UX/UI Design

UX Research

Concept

Remote Control for Trucks

Exploring future wireless remote controls through three distinct proposals combining industrial and interaction design

This project was completed under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). To protect confidential information, I’ve omitted specific product visuals, proprietary details and client identifiers. Any wireframes shown are early-stage sketches that do not reflect final design decisions. The focus of this case study is to showcase my process and user-centered approach.

Project Summary

A heavy vehicles manufacturer wanted to modernize their remote control with a new wireless version. I collaborated with other UX designers and an industrial designer to create three concept proposals—each combining hardware shape, UI layout and feature set. My focus was on designing intuitive interaction models that aligned with real-world use while exploring form and function together.

Impacts

  • Three validated concept directions based on real user feedback.

Role

UX Designer

Team

1x UX Designer Lead

1x Junior UX Designer

1x Industrial Designer

Timeline

4 months

Problem


As a UX Designer, I was brought in to help a heavy vehicle manufacturer rethink their outdated wired remote. Together with other designers, we had the mission of creating three different concepts of modern, wireless solutions—without detailed specs or restrictions. That meant concepting from zero, grounded in real-world use and rugged design realities.

Responsibilities

UX Designer collaborating closely with an industrial designer, a UX Designer Lead and a Junior UX Designer.

  • Research user context and needs.

  • Benchmarking analysis.

  • Defined features, UI structure and interaction principles.

  • Ensured ergonomic and accessibility guidelines were respected.

  • Mentor the Junior UX designer, guiding her through user research, interface proposals and prototyping in Figma.

UX Designer collaborating closely with an industrial designer, a UX Designer Lead and a Junior UX Designer.

  • Research user context and needs.

  • Benchmarking analysis.

  • Defined features, UI structure and interaction principles.

  • Ensured ergonomic and accessibility guidelines were respected.

  • Mentor the Junior UX designer, guiding her through user research, interface proposals and prototyping in Figma.

UX Designer collaborating closely with an industrial designer, a UX Designer Lead and a Junior UX Designer.

  • Research user context and needs.

  • Benchmarking analysis.

  • Defined features, UI structure and interaction principles.

  • Ensured ergonomic and accessibility guidelines were respected.

  • Mentor the Junior UX designer, guiding her through user research, interface proposals and prototyping in Figma.

Research Process


In-depth interviews
Interviewed four drivers from different backgrounds to uncover daily behaviors, pain points, expectations and contextual challenges.


Personas
Based on the behavioral patterns and goals of different types of drivers.

User flows
Mapped to highlight key tasks and interaction scenarios (e.g., adjusting air suspension, performing inspections, checking system status).

Empathy map
To better understand the thoughts, feelings and needs of drivers during key moments.

Impact x Effort Matrix
To prioritize feature ideas and define scope.

Insights

Our research directly informed the following drivers desires:

  • Be able to control the truck from a distance (adjust the temperature, lock or unlock the truck).

  • Can be handle with one hand, even when using gloves.

  • Resistant and durable materials.

  • Air suspension and the axles position are main features.

  • Know the general status of the truck.

Our research directly informed the following drivers desires:


  • Be able to control the truck from a distance (adjust the temperature, lock or unlock the truck).

  • Can be handle with one hand, even when using gloves.

  • Resistant and durable materials.

  • Air suspension and the axles position are main features.

  • Know the general status of the truck.

Our research directly informed the following drivers desires:


  • Be able to control the truck from a distance (adjust the temperature, lock or unlock the truck).

  • Can be handle with one hand, even when using gloves.

  • Resistant and durable materials.

  • Air suspension and the axles position are main features.

  • Know the general status of the truck.

Early Exploration

Low-fidelity visuals were part of our initial exploration and were used to:


  • Map out core interactions and screen flows.

  • Explore layout possibilities for frequently used features.

Low-fidelity visuals were part of our initial exploration and were used to:


  • Map out core interactions and screen flows.

  • Explore layout possibilities for frequently used features.

Solution

Due to NDA constraints, the detailed concept visuals and interaction flows cannot be shared. However, I can describe our design strategy and the principles that guided the development of the three proposed solutions.

Each concept was built around a shared goal: to create a simple, rugged and intuitive remote control that supports truck drivers in outdoor environments—where gloves, limited visibility and time pressure are everyday factors.

We explored variations in:

Information density and layout
Balancing clarity with functionality across different screen sizes.

Interaction modes
Comparing screen-based navigation vs. physical-button-first interfaces.

Prioritized features
Such as air suspension, axle adjustment, lighting and pre-trip status checks.

Navigation structure
Ensuring one-handed operability, quick access to daily-use functions and visibility under direct sunlight.

Lessons Learned

  • Designing for hybrid physical-digital products requires close coordination between industrial and digital design teams. Small UI changes can have hardware implications.

  • Mentoring a junior team member throughout the project helped me grow as a communicator and team collaborator.

Results

  • Provided the client with three future-ready remote control concepts.

  • Helped the team align hardware development with real-world use needs.

  • Set the foundation for further prototyping and technical feasibility exploration.

View More Projects