01.
Goal
The client tasked our Automotive at TomTom team with developing the interface for the entire built-in system of the machine, from the main screen to the deepest sub-sections of the charging schedule settings. Another key requirement was ensuring a completely neutral interface, free from any branding influence.
As a visual designer, I was responsible for defining the visual style, ensuring adherence to safety standards, implementing the design across the final project, and maintaining quality control.
02.
Approach
For this project, I followed a well-defined interactive design framework. The key screens had already been outlined, with controls and their placements specified for each one. Using these as a foundation, I developed the visual design.
Once the style was roughly established, I compiled all possible controls and their states (normal, selected, pressed, and focused) into a separate file. There, I refined the visual design for each control and its states. Finally, I applied this style across every screen in the system.
Having the hardware on my desk proved invaluable to the visual design process. I could load each iteration as an image, view it full-screen, and evaluate its contrast under different lighting conditions and at varying distances from the screen.
03.
Style
One of the client’s key requirements was a “neutral interface.” Unlike many projects where the interface extends the brand identity – with matching color palettes and glowing buttons – this design needed to be highly minimalist and brand-agnostic.
I took on this project in 2012, a time when iOS 6 and its skeuomorphic icons still dominated iPhones. Designing something entirely opposite was a unique challenge.
While preserving full functionality and usability, I developed a minimalistic style that emphasized content over decorative elements. My primary focus was driving safety, text readability, control sizes, and contrast across all screen elements.
04.
Outcome
This project was personally significant to me due to its scale and impact. It stood at the crossroads of skeuomorphism and flat design, predating the global shift away from detailed and volumetric UI elements – ushered in by iOS 7 – by about six months.
Additionally, it gave me the opportunity to work independently on every part of the system, from the home screen to navigation, settings, climate controls, and radio.
Even now, I can’t help but smile when I see an Opel Vivaro parked on the street. I always sneak a peek inside to admire the system’s screen.
