Psyma Automotive Design & Usability Testing -

How important are the various features?
Are all the features easy to find and use?
Are the controls easy and intuitive for drivers to understand?
Are symbols and labels easy to understand?
Do design and styling assist with operation?
Why are some features difficult to find or operate? What operating errors do drivers make?
How much do consumers like the dashboard design? Does it match the brand image in terms of quality, design, and operating principles?
Learnability: How easy or difficult would it be to use features after not coming into contact with them for a year?
What improvements could be made to the car’s interior so that it better meets your customers’ needs and expectations?
What differences do consumers notice compared to your competitors or your previous models?

Recruitment according to specific quotas, e.g. car makes and models
Experienced interviewers guide users through the tests
Study procedure:
- To begin, the participants are asked about their car usage and experiences.
- This is followed by a test while driving or the use of a simulator to gain initial impressions and opinions.
- The interview concludes with a final comprehensive assessment.
Performance of use cases (under identical conditions for all participants) to test how intuitive features are to use and to identify difficulties and operating errors. Use cases are conducted while driving on a test track, on normal roads, or in a simulator.
During the use case, the participant is observed by the interviewer who records their approach as they drive the vehicle. Any operating errors are noted.
Participants spontaneously evaluate the vehicle’s operation and then answer standardized questions on:
- Likes and dislikes
- Brand fit
- Strengths and weaknesses of the operating controls
- How the car compares with the operator’s own car or competitors’ models
- Overall satisfaction

1. Driving simulator (static or dynamic) during the early development phase

Driving simulator lab on your premises
New dashboard in the simulator
Participants complete different use cases in the simulator
Questionnaire before and after the simulation

2. Test track

Confidential vehicle design calls for strict security requirements
Interview involves active driving on the test track, with participants performing various use cases
Questionnaire before and after the simulation

3. Test drive on normal roads

Normal vehicle (registered for on-road use), but with new dashboard or new individual parts in the interior
Interview involves active driving on public roads, with participants performing various use cases
Questionnaire before and after the simulation

Psyma industry experience

Psyma has already successfully conducted various usability tests for the automotive industry for a range of manufacturers, including BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI, Audi, Rolls-Royce, and Valeo.

Psyma Automotive Design & Usability Testing

Test usability during the design phase to avoid costly revisions