Alexa Auto Mode
Alexa Auto Mode brings a driver-friendly screen to voice assistance while driving
Overview
We have seen voice assistants on the rise in vehicles for years, providing drivers with a safer way to get things done while driving. From getting directions to calling your mom, Alexa Auto Mode helps you do it while minimizing distraction.
Key Deliverables
Interaction Design Spec
UX Research
Auto-specific recommendations
Role
Lead UX Designer
Timeline
October 2019 - October 2020
Project
Auto Mode is a view of the Alexa App that provides Alexa customers with a driver-friendly screen in the car. With over 100 million Alexa devices out in the world, our team at Alexa Automotive looked to enhance commutes and trips for drivers.
“How could we provide a low distraction multimodal experience to help drivers complete non-driving tasks safely and securely?”
Process
Research
Scoping/Definiton
Prototyping
Evaluation
Launch
A year before launch in October 2020, we started with generative research, pulling both from data that already existed on Alexa users, we all as conducting our own studies with participants. I worked with UX Research (UXR) to refine and run quick, iterative studies while UXR led larger evaluations.
Using what we knew, what we learned, and research from experts like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), we worked in cycles to design, prototype, test, and review.
I designed several solutions, using research to narrow in on a single solution that we then iterated on. Working closely with engineering and PM, I was able to design an experience that is:
Within our functional requirements
Met our business goals
Met drivers’ needs in a safe, delightful way.
Role
I led the design for Auto Mode from start to completion, working closely with engineering and product management on the Automotive team, but also working with designers and product management in other cross functional teams that had input into the final product.
My work included:
Defining user needs, flows, and interaction design
Facilitating workshops for multiple stakeholders to drive alignment
Presenting the team’s UX work up to the Senior VP level.
Additionally, I ran multiple studies to evaluate solutions, coming back to the team with insights and design recommendations to help us make decisions and move ahead with confidence.
Auto Mode Features
Access to what’s important, none of the stuff that isn’t
Auto Mode shows what we think users will need, and filters out everything else, keeping drivers focused on the road.
Low density, large tap targets
Designed with NHTSA safety guidelines in mind, Auto Mode provides a visual interface that you can interact with as easily as possible.
Simplified, with larger elements, drivers are able to take control at their speed.
Multimodal, but voice forward
Keeping distraction in mind, we always remind drivers that they can use their voice. The visual interface is limited, but Alexa is not.