Product
FLO TV Automotive
Role
Senior Product Manager
Year
2007 - 2008
Keywords
Product Management / UI / UX / Interaction Design / Prototyping / User Research / Product Discovery / Specifications / In-Vehicle UX / Mobile TV / Service Design / Flash / Content / Motion Graphics
Qualcomm | Chrysler
Project Overview
I led the user experience design for FLO TV’s in-car entertainment system, a live mobile TV service delivered via a dedicated digital multicast network. This included everything from user research, creating interactive wireframes, prototyping and a detailed UI specification to define system behavior across touchscreens, hard keys, and remote controls. The resulting application was built in Flash running on a Qualcomm QTR8600 chipset.
The design ensured compatibility with various vehicle systems and screen sizes while meeting technical constraints. FLO TV Automotive provided an affordable, user-friendly alternative to DVD players and satellite TV, featuring premium content from networks like CNBC, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon.
Project Overview
I led the user experience design for FLO TV’s in-car entertainment system, a live mobile TV service delivered via a dedicated digital multicast network. This included everything from user research, creating interactive wireframes, prototyping and a detailed UI specification to define system behavior across touchscreens, hard keys, and remote controls. The resulting application was built in Flash running on a Qualcomm QTR8600 chipset.
The design ensured compatibility with various vehicle systems and screen sizes while meeting technical constraints. FLO TV Automotive provided an affordable, user-friendly alternative to DVD players and satellite TV, featuring premium content from networks like CNBC, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon.
The Problem
FLO TV aimed to provide a user-friendly, affordable alternative to DVD players and satellite TV for in-car entertainment, addressing key challenges:
Limited options: DVD players required physical media, and satellite TV was costly with bulky antennas. FLO TV offered live programming via a compact, cost-effective antenna.
Coverage interruptions: Existing systems often failed in urban areas or at highway speeds. FLO TV ensured consistent service with its dedicated multicast network.
Complex interfaces: Many systems were hard to use, especially for backseat passengers. FLO TV prioritized simplicity with intuitive controls for touch screens, hard keys, and remotes.
The Problem
FLO TV aimed to provide a user-friendly, affordable alternative to DVD players and satellite TV for in-car entertainment, addressing key challenges:
Limited options: DVD players required physical media, and satellite TV was costly with bulky antennas. FLO TV offered live programming via a compact, cost-effective antenna.
Coverage interruptions: Existing systems often failed in urban areas or at highway speeds. FLO TV ensured consistent service with its dedicated multicast network.
Complex interfaces: Many systems were hard to use, especially for backseat passengers. FLO TV prioritized simplicity with intuitive controls for touch screens, hard keys, and remotes.
The Solution
The FLO TV automotive system provided an affordable, seamless live TV experience for vehicles, delivering uninterrupted programming, including news and children’s content, via a dedicated multicast network. With plans starting at $119 annually, it was a cost-effective alternative to DVD players and satellite TV, ensuring reliable coverage even in urban areas and on highways.
Designed for simplicity, the user interface supported touch screens, hard keys, and remote controls. It featured tools for browsing channels, viewing program details, managing parental controls, and accessing subscription and system information. Interactive wireframes and a detailed UI specification ensured a refined, user-friendly design.
The Solution
The FLO TV automotive system provided an affordable, seamless live TV experience for vehicles, delivering uninterrupted programming, including news and children’s content, via a dedicated multicast network. With plans starting at $119 annually, it was a cost-effective alternative to DVD players and satellite TV, ensuring reliable coverage even in urban areas and on highways.
Designed for simplicity, the user interface supported touch screens, hard keys, and remote controls. It featured tools for browsing channels, viewing program details, managing parental controls, and accessing subscription and system information. Interactive wireframes and a detailed UI specification ensured a refined, user-friendly design.
