The Toymaker

Google established a new spatial framework for Assistant, defining how it integrates across products. This "negative space" layer is separate from the main content and system notifications.
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I lead an effort to create a strategy for integrating the new spatial framework into our current automotive products, taking into account the constraints and requirements of the space.

Considering Android Auto existing framework, safety guidelines, and key UX research findings, I worked with XFN partners to designate the side panel and bottom rail areas for touch invocation, response, and fulfillment needs.
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I established our primary design principles: preserving map & active nav visibility, ensuring consistent and predictable patterns, utilizing existing systems & patterns, and maintaining the Assistant brand identity.

I proposed three approaches for invocation and fulfillment: Soft Invoke for minimal requests, Full Invoke with voice plate for simple UI needs, and Side Panel for moderate UI needs.

For the voice plate, we needed to accommodate various use cases and support a new flexible UI that could adapt to Android & OEM color theming. Here's a sampling of the work prepared

Throughout the design process, I took the lead in developing interactive prototypes that helped the team validate or disprove our framework. It was essential to incorporate both voice and touch interactions into the prototype. Below is a sample of the work: