CHECKLIST
JourneyLink
Forging seamless connections among long-distance multi-vehicle road trips
Scroll down to explore
My role
Product design, Visual Design, Strategy
TEAM
TARGET AUDIENCE
Long-distance multi-vehicle road trippers. (United States)
TIMELINE
Apr to Aug 2023 to Ongoing
The Opportunity
BACKGROUND
With rising long-distance travel, current systems struggle to coordinate multiple vehicles efficiently, leading to navigation issues and discomfort.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Rising traffic demand and growing technology signals a trend toward smarter vehicle interactions. V2V communication optimizes travel flow and fosters connection on the road.
WHAT WE DO
This project introduces a V2V HMI feature for seamless real-time coordination via the growing Internet of Vehicle.
A Glimpse into the Journey
The Challenge we have...
How can we create a connected experience for team drivers traveling in separate cars during lengthy road trips?
The Approach
What we heard from the users...
We undertook focused interviews with 8 car owners from 20-50 in all gender, centering our discussions around the following key areas:
ACTION
Pre-Travel Planning
Road Tripping
Memory Sharing
On the road
Find parking
Take photos
Follow navigation
Listen to music/podcast
Take photos
Add stopping point
Find gas station
Monitor vehicle condition
Communicate locations
Play games with friends
Share things on social media
Send out photos to fellow travelers
Share real time location through phone
Share destination with friends via phone
Research for destination info and weather
Plan the trip itinerary
Download offline map
Share travel plan with friends
Set destination
Check traffic condition
Check vehicle condition
Arrive
Depart
Alert System
Reminder for maintenance when the vehicle abnormal
Inexperienced driver needs help
Automatically generate accident records
Share vehicle accidents’ info with insurance company
Users concern about...
Travel Plans
"As the responsible driver, I like to mark key points on the map in advance and download offline maps based on our plan."
Navigation
"I wish there was a feature to sync the itineraries of all team members, so we could see each other’s locations in real-time."
Activities During Trips
"I want an easy way to mark the places we’ve visited, so it’s simpler to remember and share our travel experiences."
Emergency Situations
"I want to know if other drivers are facing difficulties, so I can offer help if needed."
Among them, we found that young individuals prefer traveling with friends or family and value technology that supports detailed planning and safe experiences.
What's on the existing vehicle system landscape?
Innovation highlights few car brands have pioneered that we think could potentially elevate user experience during long distance group road trip:
The 3 most valuable features that users asked for were:
Vehicle-To-Vehicle Communication
Camera Display & Recording
Video Chatting
Features commonly used by road trippers in other applications that we could integrate to vehicle system:
Travel-Focused Navigation System
GPS Trip Tracking
Weather & Road Condition Check
Emergency React System
Core Features
Company
Safety
Real-time
Communication
Sync
Destination
View
Capture
Pin-It
Marker
Deviation
Notice
Emergency
Help
Design Exploration
User Flow
Key Areas of Focus
Seamless Onboarding with Itinerary Sync & Offline Maps:
These features enhance convenience and ensure uninterrupted navigation, even in low connectivity areas.
Prioritizing Key Features:
We focus on real-time audio, urgent alerts, deviations, map markups, and sharing views.
Effective Initiator-Receiver Communication:
The HMI system supports smooth communication between leaders and team members through streamlined notifications and real-time updates, promoting seamless collaboration.
Layout Explore
1. Horizontal Cards
Cons :
Limited Information display on each card.
Hard to access the button on the right.
2. Vertical Cards
Cons :
Main functions are far away from driver.
Function distribution is scattered.
3. Multiple Cards
Pros:
Consolidation of diverse functions on the left side, facilitating simplified access for drivers.
