2021 Smart Cockpit Design Trend Research: Moving Towards the Third Living Space

With the continuous development of cockpit hardware and software technology, the design of smart cockpits is also evolving, from focusing on functional needs to focusing on "user experience". Smart cockpits are becoming safer, smarter and more comfortable.

In terms of perception, cockpit display is not limited to multiple large screens. 3D and high-definition are also becoming new layouts of cockpit display.

In terms of cockpit display, the popularity of multi-screen and large-screen is only increasing. In 2020-2021, new car-making forces and traditional car companies have successively launched a number of models equipped with multiple and linked screens, such as the Hongqi E-HS9 equipped with 8 screens at the end of 2020, and the HiPhi X with 9 screens delivered for mass production in 2021; at the same time, the size of the screen in the car is getting bigger and bigger, such as the Xingyue L central control screen launched in July 2021, which has reached a 1-meter IMAX giant screen, the Ford EVOS scheduled to be launched in October 2021 is equipped with a 27-inch 4K display central control screen, and the Cadillac Lyriq scheduled to be launched in 2022 is equipped with a 33-inch integrated display.

In addition, the screen layout is becoming more and more novel and unique, such as the latest MBUX Hyperscreen system large screen released by Mercedes-Benz in early 2021, with a triple-screen design (12.3-inch full LCD instrument + 17.7-inch central control screen + 12.3-inch co-pilot screen). The through-type OLED large screen is covered by an entire piece of irregular curved glass with a width of more than 141 cm. The three screens and air outlets are embedded in it, integrating them into one, creating a strong sense of technology.

Mercedes-Benz EQS Smart Cockpit

Source: Internet

The Zhiji L7, which is scheduled to be mass-produced in 2022, is equipped with a 39-inch smart scene screen and a 12.8-inch AMOLED central control screen. The 39-inch screen is composed of two connected screens. The two connected screens can be raised and lowered separately, with multiple display modes, and the content can be switched without boundaries.

Zhiji L7 Intelligent Cockpit

Source: Internet

Driven by high-definition mobile phone displays, consumers have also had more ideas about the resolution of car displays. Low-resolution displays can no longer meet the needs of current users. Car displays are moving towards higher resolutions and have higher requirements for display contrast, field of view, optical indicators, response speed, etc. For example, the BMW iX, which is scheduled to be launched at the end of 2021, is equipped with a new ID8 system that uses a horizontally curved dual screen, consisting of a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument screen and a 14.9-inch central entertainment system screen (slightly tilted toward the driver). The PPI values ​​of both displays are as high as 206.

PPI values ​​of major automotive smart cockpit displays in 2021

Source: Zoss Automotive Research "2021 Smart Cockpit Design Trend Research Report"

Human-computer interaction capabilities are evolving from functional perceptual interaction to cognitive and proactive interaction

In terms of human-computer interaction UI interface design, based on functional practicality, the human-computer interface design of automobiles is no longer static. As smart cars have more and more functions, cars are becoming smarter and smarter, and the underlying data presentation is becoming richer and richer, the future interface interaction is developing in multiple directions such as more concise, 3D intuitive, younger, transparent, digital, symbolic, and flat. For example, in June 2020, Zebra Smart Driving released the Venus Intelligent System (VENUS System), whose UI interface adopts the product design concept of AB parallel worlds. Its A world is "map as desktop", while the B world adopts a waterfall flow layout. Users can find commonly used functions on the interface very intuitively, and can even DIY the display interface according to their own needs.

Zebra Smart Driving Venus Intelligent System-AB World

Source: Zebra Smart Driving

For example, MBUX Hyperscreen can display the personalized functions required by users on the main interface of the central screen at the appropriate time, realizing "zero-level" operation without scrolling or turning pages, bringing an easy and intimate human-computer interaction experience.

Mercedes-Benz MBUX Hyperscreen "zero-level" interactive interface

Source: Internet

Innovation and breakthroughs in UI interface design are inseparable from the development of HMI design tools. In terms of HMI design and development tools, many companies have released the latest versions of their products. From the perspective of the latest functions, support for multiple platforms and multiple algorithms, as well as reusable software frameworks and 3D interface design have become new features of HMI design and development tools. In addition, with the creation of the third space of the smart cockpit and the continuous improvement of entertainment, technology HMI design companies such as web games have also begun to move towards the automotive market, such as Eptic Games.

The latest products and features of major HMI design and development tools

Source: Zoss Automotive Research "2021 Smart Cockpit Design Trend Research Report"

In terms of human-computer interaction, through the integration of multiple products and technologies such as AI intelligence, intelligent atmosphere lights, intelligent surface materials, fragrance systems, and smart seats, various human-computer interaction technologies such as voice, AI smart assistants, face recognition, gestures, fingerprints, and vital signs detection have been installed in vehicles. The smart cockpit has a certain human-computer interaction experience and scenario capabilities, and the cockpit scenario interaction is more intelligent, emotional, and humane. For example, the HiPhi X, which will be mass-produced and delivered in 2021, can recognize the driver's expression, voice, heart rate, blood oxygen, blood pressure changes, breathing rate, etc. through 52 biosensors, and then adjust the music and temperature/take over the vehicle in dangerous situations.

At the 2021 CES, Samsung's latest digital cockpit is equipped with a health monitoring system. Through a combination of cameras and wearable mobile devices, it can analyze the health of passengers before getting on the car; in the car, the system can monitor the passengers' stress levels and adjust the vehicle's lighting, smell and music to help passengers relax.

2021 Samsung Digital Cockpit Equipped with Health Monitoring System

Source: Samsung

With the human-computer interaction design concept centered on "user experience", and promoted by the development of technologies such as AI intelligence and in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle perception, human-computer interaction is also developing from basic functional perception interaction to cognitive and active interaction.

Smart cockpits are customizable through SOA software

According to the human-oriented user experience design of the smart cockpit, personalized smart cockpit has become a major development trend of the future smart cockpit. In addition to the initial basic personalized customization of the car system, buttons, etc., personalized customization of multiple scenes in the car can now be achieved through software architecture, such as the WM W6 launched at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, which realizes personalized free combination and setting of scenes through mobile phone APP custom programming based on SOA software.

Weimar W6 custom scene programming card

Source: WM Motor