DiDi Eco Fleet
DiDi Eco Fleet
HMI Design
HMI Design
2023
2023
• Overview
• Overview
In this project, I design Didi D1 HMI, a complete solution for electric ride-hailing. This platform smoothly integrates intelligent range calculations, optimized batch matching, and charging station management, addressing challenges unique to full-time ride-sharing drivers using electric vehicles (EVs).
In this project, I design Didi D1 HMI, a complete solution for electric ride-hailing. This platform smoothly integrates intelligent range calculations, optimized batch matching, and charging station management, addressing challenges unique to full-time ride-sharing drivers using electric vehicles (EVs).
• Context
• Context
The D1 initiative, a collaboration between Didi and BYD, aims to revolutionize the ride-sharing industry by introducing a fleet of purpose-built electric vehicles, catering to both B2C and B2B segments. The design balances operational efficiency and user experience. For riders and owner-drivers (B2C), it offers a driver-centric seat with comfort features and a customizable passenger space. For driver-partners and fleet operators (B2B), the D1 provides a cost-effective solution with extended driving range, fast charging, and integration with Didi's platform.
The D1 initiative, a collaboration between Didi and BYD, aims to revolutionize the ride-sharing industry by introducing a fleet of purpose-built electric vehicles, catering to both B2C and B2B segments. The design balances operational efficiency and user experience. For riders and owner-drivers (B2C), it offers a driver-centric seat with comfort features and a customizable passenger space. For driver-partners and fleet operators (B2B), the D1 provides a cost-effective solution with extended driving range, fast charging, and integration with Didi's platform.
• Find the Right Problems
• Find the Right Problems
Our Research of 500 Didi-registered EV drivers shows that range anxiety is cited as the primary concern, with 90% of respondents highlighting it as a significant issue preventing them from using EV ride hailing operations.
The main concern for these drivers is the system's accuracy in planning trips based on battery range. EV ride-hailing drivers often receive trip assignments that exceed their range, causing anxiety and potential service disruptions. Additionally, the availability and wait times at charging stations are critical. Full-time drivers, working 8 to 13 hours a day, lose potential earnings while waiting in queues. Efficiently locating and using charging stations is crucial for them.
Our Research of 500 Didi-registered EV drivers shows that range anxiety is cited as the primary concern, with 90% of respondents highlighting it as a significant issue preventing them from using EV ride hailing operations.
The main concern for these drivers is the system's accuracy in planning trips based on battery range. EV ride-hailing drivers often receive trip assignments that exceed their range, causing anxiety and potential service disruptions. Additionally, the availability and wait times at charging stations are critical. Full-time drivers, working 8 to 13 hours a day, lose potential earnings while waiting in queues. Efficiently locating and using charging stations is crucial for them.
• Goals
• Goals
Our goal is to design a in vehicle system that streamlines navigation, charging, and order taking workflow for D1 ride hailing drivers.
Our goal is to design a in vehicle system that streamlines navigation, charging, and order taking workflow for D1 ride hailing drivers.
Improved efficiency in drivers' daily operations, combined with other EV benefits, enhances the competitiveness of D1.
Algorithms and cloud management can be effectively utilized for drivers' routine planning, reducing the cost of advancing physical battery capacity.
Reduced phone use by drivers increases safety awareness and promotes a positive image of the riding experience.
Improved efficiency in drivers' daily operations, combined with other EV benefits, enhances the competitiveness of D1.
Algorithms and cloud management can be effectively utilized for drivers' routine planning, reducing the cost of advancing physical battery capacity.
Reduced phone use by drivers increases safety awareness and promotes a positive image of the riding experience.
• My Contributions
• My Contributions
Rebuild Architecture
I redesigned dashboard architecture, improving driver efficiency and reducing task complexity.
Intelligent Trip Assignment
I helped build the optimizes trip assignments system based on battery levels, alerts drivers of low charge, and ensures smooth experiences by avoiding trips beyond the vehicle's range.
Dynamic Heat Maps
I designed a dynamic heat map with real-time data to optimize routes, reduce idle time, and increase passenger pickups by highlighting high-demand areas.
Rebuild Architecture
I redesigned dashboard architecture, improving driver efficiency and reducing task complexity.
Intelligent Trip Assignment
I helped build the optimizes trip assignments system based on battery levels, alerts drivers of low charge, and ensures smooth experiences by avoiding trips beyond the vehicle's range.
