VISUAL + PRODUCT DESIGN

Evolving instrument cluster navigation to include enhanced guidance features, basemap details, and refined camera behaviors.

This work has been modified and anonymized for project security and is limited to showcasing only projects parts that have been shipped.

PROJECT STATEMENT

Create a proposal to assess the impact of future navigation projects that were increasing basemap details and refining navigation elements on embedded Maps surfaces. The focus was on the cluster because it is unique and critical to the auto experience. 

The objective was to generate recommendations to inform the future of embedded surfaces, rather than provide a final solution. 

ROLE

Lead Visual Designer

CLIENT

Google Maps Automotive

MY CONTRIBUTIONS

As the lead visual designer for this project I:

• Worked closely with the UX designer to brainstorm ideas, sparking the direction of the project
• Helped narrow focus to specific elements driving project progress
• Initiated cross-team meetings to discuss current projects and potential impacts
• Led and created all visual design and interactive explorations
• Collaborated with the motion designer to direct animated examples
• Worked with our research partner to create assets for study, ensuring a user-driven focus
• Presented the project to upper management
• Contributed ideas that guided automotive discussions and jump-started new projects
• Maintained communication and kept the project ahead of schedule across continents and time zones

DESIGN APPROACH

Our approach was to first apply the future navigation project baseline in the cluster. We then ran user studies and used this insight to explore new ideas to create an ideal cluster experience. After we created a proposal to share across teams and get feedback that informed the next iteration of projects.

PROCESS PHOTOS

RESEARCH SYNTHESIS

We evaluated user impressions of the designs in the instrument cluster, examined how users interpret lane information while driving and synthesized the identified problems.

OVERVIEW OF CONCEPTS

We created six concepts, exploring ideas that would challenge current Maps elements and create an elevated and modern experience in a vehicle.

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6

1 /   Multi-screen coordination

This proposal explores how to surface purposeful information between the displays to help drivers access key information during navigation.

MULTI SCREEN COORDINATION

Information would be optimized across displays offering different levels of detail where you need it, when you need it, and fine tuned to the driving experience. 

TYPICAL MULTI-SCREEN DISPLAY

PROPOSED MULTI-SCEEN ENHANCEMENTS

Information will surface between the displays to help drivers assess key details during navigation. Core nav info shows in instrument cluster at a closer zoom with the center console showing route overviews with greater route detail. This supports distracted driving rules, makes it easy for drivers to assess their surroundings and see the right level of details when necessary.

MOTION EXPLORATION

I worked with a motion designer to animate my visual explorations. The instrument cluster shows a closer view, highlighting important maneuver moments while the center console shows a top down overview of what is to come.

EXAMPLE 1 WITH POLYLINE SEGMENTATION

EXAMPLE 2 WITH POLYLINE SEGMENTATION

2 /  Adaptive camera behavior

This proposal would change camera behavior; zoom and tilt; depending on the screen, isolating displays to cater its best use for the driver.

← INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

The center console camera follows a similar behavior as used on mobile but staying more zoomed out to allow details that are further away to be seen.

CENTER DISPLAY →

Adjusting the zoom and tilt levels in the instrument cluster provide a perspective angle that feels more natural in front of the driver and allows greater detail of road markings with beacons for wayfinding.

MOTION EXAMPLE OF ISOLATED CAMERA STATES

3 /  Dynamic turn cards

This proposal explores expanding the adaptive turn card to be responsive to driving moments and new options for a refreshed visual look.

I first explored the functionality of the turn card. Building on the released adaptive turn card, I explored how it could respond to driving moments, emphasize lane guidance and incorporate alerts, such as a faster route option.

MOTION AND INTERACTION EXAMPLES

Functionally I also explored card stacking models shown in these motion examples.  