Winner Scheme
1
Voyage link main function panel - Real-time communication, Pin-it Marker, View Capture
2
Basic functional setting panel - Car condition, Air condition settings, Music, Volume, More apps
3
Expansion of the Main Function Panel - Incorporating a slide-in side panel to enhance driver accessibility
4
Voyage link navigation system - Multi-car location sharing, Travel progress bar
Notification System
Notifications appear in the bottom left, easy to see without distraction.
Displayed one at a time, prioritized by importance and timing for safety.
Validation
Based on the initial user flow, I created a prototype for testing. Working with other designers, we crafted an interview guide and conducted 6 user interviews to validate the design. Participants tested the prototype on tablets or screens while we observed their interactions.
Hi Team, how about we conduct a usability test to validate our design?
Awesome idea! I've already got 6 users lined up. We can craft an interview guide by tomorrow and start the interview process.
Task 2: Answer questions from the interview guide
Task 1: Getting an initial understanding of the feature
User Concerns
Video Call Safety & Timing
75% of users are distracted by video calls and worry about timing, impacting focus on the road.
"Real-time calls help, but video pulls my focus away."
— Justin O.
Event Marking Options
50% of users struggle to mark events within 3 seconds due to too many options.
"Too many choices make it hard to quickly mark the right event."
— Vivian L.
Photo vs. Recording
Users prefer recording over photos when driving, concerned about stability.
"Photos aren’t clear at high speeds; recording works better."
— Annie H.
Accessing Features Quickly
Users find it inconvenient when essential features take over 3 steps to access.
"Quick access is essential—too many steps slow me down."
— Justin O.
JourneyLink
Design Iterations
01
Iteration 01 : View Capture
Adding a toggle between "photo" and "recording" lets users capture views easily, even at high speeds. This feature also enables capturing scenes outside the vehicle.
We refined the layout for smoother operation, ensuring quick, easy access to photo and video modes.
02
Iteration 02 : Real-time Communication System
Based on user feedback, we removed the video chat feature for safety. The updated interface is clearer, focusing on voice and text for easy access.
Now, users can click on avatars for direct group or private chats, avoiding the previous confusion with overlapping call functions. This streamlined setup enhances safety and clarity.
JourneyLink
Final Solution - Embark on Adventure with JourneyLink
01
Scenario 1: Sync Itinerary & Download offline map
As Jason, Kate, Phill, and Aiony enter the car, JourneyLink automatically syncs their itineraries. When cell coverage drops, it prompts them to download an offline map, ensuring smooth navigation without an internet connection.
02
Scenario 2: Add Stop & Deviation Invite
After hours of driving, Jason decides to stop for a meal. He adds a restaurant to their route and sends an invite to his friends, allowing everyone to join. The deviation feature keeps their trip flexible and enhances the shared experience.
03
Scenario 3: Interaction Along the Road
On the road, Jason spots an accident and marks it on the map to alert his friends. Later, he finds a scenic spot and uses the external camera to capture the view, sharing memorable moments along their journey.
Design Success: User Satisfaction & Impact
Users are pleased with the enhanced travel experience
Team Leader
Teammate 2
Teammate 1
Teammate 4
The trip sync feature is perfect for smooth planning with friends.
Keeping everyone updated on the route has never been easier.
I can quickly mark stops and share beautiful views on the go.
Handling unexpected changes in the plan is now seamless.Handling unexpected changes in the plan is now seamless.
We interviewed 12 individuals across three long-distance road trip teams, and most of them expressed satisfaction with the core features.
Trip Sync
Route Updates
Quick Marking
Overall, we achieve:
3s
Real-time Communication
80%
Task Success Rate
+60%
V2V Interaction
Takeaways and Path Forward
JourneyLink
Forging seamless connections among long-distance multi-vehicle road trips
Scroll down to explore
My role
Product design, Visual Design, Strategy
TEAM
TARGET AUDIENCE
Long-distance multi-vehicle road trippers. (United States)
TIMELINE
Apr to Aug 2023 to Ongoing
The Opportunity
BACKGROUND
With rising long-distance travel, current systems struggle to coordinate multiple vehicles efficiently, leading to navigation issues and discomfort.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Rising traffic demand and growing technology signals a trend toward smarter vehicle interactions. V2V communication optimizes travel flow and fosters connection on the road.