The Result
Delivery of a user-friendly, engaging in-car entertainment system with an intuitive design for our OEM partner Chrysler
Delivery of an after-market product for sale through Best Buy
10's of thousands of service activations
CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award winner
CES Best of Innovations Honore for In-Vehicle Video
Among the best automotive user experiences in its era
The Result
Delivery of a user-friendly, engaging in-car entertainment system with an intuitive design for our OEM partner Chrysler
Delivery of an after-market product for sale through Best Buy
10's of thousands of service activations
CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award winner
CES Best of Innovations Honore for In-Vehicle Video
Among the best automotive user experiences in its era
Research and Ideation
In this project, I focused on understanding the needs and desires of potential users for an in-vehicle entertainment system. I conducted focus groups to gather insights directly from target audiences. I synthesized the research findings to create detailed user personas, including Yvette, a busy mother who represented a key user group. Yvette's needs and frustrations, along with those of other personas like Ethan and Hannah, who had distinct viewing preferences, informed my design decisions throughout the process.
The design process was highly iterative. I began with a basic concept, sketching out the interaction framework and exploring various design options. I then refined the design through multiple iterations based on the research findings and feedback gathered from stakeholders. This iterative approach allowed me to ensure that the final design was tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the target users. I also ensured the design accounted for technical constraints such as the car modality and integration with the vehicle entertainment system (VES).
Research and Ideation
In this project, I focused on understanding the needs and desires of potential users for an in-vehicle entertainment system. I conducted focus groups to gather insights directly from target audiences. I synthesized the research findings to create detailed user personas, including Yvette, a busy mother who represented a key user group. Yvette's needs and frustrations, along with those of other personas like Ethan and Hannah, who had distinct viewing preferences, informed my design decisions throughout the process.
The design process was highly iterative. I began with a basic concept, sketching out the interaction framework and exploring various design options. I then refined the design through multiple iterations based on the research findings and feedback gathered from stakeholders. This iterative approach allowed me to ensure that the final design was tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the target users. I also ensured the design accounted for technical constraints such as the car modality and integration with the vehicle entertainment system (VES).
Prototyping
To validate and refine my designs, I built a functional prototype of the FLO TV automotive system. The prototype was installed in my SUV, creating a realistic environment for user testing and my own discovery. The prototype used a combination of technologies, including a prototype server running a Flash application I built, infrared (IR) remote control units (RCUs), and RSE LCD screens. I utilized a composite video converter to connect the system to my truck's existing video input, enabling playback on the screens. The IR receiver was positioned in the truck's cabin to effectively receive signals from the RCUs and transmit them to the prototype server for processing.
This setup allowed me to conduct user tests with real passengers in a moving vehicle. Participants could interact with the system using the prototype RCU, experiencing the different features and interface elements firsthand. I gathered valuable feedback on aspects such as ease of use, intuitiveness of the controls, and overall satisfaction with the viewing experience. This direct feedback led to several key design iterations. For example, users found the initial button layout on the RCU confusing, so I redesigned it based on their suggestions, resulting in a more intuitive and user-friendly control scheme.
Prototyping
To validate and refine my designs, I built a functional prototype of the FLO TV automotive system. The prototype was installed in my SUV, creating a realistic environment for user testing and my own discovery. The prototype used a combination of technologies, including a prototype server running a Flash application I built, infrared (IR) remote control units (RCUs), and RSE LCD screens. I utilized a composite video converter to connect the system to my truck's existing video input, enabling playback on the screens. The IR receiver was positioned in the truck's cabin to effectively receive signals from the RCUs and transmit them to the prototype server for processing.
This setup allowed me to conduct user tests with real passengers in a moving vehicle. Participants could interact with the system using the prototype RCU, experiencing the different features and interface elements firsthand. I gathered valuable feedback on aspects such as ease of use, intuitiveness of the controls, and overall satisfaction with the viewing experience. This direct feedback led to several key design iterations. For example, users found the initial button layout on the RCU confusing, so I redesigned it based on their suggestions, resulting in a more intuitive and user-friendly control scheme.
