VinFast

Role: UI/UX Design Intern

Tools: Figma, Screens Studio, Adobe

Skills: User Interface Design, User Experience Research, Product Strategy

Timeline: June 2023 - Sept 2023

Introduction

The UI Concept Refresh project was an initiative to establish a modern, minimalistic brand identity for VinFast that differentiates it in the competitive automotive market. As a UI/UX Intern in the automotive industry, I was tasked with designing the clock and weather widgets for VinFast’s latest IPC model as part of their UI Concept Refresh project. My role involved conducting competitive analysis and user research to enhance the usability and aesthetics of these applications for the VF 3 model, set to launch in early 2024.

VinFast’s current IPC was considered outdated and complex, posing a challenge in their effort to break into the U.S. and global markets outside of Asia. Given the fierce competition in branding, pricing, and product quality, the UI refresh aimed to provide an intuitive and visually compelling experience.

My key objectives were:

  1. Optimizing commonly used clock and weather features.

  2. Ensuring clarity through layman terms and indicative imagery.

  3. Establishing an elegant, modern, and minimalistic VinFast-unique brand.

  4. Introducing innovative EV-related features uncommon in the industry.

SITUATION

VinFast aimed to modernize its IPC to enhance usability and align with global market expectations. The current UI was outdated and cluttered, making it difficult for users to navigate critical features such as the clock and weather widgets. As an intern, I was responsible for redesigning these widgets to improve functionality, clarity, and brand consistency.

ACTION

Conducted benchmarking across various automotive brands, analyzing widget designs ranging from simple to complex.

Performed user research to understand commonly used features, cognitive load considerations, and design preferences.

  • Identified key usability improvements, including simplified layouts, intuitive iconography, and customizable options.

  • Iterated on multiple design versions, incorporating feedback from the team and VinFast stakeholders.

  • Developed final prototype designs that optimized essential clock and weather functions while introducing innovative personalization features uncommon in EVs

TASK

My primary responsibility was to design intuitive and user-friendly clock and weather widgets that aligned with the new VinFast brand identity. This required conducting extensive research, benchmarking industry practices, and incorporating user-centric features that enhanced the overall driving experience.

RESULT

Designed a streamlined, intuitive UI that enhanced user accessibility and efficiency.

  • Introduced customization features, allowing users to personalize their clock and weather widgets.

  • Ensured the design was aligned with VinFast’s modern and minimalistic brand direction.

  • Delivered a comprehensive design package for the team to implement post-internship, setting the stage for future development.

Sketch work and Iterations

〰️

Sketch work and Iterations 〰️

A couple of key iterations and brainstorming before the final designs, based on iOs control center and incorporating users’ essential personalization features

User journey mapping using HMWs (How Might We) questions for both the clock and weather

Research and benchmarking using Screen Studios to compare with current industry standards

Demos

Weather

Walkthrough of weather app’s widget and open app, including features like en-route weather, hour & daily weather, and EV-related alerts in regards to weather

Clock

Walkthrough of clock app’s widget and open app, including location changes and several personalization factors

Conclusion

Due to the limited duration of my internship, I was able to present my work and contribute to the project’s foundation but was not involved in the final product launch. However, my designs set the groundwork for future execution, with key next steps including:

  1. Integration with third-party data sources.

  2. Finalization of the design system.

  3. Comprehensive user testing.

This experience was a significant stepping stone in my UI/UX design career. Key takeaways from this journey include:

  • Always ask ‘why’ until there are no more questions left.

  • Investing more time in research before designing leads to a more efficient workflow.

  • Both positive and constructive feedback are equally valuable.

  • There is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ design—iteration is key.

This project not only enhanced my skills in UI/UX design but also deepened my understanding of user-centric automotive interfaces. The insights gained will undoubtedly shape my future approach to designing intuitive digital experiences.