Sr Product Design Prototyper
Here’s a photo from my Five-Year Anniversary as a Sr Product Design Prototyper in the Product Design Office at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles—though in reality, it was more than seven years if you include my time as a contractor. I began in early 2012 as a product designer on the user experience team, where I worked on production Uconnect radio theme files and collaborated on quick interactive prototypes.
My role primarily involved working as a product designer on the User Experience Team that focused on in-vehicle infotainment and connectivity solutions and designs, contributing to the creation of prototype apps and real-life concept builds while adding creative input to the design process. Working closely with the UX design team gave me valuable insights into user-centered design and the implementation of comprehensive design systems. I also had the opportunity to develop numerous interfaces for vehicle displays and even integrated them with vehicle systems using WebSockets, bridging the gap between design and functionality.
In the early stages of my role, I focused heavily on building radio theme files. Over time, I transitioned to collaborating with designers to develop new interfaces using tools like Adobe Flash, HTML, and Unity for AR/VR experiences. I primarily worked with consumer tablets for their ease of deployment, whether for Android applications or web pages.
Building Digital BUCS For Design Reviews
For vehicle BUCs (bench unit controllers), I initially used Intel NUC computers to drive each display. However, I later switched to digital signage boxes, which proved to be more reliable for transport and quicker to boot. Throughout this process, I developed expertise in networking content through a variety of methods, adapting to the available technology to ensure seamless functionality.
I also developed numerous devices using Arduinos and Raspberry Pi systems, leveraging their versatility for various projects. When building vehicle BUCs (bench unit controllers), I found digital signage boxes particularly valuable for pushing content to multiple displays. These boxes offered GPIO capabilities, which allowed me to integrate hardware directly into my BUC builds, enhancing their functionality and adaptability.
Prototyping Across the World
I had the privilege of traveling internationally multiple times as a lead tech developer for the design office, providing on-site support and building projects in various locations. One of the highlights was my trips to Shanghai, where I collaborated with Jeep to introduce cutting-edge user experience concepts to the Asia-Pacific market. These experiences were both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.
Working in the product design office came with some incredible perks, such as meeting fascinating celebrities and having access to a wide range of vehicles for testing and exploration. Driving different types and brands of vehicles was an invaluable experience, providing a deeper understanding of the diversity between vehicle classes and their unique features. Immersing myself in these firsthand experiences allowed me to step into the user’s perspective, helping to create more thoughtful designs and uncover solutions that might otherwise go unnoticed.
High-quality displays and significantly faster processors have become integral to modern vehicles, paving the way for exciting advancements in connected vehicle technology. Innovative services and unique user experiences are set to shape the future of mobility and redefine transportation as we know it.
