Through driver interviews, surveys, and competitor research, I uncovered the following issues:

• Buried controls for core/frequently used functions
• Static display layout with no customisation
• Inconsistent navigation and control systems
• Reliance on Google ecosystem with minimal flexibility

I addressed these challenges by:

• Making buried controls easily accessible
• Introducing block-based widgets for a fully customisable home display
• Adding resizable map widgets and quick toggles for driving modes
• Aligning visuals with Polestar’s minimalist design system, using brand colours with Orange as the primary highlight.

• Simplify the user journey for in-car controls and status checks
• Enable real-time customisation of the interface through widgets
• Reduce driver distraction by decluttering and embracing minimalism
• Strengthen Polestar’s modern, sustainable digital identity through clear visual hierarchy

Participants: 4 Polestar owners
Method: 30-minute remote interviews & surveys
Goal: Identify daily frustrations and features users wish existed in the HMI

Findings included:

• Desire for custom widgets (maps, climate, media)
• Resizeable Widgets
• Quick Access to frequently used buttons (Glovebox, Camera, Defroster)

Goal: Validate how drivers interact with the redesigned widget system
Method: Prototype testing & scenario tasks (e.g., extend map, swipe widgets)

Compared Polestar’s current HMI with Tesla’s and BYD’s:

• Tesla: Frequent OTA updates, but heavy touch dependence
• Rivian: Great UI, but complex menus
• Opportunity: Combine Polestar’s premium brand with practical customisation and dynamic yet simple menus & widgets

Mapped user flow from Car Start to confirming tasks:

• Power on → Home screen widgets → Swipe to expand map → Open Glovebox → Complete Actions → End drive

Grouped insights from interviews, surveys, reviews and tests to highlight themes:

• Action Feedback
• Quick Access to Controls
• Smooth Transitions
• Personalization

These insights shaped the design priorities, feature roadmap, and visual refresh.

How might we enable Polestar drivers to personalise their interface for a safer, more intuitive and delightful driving experience?

Focused on:

• Widget-first homepage
• Dynamic resizing of map & climate widgets
• Stacked settings panels for clearer hierarchy
• Seamless integration with Polestar’s minimal brand DNA

1. Power On →
2. Home Screen (widgets) →
3. Swipe/Resize Widgets →
4. Access Quick Settings →
5. Confirm & Drive.

Design aligned with Polestar’s minimalist aesthetic, focusing on clear iconography, ample spacing, and light/dark mode adaptability in the future.

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