Beyond the Dashboard: Designing for Cars
How UI/UX Shapes Safety, Comfort, and Engagement
Presenter: Sarah Youssef
Date: February 9, 2026
Time: 9AM and 2PM
Abstract
Modern vehicles have evolved into complex digital environments where user experience plays a critical role beyond traditional driving functions. As cars increasingly integrate advanced infotainment systems, driver-assistance technologies, and connected services, effective UI/UX design has become essential for ensuring safety, comfort, and meaningful engagement. This presentation explores how thoughtful, human-centered design shapes in-car interactions by minimizing cognitive load, reducing driver distraction, and creating intuitive control flows that adapt to driving contexts. It examines key automotive UI/UX principles—including minimalism, multimodal interaction, personalization, and adaptive interfaces—and highlights their impact on driver confidence and passenger comfort. By moving beyond the dashboard as a static interface, the talk emphasizes the vehicle interior as an experiential space where design decisions directly influence behavior, well-being, and satisfaction. The presentation ultimately underscores the role of UI/UX as a strategic driver of innovation in the automotive industry, shaping safer and more engaging mobility experiences.
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