Highlights
In our rapidly advancing society, technology has become indispensable in our everyday routines. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the automotive realm, where infotainment systems have become paramount. With the increasing demands of car owners and safety requirements in the automotive industry, the role of human-machine interface solutions has grown as well – the HMI market size is projected to enlarge from USD 23 billion in 2023 to USD 49.43 billion by 2030. These advanced systems effortlessly integrate entertainment and information, elevating the driving journey for both drivers and passengers alike. Recognizing the evolving needs of consumers, there
arises a pressing demand for enhanced usability and customization in the Multi-Display In-Vehicle Infotainment system. And we have implemented one of such features for it.
Problem Statement
Our client, one of the European customers, aimed to enhance their in-vehicle entertainment experience by developing a sophisticated Multi-Display In-Vehicle Infotainment System. The primary challenge was to implement an interactive widget swipe feature that seamlessly communicate between the system’s three screens: the Central Display, serving as the hub for the widget gallery; the Passenger Display, dedicated to personalized entertainment for passengers; and the Instrument Cluster, providing vital vehicle information such as speed, RPM, charging status, etc.
Drawing on our proficiency in Android development, we embarked on the development of a cutting-edge Infotainment System using Android Studio and Jetpack Compose. Three distinct screens were designed – Passenger Display, Central Display, and Instrument Cluster – each catering to different functionalities and user interactions. Leveraging Jetpack Compose, a responsive and visually stunning user interface was ensured across all screens. The display specifications of the screens were Screen size: 15.6” x 15.6” x 15.6” Screen resolution: 3840x2160px
To address the need for enhanced usability and customization in the Multi-Display In-Vehicle Infotainment System, we implemented a widget swiping feature. Leveraging intuitive touch gestures and responsive interface design, users can seamlessly transfer widgets between Central Display, Passenger Screen & Instrument Cluster with ease.
- Intuitive Gesture Control: We incorporated intuitive touch gestures, such as swiping or dragging, to initiate the widget swiping action. This ensures a user-friendly experience that requires minimal effort from the user.
- Real-Time Transfer: Upon initiating the swipe gesture on a widget, the system responds in real-time, displaying visual feedback to indicate the widget is ready for transfer. Users can then swipe the widget towards the desired screen for
placement. - Visual Feedback and Animation: During the swiping action, users receive visual feedback through fluid animations and transition effects, enhancing the overall experience and providing clear guidance throughout the process.
- Automatic Adjustment: Once the widget reaches the target screen, the system automatically adjusts the widget’s position and size based on the screen layout and user preferences, ensuring a seamless integration into the new screen.
Also to meet the client’s need for personalization, multiple user profiles with different layouts and themes for male and female, allowing passengers to create customized experiences based on their preferences were implemented. Integration with popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Apple Music, and YouTube Music was seamlessly achieved, providing passengers with access to a vast library of entertainment options. Also, a video swiping feature was developed where user could swipe the video from Central Display to Passenger Display. Additionally, Drive Mode and Parking Mode were incorporated to ensure a safe and distraction-free driving experience for driver and passengers.
Results
The widget swiping feature was implemented for three screens and it has significantly enhanced the usability and efficiency of the Multi-Display In-Vehicle Infotainment System. With the ability to transfer widgets between screens using different gestures, users have gained greater control over their infotainment setup, tailoring it to their specific preferences and ensuring a personalized and enjoyable in-vehicle experience. The implementation of multiple user profiles with customizable layouts and themes has enhanced personalization, allowing passengers to tailor their experience. Additionally, the project was successfully delivered within a timeframe of three months, showcasing our team’s efficiency and commitment to meeting client expectations.