WHAT WE DO
This project introduces a V2V HMI feature for seamless real-time coordination via the growing Internet of Vehicle.
367 M
Connected Vehicle Count predicted in 2027
10%
Growing Long-Distance Travel Demand annual rate over past 5 years
30%
Increase in traffic over the past decade
The Approach
A Glimpse into the Journey
What we heard from the users...
We undertook focused interviews with 8 car owners from 20-50 in all gender, centering our discussions around the following key areas:
ACTION
Pre-Travel Planning
Road Tripping
Memory Sharing
On the road
Find parking
Take photos
Follow navigation
Listen to music/podcast
Take photos
Add stopping point
Find gas station
Monitor vehicle condition
Communicate locations
Play games with friends
Share things on social media
Send out photos to fellow travelers
Share real time location through phone
Share destination with friends via phone
Research for destination info and weather
Plan the trip itinerary
Download offline map
Share travel plan with friends
Set destination
Check traffic condition
Check vehicle condition
Arrive
Depart
Alert System
Reminder for maintenance when the vehicle abnormal
Inexperienced driver needs help
Automatically generate accident records
Share vehicle accidents’ info with insurance company
Among them, we found that young individuals prefer traveling with friends or family and value technology that supports detailed planning and safe experiences.
Target User Group
1
The young individuals love to travel with friends or family
2
Tech-Savvy and Detail-Oriented
Efficient Planning: Gather information and plan routes effortlessly.
Seamless Coordination: Share plans and communicate unexpected events instantly.
Journey Recording: Capture and share travel experiences easily.
Safety Assurance: Ensure safe journeys and prevent emergencies proactively.
How can we create a connected experience for team drivers traveling in separate cars during lengthy road trips?
The Challenge we have...
What's on the existing vehicle system landscape?
Innovation highlights few car brands have pioneered that we think could potentially elevate user experience during long distance group road trip:
The 3 most valuable features that users asked for were:
Vehicle-To-Vehicle Communication
Camera Display & Recording
Video Chatting
Features commonly used by road trippers in other applications that we could integrate to vehicle system:
Travel-Focused Navigation System
GPS Trip Tracking
Weather & Road Condition Check
Emergency React System
Core Features
Company
Safety
Real-time
Communication
Sync
Destination
View
Capture
Pin-It
Marker
Deviation
Notice
Emergency
Help
Design Exploration
User Flow
Key Areas of Focus
Seamless Onboarding with Itinerary Sync & Offline Maps:
These features enhance convenience and ensure uninterrupted navigation, even in low connectivity areas.
Prioritizing Key Features:
We focus on real-time audio, urgent alerts, deviations, map markups, and sharing views.
Effective Initiator-Receiver Communication:
The HMI system supports smooth communication between leaders and team members through streamlined notifications and real-time updates, promoting seamless collaboration.
Layout Explore
1. Horizontal Cards
Cons :
Limited Information display on each card.
Hard to access the button on the right.
2. Vertical Cards
Cons :
Main functions are far away from driver.
Function distribution is scattered.
3. Multiple Cards
Pros:
Consolidation of diverse functions on the left side, facilitating simplified access for drivers.
Winner Scheme
1
Voyage link main function panel - Real-time communication, Pin-it Marker, View Capture
2
Basic functional setting panel - Car condition, Air condition settings, Music, Volume, More apps
3
Expansion of the Main Function Panel - Incorporating a slide-in side panel to enhance driver accessibility
4
Voyage link navigation system - Multi-car location sharing, Travel progress bar
Notification System
Notifications appear in the bottom left, easy to see without distraction.
Displayed one at a time, prioritized by importance and timing for safety.