VISUAL DESIGN EXPLORATION

Visually, I explored updating the highlight color, emphasizing the turn and lane guidance and the addition of trip progress bars.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS - LANE LOCALIZATION

In hopes of future technological advances we studied lane-level localization. The turn card would show the total number of lanes and their geometry, indicate the current vehicle lane and, when nearing a turn, highlighting the correct lane for the maneuver. This would help to simplify complex intersections and chained maneuvers. This technology would unlock HOV lane detection. 

This would require vehicle integration which is not a current feature.

4 /  Enhanced polyline

This proposal explores a polyline additions that would react to upcoming maneuvers by emphasizing the turn direction to enhance glanceability.

VISUAL EXPLORATION

I explored many options for how to convey the new functionality of the chevron as well as how it would move in between these different states. 

ENHANCED POLYLINE MOTION EXPLORATION

Polyline glows, paired with simple spatial annotations 

Polyline segmentation, paired with lane guidance annotations  

Vertical arrow follows polyline contours

LANE LOCALIZATION - CONTINUOUS LANE GUIDANCE

A futuristic exploration into continuous lane guidance which would utilize a lane aware polyline. This guidance would provide ongoing assurance to the driver that they are in the correct lane and prepare them for upcoming maneuvers. 

This would require vehicle integration which is not a current feature.

CURRENT POLYLINE GUIDANCE

LANE AWARE POLYLINE

5 /  Dynamic chevron

This proposal explores visual and interactive changes to the chevron giving it the ability to respond to situations and communicate its state.

VISUAL EXPLORATION OF THE CHEVRON

I first experimented with the visual look and feel of the chevron. The goal was to validate the rationale behind its shape and color. I systematically tested possibilities showcasing a series of options ranging from a basic color update to a completely new design. 

DYNAMIC CHEVRON VISUAL CHANGES

OPTION 1

OPTION 2

Option 1’s changes were minimal. The colors are changed to match the new polyline colors and there is an added outline and stronger drop shadow.

Option 2 adds a two toned arrow with its own drop shadow creating a 3D feel. There is an added high contrast outline and a less opaque and more saturated base circle. 

OPTION 3

OPTION 4

The 3rd option explores how the chevron interacts with the map below by adding a background blur to the base circle. It is more opaque with a two toned arrow. 

The last option breaks the bounds of our current chevron shape with a dual toned arrow with a strong outline. The angular shape is more glanceable and recognizable. 

CHEVRON FUNCTIONALITY EXPLORATION

Functional explorations show how we could use visual states of the chevron to communicate how precise it knows your location within the lanes. This would help convey to the driver to rely less on it due to technical difficulties. 

FUNCTIONALITY EXPLORATIONS OF THE CHEVRON

I explored many options for how to convey the new functionality of the chevron as well as how it would move in between these different states. 

DYNAMIC CHEVRON MOTION EXPLORATIONS

Motion explorations show real time interaction of the chevron. We explored initial localization, the transition into higher accuracy of location and a customization option to include a real 3D model of a car.

SPATIAL RECOGNITION OF THE CHEVRON

POLYLINE SEGMENTATION, PAIRED WITH THE LANE GUIDANCE ANNOTATIONS

CHEVRON CUSTOMIZATION

6 /  Map density

This proposal explores the density of elements on the map including the timing of navigation information to prioritize legibility. 

MAP DENSITY

The cluster map should only display essential navigation and wayfinding information to maintain legibility. This approach strikes a balance between providing necessary details and ensuring a clear understanding of upcoming turns.

IMPACT

This project springboarded the Auto team into conversations about the future of Auto Embedded Maps. With this project we were able to come to conversations with a research backed opinion instead of forming our product to fit others ideas. We presented this to the head of Auto Design and got positive feedback all around. The next iteration of this project began with a system wide feature addition where the team was able to lead the conversation across Google, pulling from this research and explorations we had done. 

TEAM

Team
UX Program Manager
Project Manager
UX Design
Visual Design
Motion Design
UX Research

Google Maps Automotive
Ingrid Trollope
Anna Goldfeder
Adriaan Fenwick
April DiMartile
Justin Molush
Nicole Yohanna

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© APRIL DIMARTILE 2026