How can you design a GPS device UI optimized for driving?

2 Prioritize essential information

The second step in designing a GPS device UI is to decide what information is most important and relevant for the driver, and how to display it clearly and concisely. Drivers need to see the current location, the next turn, the distance and time to the destination, and any alerts or warnings. They do not need to see unnecessary details, such as street names, landmarks, or traffic conditions, unless they are relevant for the navigation. You should use large fonts, high contrast colors, and simple icons to make the information easy to read and understand.

5 Adapt to context

The fifth step in designing a GPS device UI is to adapt to the context of the driver and the environment. Context can include factors such as the time of day, the weather, the traffic, the speed, the location, and the driver's preferences and behavior. You should design the device to adjust its display, functionality, and interaction according to the context. For example, you can change the brightness, contrast, and color of the screen depending on the lighting conditions, or switch to a night mode. You can also change the level of detail, the frequency, and the tone of the audio feedback and instructions depending on the traffic and speed.

6 Test and iterate

The sixth and final step in designing a GPS device UI is to test and iterate your design with real users and scenarios. Testing and iteration can help you evaluate the usability, effectiveness, and satisfaction of your design, and identify and fix any problems or issues. You should use methods such as usability testing, user feedback, analytics, and prototyping to collect and analyze data and insights. You should also use best practices and standards for UI design, such as the ISO 9241-210 or the NHTSA guidelines, to ensure the quality and safety of your design.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?