Racecraft
Racecraft
Elevating Track Performance through
Innovative Interface Design
Elevating Track Performance through Innovative Interface Design
Elevating Track Performance through
Innovative Interface Design
Picture a Porsche track day, but with a twist. Imagine a new kind of digital experience in your Porsche GT3 RS—one that strips away unnecessary clutter and focuses only on what matters most. As a benchmark for track-focused performance, the GT3 RS became the perfect platform to test and refine a display system built for precision, minimal distractions, and actionable data. And the results? Clear, measurable improvements on and off the track.
Picture a Porsche track day, but with a twist. Imagine a new kind of digital experience in your Porsche GT3 RS—one that strips away unnecessary clutter and focuses only on what matters most. As a benchmark for track-focused performance, the GT3 RS became the perfect platform to test and refine a display system built for precision, minimal distractions, and actionable data. And the results? Clear, measurable improvements on and off the track.
Picture a Porsche track day, but with a twist. Imagine a new kind of digital experience in your Porsche GT3 RS—one that strips away unnecessary clutter and focuses only on what matters most. As a benchmark for track-focused performance, the GT3 RS became the perfect platform to test and refine a display system built for precision, minimal distractions, and actionable data. And the results? Clear, measurable improvements on and off the track.
My Role
My Role
UX/UI
UX/UI
Tools
Tools
Figma
Photoshop
After Effects
Premiere Pro
Figma
Photoshop
After Effects
Premiere Pro
Mentor
Mentor
Clarke Robinson
Clarke Robinson
What We Saw
What We Saw
What We Saw
On the racetrack, drivers need to focus entirely on performance and safety. However, the current Porsche display includes features like maps, music, and phone notifications, which are unnecessary in this setting. These distractions make it harder for drivers to access essential information, such as lap times and warnings, potentially slowing reaction times and reducing overall performance.
On the racetrack, drivers need to focus entirely on performance and safety. However, the current Porsche display includes features like maps, music, and phone notifications, which are unnecessary in this setting. These distractions make it harder for drivers to access essential information, such as lap times and warnings, potentially slowing reaction times and reducing overall performance.
On the racetrack, drivers need to focus entirely on performance and safety. However, the current Porsche display includes features like maps, music, and phone notifications, which are unnecessary in this setting. These distractions make it harder for drivers to access essential information, such as lap times and warnings, potentially slowing reaction times and reducing overall performance.
What We Solved
What We Solved
What We Solved
This streamlined system is designed to optimize track performance without replacing existing functionality. The interface combines a distraction-free HUD, a dynamic infotainment screen, and a focused instrument cluster, tailored specifically for high-performance driving. It operates as an optional mode that drivers can switch to during track use, ensuring essential data is prioritized while preserving the ability to use standard features for road driving.
This streamlined system is designed to optimize track performance without replacing existing functionality. The interface combines a distraction-free HUD, a dynamic infotainment screen, and a focused instrument cluster, tailored specifically for high-performance driving. It operates as an optional mode that drivers can switch to during track use, ensuring essential data is prioritized while preserving the ability to use standard features for road driving.
This streamlined system is designed to optimize track performance without replacing existing functionality. The interface combines a distraction-free HUD, a dynamic infotainment screen, and a focused instrument cluster, tailored specifically for high-performance driving. It operates as an optional mode that drivers can switch to during track use, ensuring essential data is prioritized while preserving the ability to use standard features for road driving.
My Role
UX/UI
Mentor
Clarke Robinson
Tools
Figma
Photoshop
After Effects
Premiere Pro
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
Tire pressure alerts use color coding to indicate if tires are warming or cooling.
Gear change alerts provide visual cues on the RPM gauge to prompt optimal shifts.
Combines a large corner map with a small full-track map for better anticipation and awareness.
Tire pressure alerts use color coding to indicate if tires are warming or cooling.
Gear change alerts provide visual cues on the RPM gauge to prompt optimal shifts.
Combines a large corner map with a small full-track map for better anticipation and awareness.
Tire pressure alerts use color coding to indicate if tires are warming or cooling.
Gear change alerts provide visual cues on the RPM gauge to prompt optimal shifts.
Combines a large corner map with a small full-track map for better anticipation and awareness.
Heads-Up Display (HUD)
Heads-Up Display (HUD)
Heads-Up Display (HUD)
Shows current lap time in a distraction-free format.
Replaced by critical alerts like flag warnings or engine overheating when needed.
Shows current lap time in a distraction-free format.
Replaced by critical alerts like flag warnings or engine overheating when needed.
Shows current lap time in a distraction-free format.
Replaced by critical alerts like flag warnings or engine overheating when needed.
Infotainment Screen
Infotainment Screen
Infotainment Screen
Prominently shows lap times and updates dynamically between laps.
Shows recent lap times for performance comparison.
Prominently shows lap times and updates dynamically between laps.
Shows recent lap times for performance comparison.
Prominently shows lap times and updates dynamically between laps.
Shows recent lap times for performance comparison.
