Overview

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We help to transform the automotive industry by enhancing user experience and accessibility through rethinking and redesigning exterior human-machine interfaces (eHMIs).

Close-up of a futuristic vehicle’s front with an eHMI displaying a glowing play button symbol on a grid of lights, with green lights on both sides.

The matrix - a visual digital surface

The Challenge

Our task was to question the status quo and to explore new ways of communication for future vehicles. Will users communicate differently in the future? What do they want to communicate? With whom or, more importantly, with what will they communicate? These are just a few of the questions we answered during the project, which helped us rethink and redesign external HMIs in the context of vehicles.

RESEARCH

Our initial research aimed to anticipate future demographic and cultural changes. This forward-looking approach provided an understanding of how these shifts might influence mobility.

USER Scenarios

We systematically categorized future users into distinct groups with relevant attributes. This classification offered crucial insights into user needs and preferences.

WAYS OF COMMUNICATION

We analyzed various communication models, which allowed us to understand user needs and determine which aspects should be managed autonomously by the vehicle. This thorough analysis significantly informed our development process, ensuring a user-centric approach.

Concept

We consolidated research insights to create thematic clusters. This process identified alignments, synergies, and optimal communication methods, laying the groundwork for the subsequent design phase.

DESIGN PHASE

We  conceptually developed and integrated potential features into a cohesive design. Ensuring sustainable information transmission was the top priority, resulting in an effective and reliable interface.

FUTURE DEMANDS

The growing population in large urban areas presents enormous challenges for infrastructure. Individuals are increasingly moving away from vehicle ownership towards rental models and shared ride services. As transportation requirements shift, vehicles will transition from human-operated machines to highly customizable, self-driving entertainment hubs.

We came up with a sleek and intuitive exterior HMI system, seamlessly integrating cutting edge technology with elegant design. At the centerpiece of this design is an innovative digital surface that dynamically communicates with the vehicles' surrounding, supported by laser projectors that extend beyond the vehicle's boundaries. Enhancing safety and interactivity.

Innovative HMI design with dynamic laser projections for enhanced safety.

Top-down view of a futuristic vehicle’s front with an eHMI displaying pedestrian symbols on a light grid, indicating awareness or yielding.

The full matrix LED e-HMI offers valuable interaction capabilities.

Utilizing laser projection for human interaction.

Futuristic vehicle stopped at a pedestrian crossing with illuminated pedestrian symbols on the front panel, indicating it is yielding. The vehicle projects the crosswalk and pedestrian onto the street, with a nearby traffic light emitting a soft green glow.

The vehicle provides optimal information based on the situation

conclusion

To address future transportation requirements effectively, we selected an external HMI designed to cover the entire vehicle. Combined with laser projections that offer additional communication surfaces, this approach ensures that relevant information is delivered effectively in all scenarios—whether the vehicle is fully autonomous, human-driven, or parked. This holistic approach enhances the vehicle’s functionality and user experience, paving the way for the next generation of urban mobility.

How we got there

Building upon the foundation laid by our specialized services, we delved into a suite of methodologies designed to bring our visionary concepts to life.

Workshops

Two people working on a whiteboard having a UX workshop in a bright office situation.

Our interactive workshops propelled the creative synergy needed to innovate within the luxury automotive HMI space.

SPECULATIVE DESIGN

A close-up image of an qr-code patterned metallic surface. The design consists of geometric shapes and lines, creating a futuristic and technological aesthetic. The perspective of the image emphasizes depth, with light reflecting off the surface, enhancing the abstract and high-tech atmosphere. The overall feel is modern, sleek, and innovative.

In-depth conceptual research helped us understand the future needs of a wide range of vehicle users, allowing us to focus specifically on solution approaches.

AI Technology

A picture of a friendly, smiling white robot looking toward the camera. Its name, "Pepper," is written on a label on its chest. The humanoid robot appears to have a display mounted on its front for showing information.

We utilized AI technology not only for the initial sketches in collaboration with customers but also to specifically search for studies, summarize them, and present them in a more usable format.

Shaping Tomorrow:
Our vision is to transform automotive HMI into a seamless blend of intuition And innovation.
 
connecting driverS like never before.

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WHy settle
for the ordinary?

At deerstreet, we collaborate with innovators to go beyond the expected. With creative vision and technical precision, we craft solutions that elevate brands and engage users. Let’s bring your vision to life and create something extraordinary together.