ENHANCING USER EXPERIENCE WITH AUTOMOBILE DESIGN, A STUDY

Abstract

The evolution of automobile design has transitioned from a purely engineering-driven approach to a user-cantered paradigm, recognizing that user experience (UX) plays a pivotal role in consumer satisfaction and market success. This research systematically integrates UX factors into the automobile design process, addressing critical parameters such as safety, functionality, ergonomics, aesthetics, sustainability, connectivity, ease of use, accessibility, responsiveness, and navigation. Despite the increasing significance of UX in automobile development, existing frameworks fail to holistically incorporate these factors into the design lifecycle. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative expert interviews. The study utilized the Delphi method in two stages: first, to identify key UX parameters through expert consensus, and second, to validate the refined framework with experienced design professionals. Data was gathered from over 150 automobile designers, spanning various expertise levels and domains, ensuring a diverse and industry-relevant perspective. A comparative case study analysis was conducted on two prominent car segments Compact SUVs and Hatchbacks evaluating vehicles based on the proposed UX framework. Parameters were assessed using a Likert-scale evaluation, and real-user surveys were conducted to validate the framework’s applicability in practical scenarios. Findings indicate that UX factors significantly influence design preferences, with safety, ergonomics, and functionality emerging as critical determinants of user satisfaction. The study demonstrates that integrating UX considerations enhances not only usability but also brand perception and competitive positioning. The developed User Experience Driven Automobile Design (UX-DAD) framework provides a structured methodology for assessing and optimizing UX in vehicle design. This framework offers a practical tool for automobile manufacturers, designers, and UX strategists to create vehicles that align with evolving consumer expectations. The research contributes to academic discourse by establishing a structured UX assessment model while providing actionable insights for industry practitioners. Future research can expand validation across diverse vehicle segments and global markets to further refine the UX-DAD framework.