicle market valued at $23.29 billion in 2023, projected to reach $39.5 billion by 2033
Allied Market Research, 2023
Off-road vehicle electronics market expected to grow from $12.5B in 2023 to $22.3B by 2032 (CAGR 6.5%)
DataIntelo Market Report, 2023
Target Market
Demographic • Age Range: 25–54 years old • Gender: All genders, but majority male-skewed (based on off-road and truck ownership trends) • Occupation: Professionals, creatives, engineers, tech-savvy workers, and outdoor enthusiasts • Income Level: Middle to upper-middle class ($75k–$150k household income) • Location: Suburban to rural areas with access to trails, mountains, or national parks • Vehicle Use Case: Daily driving plus weekend off-roading, camping, or overlanding adventures • Driving Experience: Mix of novice to intermediate off-roaders seeking confidence and support • Lifestyle: Active, outdoor-oriented, and tech-friendly individuals • Tech Familiarity: Comfortable with in-car tech but prefers clean, intuitive, and easy-to-use interfaces • Device Usage: Regular users of navigation, fitness, weather, and off-road/trail planning apps
57% of SUV buyers are male, 43% are female.
Motor & Wheels SUV Demographics, 2023
43% of new SUV buyers are aged 25–54.
Motor & Wheels SUV Demographics, 2023
40% of SUV buyers have household incomes of $100K or more.
Inkwood Research, U.S. SUV Market Report, 2024
53% of SUV buyers hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Motor & Wheels SUV Demographics, 2023
Persona
Design Criteria
Mission Statement
Honda Trail Infotainment is an adaptive, user-centered interface designed to deliver clear, prioritized trail information for off-road drivers. By tailoring content to diverse user needs and environments, it reduces cognitive load and enhances safety, while embodying the rugged and adventurous spirit of the Honda TrailSport brand.
