Are automotive design systems really helping users? Or just making things look nice?
Key Takeaways:
- Consistency is key: design systems help create a familiar experience across platforms, but being too strict can stifle creativity.
- Balance usability and style: users want both a great-looking interface and one that’s easy to use.
- Remember the user: The best systems make life easier for users, not harder.
As someone who’s spent years in design, I know the importance of keeping things consistent and easy for users. But when it comes to the automotive world, where brands are now creating their own design systems for apps and in-car screens, I can’t help but wonder — are these design systems really helping users, or are they just about looking polished? Let’s dive into a few big players and see what they’re doing right (and maybe not so right).
Before we jump into reviewing the design systems, I want to share with you a great resources Auto Interfaces Showcase by Humanistic is a curated platform that dives deep into automotive interface design. It highlights the user experience trends shaping infotainment systems, from navigation to entertainment.
It also allows designers and product managers to explore a variety of approaches, gain insights into UI evolution across brands, and stay updated on the latest design philosophies in automotive tech.