The Research Process and Findings
The Research Process and Findings
The Research Process and Findings
I started out by posting a questionnaire on a very active racing forum, where I learned a lot about the overall problems. I conducted in-person interviews, and that further helped me build a proper understanding of the experience of drivers at the track.
I started out by posting a questionnaire on a very active racing forum, where I learned a lot about the overall problems. I conducted in-person interviews, and that further helped me build a proper understanding of the experience of drivers at the track.
I started out by posting a questionnaire on a very active racing forum, where I learned a lot about the overall problems. I conducted in-person interviews, and that further helped me build a proper understanding of the experience of drivers at the track.
How are drivers getting faster?
How are drivers getting faster?
How are drivers getting faster?
Let's look at what exists.
Let's look at what exists.
To improve your driving skills at the racetrack, three competitors stand out: Driving Instructors offer personalized track feedback, Recording Videos enable self-analysis and peer feedback, and Driving Simulators provide risk-free practice on any track.
To improve your driving skills at the racetrack, three competitors stand out: Driving Instructors offer personalized track feedback, Recording Videos enable self-analysis and peer feedback, and Driving Simulators provide risk-free practice on any track.
To improve your driving skills at the racetrack, three competitors stand out: Driving Instructors offer personalized track feedback, Recording Videos enable self-analysis and peer feedback, and Driving Simulators provide risk-free practice on any track.
Real Track Simulation
Real Track Simulation
Real Track Simulation
The real track simulation emerged as a particularly distinctive feature, aiding drivers in anticipating upcoming corners.
The real track simulation emerged as a particularly distinctive feature, aiding drivers in anticipating upcoming corners.
The real track simulation emerged as a particularly distinctive feature, aiding drivers in anticipating upcoming corners.
Analyzing Vehicle Performance
Analyzing Vehicle Performance
Analyzing Vehicle Performance
All three competitors analyze driver performance, but only the simulator provides real-time analysis of the vehicle's performance, which is crucial on the racetrack.
All three competitors analyze driver performance, but only the simulator provides real-time analysis of the vehicle's performance, which is crucial on the racetrack.
All three competitors analyze driver performance, but only the simulator provides real-time analysis of the vehicle's performance, which is crucial on the racetrack.
Gear Change Prompts
Gear Change Prompts
Gear Change Prompts
While instructors and recordings can advise you to change gears, only the simulator can visually prompt you to make the change in the quickest time.
While instructors and recordings can advise you to change gears, only the simulator can visually prompt you to make the change in the quickest time.
While instructors and recordings can advise you to change gears, only the simulator can visually prompt you to make the change in the quickest time.
Persona
Persona
Persona
My Story
My Story
I have been racing for a few years now. My focus is on improving my performance and exploring various tracks across the country with my new Porsche GT3 RS. My ultimate goal is to chase down the best lap times, pushing the limits, and extracting the maximum power from my car.
I have been racing for a few years now. My focus is on improving my performance and exploring various tracks across the country with my new Porsche GT3 RS. My ultimate goal is to chase down the best lap times, pushing the limits, and extracting the maximum power from my car.
Needs
Needs
Enhance Lap Performance.
Track Specific Data.
Optimize tire usage.
Enhance Lap Performance.
Track Specific Data.
Optimize tire usage.
Frustrations
Frustrations
Cluttered Information.
Using external lap timer.
Information overload.
Cluttered Information.
Using external lap timer.
Information overload.
My Story
I have been racing for a few years now. My focus is on improving my performance and exploring various tracks across the country with my new Porsche GT3 RS. My ultimate goal is to chase down the best lap times, pushing the limits, and extracting the maximum power from my car.
Needs
Enhance Lap Performance.
Track Specific Data.
Optimize tire usage.
Frustrations
Cluttered Information.
Using external lap timer.
Information overload.
Paper Prototype
Paper Prototype
Paper Prototype
Testing Iterations
Testing Iterations
Testing Iterations
I conducted three rounds of testing: an initial round with a low-fidelity prototype, followed by two rounds with high-fidelity prototypes. After making minor adjustments to the final prototype, I conducted further testing to confirm the effectiveness of these changes.
I conducted three rounds of testing: an initial round with a low-fidelity prototype, followed by two rounds with high-fidelity prototypes. After making minor adjustments to the final prototype, I conducted further testing to confirm the effectiveness of these changes.
I conducted three rounds of testing: an initial round with a low-fidelity prototype, followed by two rounds with high-fidelity prototypes. After making minor adjustments to the final prototype, I conducted further testing to confirm the effectiveness of these changes.
Optimizing the Infotainment Screen
Optimizing the Infotainment Screen
Optimizing the Infotainment Screen
Improved Readability
Improved Readability
Improved Readability
Bigger fonts help you read the current lap time faster.
Bigger fonts help you read the current lap time faster.
Bigger fonts help you read the current lap time faster.
Enhanced Visual Clarity
Enhanced Visual Clarity
Enhanced Visual Clarity
Different colors help identify fastest, slowest, and other laps clearly.
Different colors help identify fastest, slowest, and other laps clearly.
Different colors help identify fastest, slowest, and other laps clearly.