Validation
Based on the initial user flow, I created a prototype for testing. Working with other designers, we crafted an interview guide and conducted 6 user interviews to validate the design. Participants tested the prototype on tablets or screens while we observed their interactions.
Hi Team, how about we conduct a usability test to validate our design?
Awesome idea! I've already got 6 users lined up. We can craft an interview guide by tomorrow and start the interview process.
Task 2: Answer questions from the interview guide
Task 1: Getting an initial understanding of the feature
User Concerns
Video Call Safety & Timing
75% of users are distracted by video calls and worry about timing, impacting focus on the road.
"Real-time calls help, but video pulls my focus away."
— Justin O.
Event Marking Options
50% of users struggle to mark events within 3 seconds due to too many options.
"Too many choices make it hard to quickly mark the right event."
— Vivian L.
Photo vs. Recording
Users prefer recording over photos when driving, concerned about stability.
"Photos aren’t clear at high speeds; recording works better."
— Annie H.
Accessing Features Quickly
Users find it inconvenient when essential features take over 3 steps to access.
"Quick access is essential—too many steps slow me down."
— Justin O.
JourneyLink
Design Iterations
01
Iteration 01 : View Capture
Adding a toggle between "photo" and "recording" lets users capture views easily, even at high speeds. This feature also enables capturing scenes outside the vehicle.
We refined the layout for smoother operation, ensuring quick, easy access to photo and video modes.
02
Iteration 02 : Real-time Communication System
Based on user feedback, we removed the video chat feature for safety. The updated interface is clearer, focusing on voice and text for easy access.
Now, users can click on avatars for direct group or private chats, avoiding the previous confusion with overlapping call functions. This streamlined setup enhances safety and clarity.
JourneyLink
Final Solution - Embark on Adventure with JourneyLink
01
Scenario 1: Sync Itinerary & Download offline map
As Jason, Kate, Phill, and Aiony enter the car, JourneyLink automatically syncs their itineraries. When cell coverage drops, it prompts them to download an offline map, ensuring smooth navigation without an internet connection.
02
Scenario 2: Add Stop & Deviation Invite
After hours of driving, Jason decides to stop for a meal. He adds a restaurant to their route and sends an invite to his friends, allowing everyone to join. The deviation feature keeps their trip flexible and enhances the shared experience.
03
Scenario 3: Interaction Along the Road
On the road, Jason spots an accident and marks it on the map to alert his friends. Later, he finds a scenic spot and uses the external camera to capture the view, sharing memorable moments along their journey.
Design Success: User Satisfaction & Impact
Users are pleased with the enhanced travel experience :
Team Leader
Teammate 2
Teammate 1
Teammate 4
The trip sync feature is perfect for smooth planning with friends.
Keeping everyone updated on the route has never been easier.
I can quickly mark stops and share beautiful views on the go.
Handling unexpected changes in the plan is now seamless.Handling unexpected changes in the plan is now seamless.
We interviewed 12 individuals across three long-distance road trip teams, and most of them expressed satisfaction with the core features.
Trip Sync
Route Updates
Quick Marking
Overall, we achieve :
3s
Real-time Communication
80%
Task Success Rate
+60%
V2V Interaction
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Let's Connect!
Feel free to get in touch with me here ↓
jenniferzeng5562@gmail.com
Instagram →
Crafted with love
by Jennifer Zeng in New York City © 2024
Mobile Application Design | Fintech
Ark7 Learn and Reward System
Design end-to-end learning and rewards system to enhance user engagement and order completion rate
Read Case Study
B2C
+53% Order Completion Rate
Web Application Design | SaaS
Orby AI Process Dashboard Redesign
Redesign Saas Process Automation Dashboard to improve operational efficiency and task completion rate
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Let's Connect!
Feel free to get in touch with me here ↓
jenniferzeng5562@gmail.com
Crafted with love
by Jennifer Zeng in New York City © 2024
Instagram →