HMI for Advanced Seat Adjustments
This project redefines the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for complex powered seat adjustments in modern vehicles. With over 28 ways to customize seating positions—and an increasing number of features on the horizon—traditional adjustment methods have reached their usability limits. Research shows that many users struggle to adjust seats properly, leading to discomfort, frustration, and underutilization of available features.
Key Challenges Addressed:
Managing Complexity: How to control an increasing number of seat functions without overwhelming the user.
Future-proofing the Interface: Ensuring scalability without linearly increasing physical controls.
Avoiding Display-Dependence: Exploring intuitive alternatives to screen-based adjustments.
Solution & Innovation:
This fully functional prototype that I developed during my time at Faurecia introduces an intuitive and future-ready HMI that simplifies seat adjustment while enhancing usability. The system enables:
Intelligent, Direct Adjustments: Controls that align with user anthropometry, applying an 80/20 logic to ensure optimal posture and comfort.
Enhanced Feature Discoverability: A more engaging and interactive way to explore seat functionalities, making advanced customization accessible.
Improved User Experience: A frustration-free adjustment process that maximizes seating comfort and adapts seamlessly to various vehicle situations, including autonomy levels (L2 to L4).
Project Impact:
For Faurecia: Showcased an effective HMI solution for advanced seating and multi-function seat applications.
For Automotive Manufacturers: Delivered an innovative approach to seat adjustment, bridging the gap between current and future in-vehicle experiences.
For End Users: Provided a superior seating experience, ensuring better posture, comfort, and ease of use.
This project serves as a forward-thinking example of how ergonomic design, user-centered innovation, and scalable technology can redefine in-vehicle seating interactions, making complex adjustments effortless and intuitive.
Company: Faurecia
Team: Cockpit of the Future
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Year: 2019-2020
This video provides an informal walkthrough of the first prototype developed at Faurecia, demonstrating all its key features and functionalities. The presentation covers the different adjustment modes, the intuitive seat controls, and the multimodal feedback system, showcasing how the prototype simplifies complex seat adjustments. This early version highlights the foundation of an innovative HMI designed for future in-vehicle seating experiences.
This image showcases the complexity of current powered seat adjustments. With over 28 ways to customize seating positions—and an increasing number of features on the horizon—traditional adjustment methods have reached their usability limits.
This image showcases the first fully functional prototype implementation installed on an automotive seat. The diagram on the right shows the different modes and functionalities that can be accessed via this controller
This video demonstrates Mode 0 controls, enabling full seat adjustments for a seamless and intuitive seating experience. In this mode, the user can modify backrest tilt, seat height, and seat length, allowing for comprehensive customization. To confirm which areas of the seat are being adjusted, the system provides full-seat vibration feedback, offering clear, multimodal confirmation of the current adjustment zone.
This video showcases Mode 1 controls for the advanced seat adjustment HMI. In this mode, the user can adjust the seat cushion, specifically controlling cushion tilt, seat height, and cushion length. To enhance usability, the system provides localized vibration feedback in the seat cushion, confirming the area being adjusted. This multimodal approach enhances usability by ensuring the user can easily identify and fine-tune their seating position without relying solely on visual cues.
This video demonstrates Mode 2 controls for the advanced seat adjustment HMI. By tapping the controller again, the user gains access to upper back adjustments, lumbar height, and lumbar intensity settings. To provide intuitive feedback, the system delivers a localized vibration in the backrest, confirming the specific area being adjusted. This multimodal interaction ensures intuitive and precise control, allowing users to fine-tune their seating position effortlessly.