A Comfortable Transition to the Electric – Terminal Tractor Investigating the Design Process of Developing a Dashboard Interface for an Electric Terminal Tractor

Abstract

With the world gradually shifting toward renewable energy sources, many fossildriven industrial vehicles must transition to electric counterparts. Such transitions can be imposing on the comfort of users and poses an interesting design challenge. In this thesis, we perform a user-centred design process to create a digital dashboard interface for a new electric terminal tractor. We investigate how this process affects the user experience of the final interface concept, and what to consider when designing for a comfortable transition from traditional to novel interfaces. The process was challenged by a low availability of users, resorting to alternative methods to accomplish user-centred design. The final concept was developed through three design iterations, using legacy bias as a tool for creating comfortable transitions. Each iteration resulted in a set of concepts which were subsequently evaluated. The final concept was well-received by all stakeholders, and it managed to improve the user experience for terminal tractor operators, while still remaining a comfortable transition from traditional interfaces.