GM Marketplace

General Motors (GM) and OnStar sought to enhance their in-vehicle Marketplace application, which enables users to browse and make purchases directly from their vehicle’s in-dash touchscreen.

Challenge

The project presented several challenges:​

• Compliance with transportation distracted driving guidelines to ensure user safety.​
• Adherence to GM’s strict brand specifications.
• Integration with existing in-dash user interface (UI) patterns.​

Solution

To address these challenges, the team undertook the following steps:​

1. Collaboration with GM: Upon approval of the new features, the designs were handed over to the GM team for integration into their test vehicle software. This collaboration ensured that the enhancements were effectively implemented and aligned with GM’s standards.
2. Rapid Prototyping: Developed an interactive prototype of the existing in-dash experience using GM’s Adobe Photoshop templates. This approach facilitated swift reviews, feedback collection, and iteration on new features.​
3. User Testing and Iteration: Engaged both internal teams and external test subjects to evaluate the prototype, allowing for real-time feedback and continuous improvement of the user experience.​

Outcome

The collaborative efforts led to a refined Marketplace application that not only adhered to GM’s brand and safety standards but also enhanced the overall user experience, demonstrating the value of rapid prototyping and iterative design in automotive applications.