For my Final Year Project, I designed a breathalyser system for drivers to use before operating their vehicle. The project focused on creating the physical product, with the application design completed later.
UX Research
UX/UI Design
Feb 20 - May 20
The Problem
Drink driving is a significant issue in Ireland, with alcohol being a factor in 29% of all fatal crashes. This raises the question of why this problem persists and what measures can be taken to mitigate it.
The Solution
The solution is a device that effectively prevents drivers from accessing their key unless they pass a breathalyser test. I proceeded to design an accompanying application that enhances the functionality of the device.
My Role
This project was a solo project. I took full responsibility for the entire process, which involved researching the problem, designing the solution, creating the physical product, and developing an accompanying application.
Research
For the research, I investigated the behaviours and factors that contribute to individuals engaging in drink driving. I examined established strategies that have been effective in reducing drink driving both nationally and internationally and identified areas for improvement.
Knowns/Unknowns
Before starting the research, I presented the existing knowledge about the subject and identified what is still unknown and requires further investigation:
Interviews
Subjects
Interviews took place in Limerick and Meath. I interviewed two men convicted of a DUI offense and the wife of one of those men. I also interviewed two individuals who admitted to driving under the influence but were not caught/prosecuted.
Questions
The questions asked varied among the subjects. I asked those convicted of DUI about their personal experiences, the resulting consequences, and any ideas they had for preventing/reducing the crime. For those who committed the offense but were not convicted, I inquired about the circumstances that influenced their decision. They also shared their thoughts on the drink driving culture in Ireland and how it could be reduced.
Key Insights:
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Surveys
I conducted a survey among the general public to gain a deeper understanding of driver behaviours and to gather insights into the public's perception and experiences. The valuable insights obtained from this survey played a pivotal role in shaping the design concept.
Key Insights:
Competitive Analysis
I conducted a competitive analysis to examine successful approaches and technologies implemented by other countries to address the issue of drink driving. This analysis aimed to identify best practices and innovative solutions that could be adapted and incorporated into the development of the prevention system or product.
Key Insights:
Design
I began the design phase by defining the design requirements, taking into account the research findings. This helped me gain a better understanding of the end user and enabled me to come up with viable solutions.
Design Guide
The design guide for preventing and reducing driving under the influence of alcohol is developed based on thorough research and analysis. It takes into account important aspects identified through interviews, surveys and studies, offering valuable insights for the design process.
Ideation
In the ideation phase, I brainstormed various concepts and ideas for the system or product that can prevent and reduce driving under the influence of alcohol. Some of the ideas include creating a mobile app for finding nearby taxis and transportation options, implementing a program that rewards responsible choices and discourages drunk driving, and designing a smart car key with a built-in breathalyser to prevent drunk driving.
Concept Development
After several iterations, I finalised a design concept. I developed on the car key with built in breathalyser. Based on the findings from the research, this product seemed to have the potential to make the most impact.
I utilized Solidworks to model the concept and Keyshot to generate visual representations of the design. Initially, the project mainly emphasized the physical product and its user experience (UX). However, in recent months, I have also enhanced the accompanying application.
Application Redesign
Over the past few months, I have chosen to enhance the mobile application that comes with the car key breathalyzer. The aim of this mobile application is to help drivers use the device, provide them with information on their level of intoxication, give an estimated time for when they can resume driving, and offer extra services like taxi booking and sobriety communities.
New Look
The application has undergone a redesign to provide a fresh and updated user interface. The new look offers a modern and intuitive design, making it easy for users to navigate and interact with the app.
Failed State
If a user fails the breathalyser test and is considered unfit to drive, the application clearly indicates the failed state. It displays a timer that shows the driver an estimated time for when they can re-test. An option to order a taxi will be available.
Pass State
When a user successfully passes the breathalyser test and is deemed fit to drive, the application indicates a pass state. The key will retract from the device for a limited time, which is shown on the screen.
