© Cam Meyer Design
Last Update: Feb. 2025
A new global digital instrument cluster design for Stellantis
In 2021, Stellantis announced the development of its very first all-electric vehicle platform, Stella Large. Spanning across multiple brand portfolios, the Stella Large Platform required a modular digital instrument cluster design that homologated core software but allowed for unique brand experiences.
Our task was to develop a universal, digital instrument cluster interface that can be implemented into all future vehicle programs built on the new Stella Large Platform. We were challenged to craft a core user experience, interaction model, visual structure, and content strategy that could be applied to vehicles that ranged from all terrain explorers to all-electric racing machines.
Role
Core UX Designer
Interaction Designer
Timing
Jan 2021 - Present
Tools
Figma
Adobe Creative Suite
VRED
Blender
PROBLEM
Instrument clusters are evolving, Stellantis has to get ahead.
In 2021, Stellantis announced the development of its very first all-electric vehicle platform, Stella Large. Spanning across multiple brand portfolios, the Stella Large Platform required a modular digital instrument cluster design that homologated core software but allowed for unique brand experiences.
Our task was to develop a universal, digital instrument cluster interface that can be implemented into all future vehicle programs built on the new Stella Large Platform. We were challenged to craft a core user experience, interaction model, visual structure, and content strategy that could be applied to vehicles that ranged from all terrain explorers to all-electric racing machines.
RESEARCH
What are people saying about their cluster?
Our design process began in 2021 as the Grand Cherokee L and Grand Wagoneer hit the market for the first time. We were able to analyze internal fast feedback reports and external reviews from J. D. Power and Consumer Reports.
"The instrument cluster graphics are too clutter and may cause driver distraction"
via J.D. Power
"I can't find what I need to see when I need to see it."
via Stellantis Fast Feedback Report
"Messages take over the entire screen and appear too often."
via Consumer Reports
"I don't like it when my screen changes layout without my influence."
via Stellantis Fast Feedback Report
Competitive Analysis
I conducted a thorough analysis of 20+ competitive solutions through online research and on-site testing and established three key trends of successful designs.
Physical to Digital evolution
Consistency and Modularity
Adoption of 3D Visualization
Card Sort Exercise
We conducted a card sort exercise in which 35 participants organized driving features into established categories or categories they created.
DESIGN PROCESS
Building a Framework
Using data from our card sort and feedback insights, we began building an interaction model that prioritized redundant content reduction, diminished the need for user interaction, and increased perceived satisfaction.
Interaction Mapping
Component Concept
Wireframing
By far the most extensive and detailed step in the process involved building detailed, responsive wireframes and interactive wireframe models that represented our design framework to potential users and brand designers. These wireframe models acted as the “north star” reference material for our global cluster design.
FINAL DESIGN
Simple Customization
Customizing your cluster layout shouldn't require a degree in human factors engineering. Customers wanted an intuitive way to adjust their layout based on their driving habits. The "Layout" button is a one-button press toggle that allows the driver to cycle through up to 5 different driving layouts. This interaction was imperative to allowing brands flexibility and autonomy in their design. Brands can use core components to build their own layouts for unique driving experiences. Dodge chose layouts inspired by it's rich heritage in racing and performance while Jeep chose layouts that optimize the off-roading experience.
Overhauled Menu
Less Noise
Legacy solutions included 50+ menu items across 12 different menu categories. We reduced menu bloat by over 50% by consolidating feature information into 6 categories and no more than 20 menu options. The user can navigate menus using the 5 way controller.
Intuitive Interaction
The user can now navigate menu categories horizontally, which is more consistent with other familiar digital interactions on web and mobile apps.
Start-Up
Telltale Layout
Perhaps the most complex and challenging feature of a driver display is the visual representation of telltales and ISOs. These icons all carry strong regulatory requirements and have unique behavior based on the features they apply to. We prioritized three goals when creating the telltale layout: regulatory compliance, functional grouping, and bulb-check positioning.
Start-Up Sequence
Messages
Small Message
For use- activated and ADAS messages.
Large Message
For critical, image-based, or less common messages.
IMPACT
3 Brands, 4 Programs and Counting…
Using data from our card sort and feedback insights, we began building an interaction model that prioritized redundant content reduction, diminished the need for user interaction, and increased perceived satisfaction.
