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In-Car DAB+ Digital Radio - UX Guidelines In-Car DAB+ Digital Radio - UX Guidelines In-Car DAB+ Digital Radio

Key design considerations

Design principles guide every layout, interaction, and content decision in the in-car radio interface. They ensure the experience is safe, predictable, and easy for drivers to use while their primary focus remains on the road.

These are the core principles:
Section titled “These are the core principles:”
  • Keep information current and glanceable Information must be accurate, up to date, and presented so the driver can understand the state of the system in a single glance.
  • Make content readable at a glance Text, icons, and key states must be legible within one to two seconds, in all lighting conditions and on all display types.
  • Use consistent language Labels, messages, and terminology should be plain, predictable, and used consistently across the interface so drivers do not have to relearn meaning.
  • Make targets easy to touch Interactive elements must be large, well spaced, and easy to hit without precision, even when the vehicle is moving or vibrating.
  • Keep UI elements consistent Icons, colours, layouts, and behaviours should follow predictable patterns so drivers can quickly recognise options and states.

The following sections expand on how these principles apply in practice by focusing on three key behaviours of the interface: being readable at a glance, supporting simple and short tasks, and keeping focus on driving.

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Drivers have only one to two seconds to glance at the display, so information must be presented clearly, consistently, and with strong visual hierarchy. Text, icons, and key states must remain legible in all lighting conditions and free from background interference. This principle ensures drivers can understand what they see immediately and return their focus to the road safely.

What this means for design
Section titled “What this means for design”
  • Prioritise primary information such as station name, playback state, and key navigation cues.
  • Use legible sans-serif typography sized and weighted for fast recognition.
  • Maintain strong contrast between text or icons and the background, with a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 and 7:1 for glance-critical content.
  • Avoid decorative imagery, detailed textures, or bright areas behind text that compete with content.
  • Test designs in real conditions including bright sunlight, reflections, tunnels, dusk, and night modes to confirm legibility.

Considered design reduces cognitive load and helps drivers quickly understand what is happening so they can return their focus to the road.