Simplified Display
Simplified Display
Simplified Display
Removed driving modes since they're controlled by physical buttons in the car.
Removed driving modes since they're controlled by physical buttons in the car.
Removed driving modes since they're controlled by physical buttons in the car.
Heads-Up Display Testing
Heads-Up Display Testing
Heads-Up Display Testing
Essential Data
Essential Data
Essential Data
Current time, flag detectors, and car overheating warnings are on the heads-up display.
Introducing a prominent red gear shift light grabs the driver's attention, ensuring timely gear changes for faster laps.
Current time, flag detectors, and car overheating warnings are on the heads-up display.
Enhancing Gear Change Prompt
Enhancing Gear Change Prompt
Enhancing Gear Change Prompt
Improving the visibility of the gear change alert and positioning it strategically can assist drivers in shifting gears faster, thereby enhancing their reaction time.
Improving the visibility of the gear change alert and positioning it strategically can assist drivers in shifting gears faster, thereby enhancing their reaction time.
Improving the visibility of the gear change alert and positioning it strategically can assist drivers in shifting gears faster, thereby enhancing their reaction time.
Refining the Core Display
Refining the Core Display
Improved Gear Shift Alert
Improved Gear Shift Alert
Improved Gear Shift Alert
Introducing a prominent red gear shift light grabs the driver's attention, ensuring timely gear changes for faster laps.
Introducing a prominent red gear shift light grabs the driver's attention, ensuring timely gear changes for faster laps.
Introducing a prominent red gear shift light grabs the driver's attention, ensuring timely gear changes for faster laps.
Enhanced Clarity
Enhanced Clarity
Enhanced Clarity
Switching the rev limit color from yellow to white reduces confusion, preventing delays in lap times caused by misinterpretation.
Switching the rev limit color from yellow to white reduces confusion, preventing delays in lap times caused by misinterpretation.
Switching the rev limit color from yellow to white reduces confusion, preventing delays in lap times caused by misinterpretation.
Typography
& Colors
Typography
& Colors
Typeface Combination
Typeface Combination
Typeface Combination
After testing various typefaces for legibility, I found that both SF Pro and Conthrax offered exceptional clarity, enabling drivers to grasp the text quickly. Additionally, Conthrax's design evokes the iconic Porsche race heritage, reminiscent of the typefaces used during the early racing days, enhancing the overall aesthetic and connection to motorsport history.
After testing various typefaces for legibility, I found that both SF Pro and Conthrax offered exceptional clarity, enabling drivers to grasp the text quickly. Additionally, Conthrax's design evokes the iconic Porsche race heritage, reminiscent of the typefaces used during the early racing days, enhancing the overall aesthetic and connection to motorsport history.
After testing various typefaces for legibility, I found that both SF Pro and Conthrax offered exceptional clarity, enabling drivers to grasp the text quickly. Additionally, Conthrax's design evokes the iconic Porsche race heritage, reminiscent of the typefaces used during the early racing days, enhancing the overall aesthetic and connection to motorsport history.
Leveraging Color Associations
Leveraging Color Associations
Leveraging Color Associations
The colors were carefully chosen by drawing inspiration from drivers' existing understanding and interpretation of different colors. By leveraging their prior knowledge of these colors and the associations they have with various alerts, I crafted a system that resonates with drivers and enhances their ability to respond effectively on the track.
The colors were carefully chosen by drawing inspiration from drivers' existing understanding and interpretation of different colors. By leveraging their prior knowledge of these colors and the associations they have with various alerts, I crafted a system that resonates with drivers and enhances their ability to respond effectively on the track.
The colors were carefully chosen by drawing inspiration from drivers' existing understanding and interpretation of different colors. By leveraging their prior knowledge of these colors and the associations they have with various alerts, I crafted a system that resonates with drivers and enhances their ability to respond effectively on the track.
Instrument
Cluster
Instrument
Cluster
Instrument
Cluster
Instrument Cluster Components
Components
Instrument Cluster Components
Infotainment
Screen
Infotainment
Screen
Infotainment
Screen
Infotainment Screen Components
Components
Infotainment Screen Components
Heads-Up
Display
Heads-Up
Display
Heads-Up
Display
Heads Up Display Components
Components
Heads Up Display Components
Key Takeaways
The design sprint proved invaluable as it allowed me to swiftly iterate from initial
ideas to low-fidelity prototypes, facilitating rapid testing and problem-solving.
The design sprint proved invaluable as it allowed me to swiftly iterate from initial
ideas to low-fidelity prototypes, facilitating rapid testing and problem-solving.
Future Prospects
Future Prospects
With additional time and resources, I will create a cutting-edge system where the car will record real-time video footage from inside and outside the cabin during a track session. This footage will then be analyzed to provide detailed feedback to the driver, aiding in their improvement.
Therefore, the system will break down each section of the track and provide detailed feedback to the driver on their performance in these sections. the recorded data will be overlaid with performance metrics, creating a realistic simulation of the drive.
I will develop a safety feature using advanced sensors and real-time data analysis to alert drivers of track hazards, like debris or slippery surfaces, ensuring safe and efficient navigation.
