Petrolheads
A publication website for automotive enthusiasts.
I am working on making this site sparkle on mobile too!
For now, enjoy the full experience on desktop.
I am working on making this site sparkle on mobile too! For now, enjoy the full experience on desktop.
Driven by a passion to deliver the latest news, reviews, and updates in a way that breaks free from traditional clutter, Petrolheads emerges as a haven for automotive enthusiasts. The challenge was clear: revolutionize the automotive publication landscape with a clean, interactive, and engaging digital experience.
My Role
UX/UI
Tools
Figma
Photoshop
After Effects
Framer
Mentor
Anton Repponen
The Problem
Existing automotive publications lacked a digital touch, leaving readers craving a clean and interactive platform. It was surprising to find that in this digital age, renowned publishing houses weren't adapting. The top three global automotive publications failed to capture and engage their audience, presenting an opportunity for Petrolheads to shine.
Ideation and Concept
Enhance the Porsche track experience by providing real-time guidance and skill improvement without overwhelming drivers with irrelevant data. Let's dive into a journey where the thrill of each lap takes center stage!
The current Porsche display on the track is cluttered with distracting details, making it difficult to focus on essential track-specific information. Simplify your track experience by switching to the Racecraft display: designed to show only the data you need when you're on the track and easily toggled off when you're not.
Current Display
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.
How are drivers getting faster?
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.
Real Track Simulation
The real track simulation emerged as a particularly distinctive feature, aiding drivers in anticipating upcoming corners.
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.
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.
Persona
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.
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.
Infotainment Screen Testing
Improved Readability
Bigger fonts help you read the current lap time faster.
Enhanced Visual Clarity
Different colors help identify fastest, slowest, and other laps clearly.
Simplified Display
Removed driving modes since they're controlled by physical buttons in the car.
Heads-Up Display Testing
Essential Data
Current time, flag detectors, and car overheating warnings are on the heads-up display.
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.
Typography
& Colors
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.
Colors
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.
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.
Additionally, 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.
