Autonomous
Project Overview:
Autonomous – Climate Control for BMW Electric Vehicles
Services
Android / iOS
Client
Critical TechWorks
Autonomous
User Need
"As a driver, I want to remotely control my car’s air conditioning, so when I arrive, the temperature inside is just right."
Challenge
Extreme weather conditions, whether hot summers in Lisbon or freezing winters in Stockholm, require drivers to manually prepare their vehicles before entering. This is inefficient and unpleasant, especially for users with children or pets.
My Approach
Empathy Through Research
To understand the problem, I conducted a competitive analysis of existing solutions (e.g., Tesla app, Google APIs for weather and location, BMW Connected apps) and reviewed current UX patterns for connected vehicle ecosystems.
User Personas
I developed two personas: John (Lisbon, 36) and Jane (Stockholm, 32), to explore contrasting user needs:
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John: Tech-savvy, dislikes waiting, values convenience.
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Jane: Dislikes complexity, prioritizes family comfort and pet safety.
These personas guided my decisions for personalization, automation, and accessibility.
Ideation & Concept
Key Insight
Remote control alone isn't enough. Users want automation, intelligence, and adaptability based on context.
Solution Vision
A mobile application that connects to the car, enabling:
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Real-time temperature control
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Automatic adjustments based on sensors
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Battery-aware usage
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Customisation for passengers, kids, and pets
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Integration with Google APIs (Weather, Maps, Account)
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Smart notifications and alerts
Product Design
Naming the App
I called it Autonomous, reflecting both the self-regulating nature of the system and the broader vision of autonomous vehicles.
Key Features
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Automatic Mode: Adjusts temperature based on sensors, weather, and passenger presence.
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Manual Mode: Allows fine control of zones (driver, passenger, rear left/right).
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User Profiles: Syncs preferences (e.g., one or more drivers, kids, pets) to customise the UI and behaviour.
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Notifications: Push alerts and in-app prompts for key actions.
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Security: Lock/unlock via app; VIN verification.
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Smart Integration: Google Nest, Smartwatch support for quick actions
Persona: John - Lisbon
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Simple onboarding via Google account
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Prioritises driver-only ventilation
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Accepts battery usage for pre-conditioning
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Uses manual override for precise control
Persona: Jane - Stockholm
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Family-first profile with additional sections for kids and pets
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App adapts the interface and suggests settings
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More complex notification logic to ensure safety for children/pets
User Interface (UI)
The interface of the Autonomous app was designed to be simple, intuitive, and adaptable to each user's context. Its minimalist aesthetic, functional icons, and use of soft colors create a modern experience that conveys confidence, sophistication, and full control over the vehicle.
Prototype
The interface of the Autonomous app was designed to be simple, intuitive, and adaptable to each user's context. Its minimalist aesthetic, functional icons, and use of soft colors create a modern experience that conveys confidence, sophistication, and full control over the vehicle.
Results & Learnings
The outcome reflects:
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Strong alignment between user needs and app functionality
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A scalable architecture that supports future enhancements (voice assistants, routines)
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A flexible UI that adapts to user context and profile
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Opportunities to improve battery efficiency and contextual AI models
Reflection
This project taught me how to:
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Balance automation with manual control in high-responsibility contexts
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Integrate multiple APIs while maintaining usability
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Design for edge cases involving family safety and pet presence
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Prototype realistic journeys in Figma and Adobe XD for testing and storytelling