Interaction Design
The interaction design focused on three key areas:
TV Viewing: Designed a clear, intuitive interface for accessing and controlling live TV, including channel switching, viewing channel info, and program descriptions.
Electronic Program Guide (EPG): Created an interactive EPG for browsing programs, viewing details, and tuning to specific channels, enabling efficient discovery and selection.
Settings Menu: Developed a well-organized menu for managing parental controls, favorite channels, subscriptions, and system information, ensuring easy navigation and customization.
I accounted for various vehicle input methods (hard keys, touch screens, and remotes) and adapted designs to fit different screen sizes and resolutions. These considerations ensured an accessible, user-friendly interface that elevated the passenger experience.
Interaction Design
The interaction design focused on three key areas:
TV Viewing: Designed a clear, intuitive interface for accessing and controlling live TV, including channel switching, viewing channel info, and program descriptions.
Electronic Program Guide (EPG): Created an interactive EPG for browsing programs, viewing details, and tuning to specific channels, enabling efficient discovery and selection.
Settings Menu: Developed a well-organized menu for managing parental controls, favorite channels, subscriptions, and system information, ensuring easy navigation and customization.
I accounted for various vehicle input methods (hard keys, touch screens, and remotes) and adapted designs to fit different screen sizes and resolutions. These considerations ensured an accessible, user-friendly interface that elevated the passenger experience.
Motion Design
While working on the FLO TV project, the user interface for the in-car TV system, including the rear-seat entertainment displays and remote control unit (RCU) was designed. The motion design work focused on creating a visually appealing and intuitive user experience through animations and transitions.
The FLO TV Auto Style Guide, which detailed screen layouts, graphical elements, and animations for the various states and transitions within the system, was created. For example, smooth animations were designed for channel changes, guide scrolling, and menu transitions. The goal was to ensure that the motion design enhanced the usability and overall enjoyment of the in-car entertainment system. The FLO TV Audiovox RSE TV device was designed as a drop-in addition to existing Audiovox RSE systems, so FLO TV couldn't make assumptions about what screen the content would be displayed on.
Motion Design
While working on the FLO TV project, the user interface for the in-car TV system, including the rear-seat entertainment displays and remote control unit (RCU) was designed. The motion design work focused on creating a visually appealing and intuitive user experience through animations and transitions.
The FLO TV Auto Style Guide, which detailed screen layouts, graphical elements, and animations for the various states and transitions within the system, was created. For example, smooth animations were designed for channel changes, guide scrolling, and menu transitions. The goal was to ensure that the motion design enhanced the usability and overall enjoyment of the in-car entertainment system. The FLO TV Audiovox RSE TV device was designed as a drop-in addition to existing Audiovox RSE systems, so FLO TV couldn't make assumptions about what screen the content would be displayed on.
User Interface Specification
To guide the development team, I created a detailed User Interface (UI) Specification document, serving as a comprehensive blueprint for implementing the design. It included a system overview, key terms, and detailed descriptions of system states, such as “Fullscreen Video” and “Channel Info,” outlining how the interface displayed information, handled interactions, and responded to inputs. Degraded states were also addressed to ensure a seamless experience even with missing data or poor signal.
Step-by-step use cases illustrated user interactions, covering actions like viewing channel info, changing channels, setting favorites, and navigating settings. An appendix of legal documentation ensured compliance with essential terms and conditions. This specification was vital in aligning development with user needs and technical requirements, ensuring consistency and clarity in the final product.
User Interface Specification
To guide the development team, I created a detailed User Interface (UI) Specification document, serving as a comprehensive blueprint for implementing the design. It included a system overview, key terms, and detailed descriptions of system states, such as “Fullscreen Video” and “Channel Info,” outlining how the interface displayed information, handled interactions, and responded to inputs. Degraded states were also addressed to ensure a seamless experience even with missing data or poor signal.
