Driving delight

Lightyear set out to build a radically different electric vehicle—one featuring solar panels. Guided by their “less is more” design philosophy, both the exterior and interior styling were already in place. However, the dashboard and infotainment system posed an entirely new set of challenges: countless regulations, strict hardware limitations, and the need to adopt familiar consumer tech interaction patterns for drivers. Not to mention changing existing perceptions of electric vehicles, such as the fear of running out of charge.

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Lightyear sought experts from beyond the traditional automotive sphere—enter our team. We joined at the early concept stage, tasked with reconciling minimalism, safety, and a seamless user experience for the dashboard and infotainment interfaces, while fully integrating the innovative solar technology Lightyear brought to the table.

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We began by dissecting the labyrinth of European, international, and national regulations essential for vehicle displays. Through rigorous interaction design, we ensured that mandatory warning icons, colors, and sizes were integrated seamlessly into a system that still felt intuitive. After exhaustive mapping, we identified the bare minimum space required for legal compliance and then layered in user-friendly flows, step by step.

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With the regulatory foundations set, our team iterated on screen layouts and hardware choices. Starting with simple sketches we balanced creative freedom with the realities of mandatory icons and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Meanwhile, we delved into touchscreen specifications and the physical “pads” on the steering wheel, exploring everything from simple volume controls to advanced multi-gesture inputs.

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Beyond these necessities, we focused on how this vehicle would differ from any other electric vehicle. Thanks to its solar panels, range anxiety and trip planning were less of a concern. But how do you translate the generated power into the UI? In close collaboration with the data science team, we created a unit called the “Solar Kilometer.” Ultimately, our collective goal was to craft a cohesive in-car experience that felt both innovative and immediately approachable.

We delivered a set of interface designs ready to transition into a full pre-production phase. Our approach demonstrated how minimalism could coexist with robust technical requirements and regulatory compliance. By grounding every design choice in real user needs—and continuously testing assumptions with prototypes—we shaped an interface philosophy that stands apart from traditional automotive UI.

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Innovative features such as the Solar Kilometer helped users see how they were actively increasing their range while driving, minimizing range anxiety. Meanwhile, integrations such as a personal calendar allowed the car to assist drivers in finding the perfect spot to park for optimal solar charging during daily activities.

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We’re proud that our groundwork set the stage for a next-generation EV experience. Our insights on screen layouts, gesture interactions, and regulatory constraints gave Lightyear a strong foundation for a vehicle interface that feels both familiar and intuitive—while rigorously meeting the demands of modern electric mobility.

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