Brief 3 - Instrument Cluster - Continued Visual Development

Experimental Alternative: 

A large-scale-element option, inspired by the instrument cluster of the Ford GT supercar, was explored but was deemed unsuitable for the target audience and usage scenario of the target car's user base. Though it would exciting in-use because of its rapidly updating and visually engaging appearance, the instrument cluster being developed is for a conceptual, future electric variant of the Range Rover Velar, and so must be rugged but luxurious, and technologically advanced; it would rarely, if ever be used for racing or other high speed activities. 


Continued Development of Informed Initial Idea

Automotive interfaces must be able to work in bright daylight and the dark of night. Usually this results in the development of a separate Dark and Light mode, but instrument clusters are forgiven somewhat because of their location and the techniques used to shield it from interfering light. Grey is a good compromise - it allows for the bright contrast of white for daytime, but is not too harsh on the eyes for night.  

This vehicle angle was chosen to best represent a fly-over view of the car, allowing for the same angle a low-flying aircraft would have if it was tailing the cars in that lane. This makes it easier to display any obstruction or cars in front of its own, without having to look directly through it.

In user testing, Navigation was listed alongside Speed, Transmission and Battery as the 4th most important feature in an instrument cluster. The blue colour gives Nav joint highest priority (alongside Speed) when an immediate response is required e.g. turning off etc., and the rounded edges provide a visual link to road signs, alluding to their purpose. 

The circular, decorative lines to the left and right of the road are reminiscent of the more traditional design of dial-based clusters, and also provide three areas of information hierarchy - left, centre, right.