Step-by-step use cases illustrated user interactions, covering actions like viewing channel info, changing channels, setting favorites, and navigating settings. An appendix of legal documentation ensured compliance with essential terms and conditions. This specification was vital in aligning development with user needs and technical requirements, ensuring consistency and clarity in the final product.
Launch
The FLO TV Auto Entertainment system launched in late 2009 through a partnership between Audiovox and FLO TV Incorporated. Leveraging Audiovox’s distribution network, the system was available at over 12,000 car dealerships across the U.S., ensuring broad market access. Chrysler Group LLC was the first automaker to offer FLO TV as an option on select Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles, targeting families and passengers seeking entertainment during long drives.
Dealers integrated the FLO TV system as an add-on to mobile video systems at purchase, simplifying the process by bundling the cost into the vehicle price. Although specific marketing details are unavailable, the launch likely included collaborations with automakers to position FLO TV as a desirable feature, potentially supported by promotional offers to attract early adopters.
Launch
The FLO TV Auto Entertainment system launched in late 2009 through a partnership between Audiovox and FLO TV Incorporated. Leveraging Audiovox’s distribution network, the system was available at over 12,000 car dealerships across the U.S., ensuring broad market access. Chrysler Group LLC was the first automaker to offer FLO TV as an option on select Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles, targeting families and passengers seeking entertainment during long drives.
Dealers integrated the FLO TV system as an add-on to mobile video systems at purchase, simplifying the process by bundling the cost into the vehicle price. Although specific marketing details are unavailable, the launch likely included collaborations with automakers to position FLO TV as a desirable feature, potentially supported by promotional offers to attract early adopters.
My Role
Overall concept development, UX, interaction design, and usability for the FLO TV automotive system, ensuring it was user-friendly and met passenger needs.
Created detailed UI specifications, documenting states, behaviors, interactions, and legal considerations to guide the development team.
Served as the primary liaison with Chrysler’s design and engineering teams, ensuring seamless system integration into their vehicles.
Led a small design team and the overall design vision.
Conducted user research and usability testing to understand user needs, validate design choices, and ensure the system’s effectiveness and usability.
Developed interaction models that unified the physical hardware and digital interface for a cohesive, intuitive experience.
Designed the system to comply with driver distraction regulations, prioritizing safety while maintaining usability.
My Role
Overall concept development, UX, interaction design, and usability for the FLO TV automotive system, ensuring it was user-friendly and met passenger needs.
Created detailed UI specifications, documenting states, behaviors, interactions, and legal considerations to guide the development team.
Served as the primary liaison with Chrysler’s design and engineering teams, ensuring seamless system integration into their vehicles.
Led a small design team and the overall design vision.
Conducted user research and usability testing to understand user needs, validate design choices, and ensure the system’s effectiveness and usability.
Developed interaction models that unified the physical hardware and digital interface for a cohesive, intuitive experience.
Designed the system to comply with driver distraction regulations, prioritizing safety while maintaining usability.
Supporting Materials
FLO TV Automotive Design Process
FLO TV Automotive UI Specification
Interactive Wireframes (clickable PDF)
FLO TV & Chrysler Interactive Wireframes (design for integration into Chrysler's VES)
Testing Prototyping Architecture
FLO TV Automotive - Motion Study - Guide Interaction Explorations
FLO TV Automotive - Motion Studies
FLO TV Automotive - Channel Change Interaction Tests
FLO TV Automotive - Prototype Video
FLO TV Automotive - NY International Auto Show
FLO TV Automotive - National Commercial
Supporting Materials
FLO TV Automotive Design Process
FLO TV Automotive UI Specification
Interactive Wireframes (clickable PDF)
FLO TV & Chrysler Interactive Wireframes (design for integration into Chrysler's VES)
Testing Prototyping Architecture
FLO TV Automotive - Motion Study - Guide Interaction Explorations
FLO TV Automotive - Motion Studies
FLO TV Automotive - Channel Change Interaction Tests
FLO TV Automotive - Prototype Video
FLO TV Automotive - NY International Auto Show
FLO TV Automotive - National Commercial