Dynamic Heat Maps
I designed a dynamic heat map with real-time data to optimize routes, reduce idle time, and increase passenger pickups by highlighting high-demand areas.
• Design Progress
• Design Progress
The design process started with basic paper sketches, with major decisions centered around improving driver efficiency.
The design process started with basic paper sketches, with major decisions centered around improving driver efficiency.
Architecture & Navbar
We spent a long time debating which features should be included in the new sidebar navigation. In the end, we added two key functions on top of older design: a “go online” button to help drivers start taking orders instantly, and a shortcut to the charging network. While charging is frequently used, we intentionally placed the tab in a less prominent but memorable spot to encourage muscle memory and minimize distraction.
As we refined the layout, we moved away from the original hub-and-spoke model—which worked for casual browsing but fell short in daily operations. I proposed a hybrid system combining hub-and-spoke with trip navigation: a general homepage for accessing apps, and a dedicated driver homepage offering direct access to essential tools, streamlining task flow without extra steps.
Architecture & Navbar
We spent a long time debating which features should be included in the new sidebar navigation. In the end, we added two key functions on top of older design: a “go online” button to help drivers start taking orders instantly, and a shortcut to the charging network. While charging is frequently used, we intentionally placed the tab in a less prominent but memorable spot to encourage muscle memory and minimize distraction.
As we refined the layout, we moved away from the original hub-and-spoke model—which worked for casual browsing but fell short in daily operations. I proposed a hybrid system combining hub-and-spoke with trip navigation: a general homepage for accessing apps, and a dedicated driver homepage offering direct access to essential tools, streamlining task flow without extra steps.
Navigation during workshift
We considered whether the order management panel should remain visible during navigation. However, keeping it on screen made navigation instructions hard to read and created visual clutter. Since navigation only begins after an order is accepted, the two functions couldn’t be merged. To prioritize safety, we disabled access to the order panel once navigation starts, and moved passenger communication into the navigation screen. This ensures drivers stay focused by preventing multitasking during active trips.
Navigation during workshift
We considered whether the order management panel should remain visible during navigation. However, keeping it on screen made navigation instructions hard to read and created visual clutter. Since navigation only begins after an order is accepted, the two functions couldn’t be merged. To prioritize safety, we disabled access to the order panel once navigation starts, and moved passenger communication into the navigation screen. This ensures drivers stay focused by preventing multitasking during active trips.
Trip Information Hierarchy
One of the toughest design challenges was figuring out how to present information in the smart suggestion cards. Take the smart order assignment card, for example: each trip includes the current location, pickup and drop-off points, along with corresponding times, distances, and remaining battery levels. Compared to our initial draft, the final design prioritized price and battery usage, grouped time with addresses, and clearly separated each stage of the trip.
Trip Information Hierarchy
One of the toughest design challenges was figuring out how to present information in the smart suggestion cards. Take the smart order assignment card, for example: each trip includes the current location, pickup and drop-off points, along with corresponding times, distances, and remaining battery levels. Compared to our initial draft, the final design prioritized price and battery usage, grouped time with addresses, and clearly separated each stage of the trip.
• Final Approach
• Final Approach
Dynamic Heat Maps for Driver Efficiency
Heat maps, with their color gradients, highlight high-demand areas, helping drivers identify potential hotspots. This tool promotes route optimization, reduces idle time, and boosts passenger pickups by providing real-time demand information.
Dynamic Heat Maps for Driver Efficiency
Heat maps, with their color gradients, highlight high-demand areas, helping drivers identify potential hotspots. This tool promotes route optimization, reduces idle time, and boosts passenger pickups by providing real-time demand information.
Intelligent Trip Matching and Battery Alerts
The system optimizes trip assignments based on driver's battery level and range. It calculates the remaining mileage, doesn't send requests beyond this distance, and alerts drivers of low battery levels. This design minimizes trip cancellations due to insufficient range, ensuring a smooth experience.
Intelligent Trip Matching and Battery Alerts
The system optimizes trip assignments based on driver's battery level and range. It calculates the remaining mileage, doesn't send requests beyond this distance, and alerts drivers of low battery levels. This design minimizes trip cancellations due to insufficient range, ensuring a smooth experience.
Order-based Charging Recommendations
The proactive feature enhances driver experience and fleet management by alerting drivers of low battery levels upon ride completion and suggesting optimal charging stations based on cost, distance, and availability. This AI system minimizes driver downtime and ensures efficient use of charging stations, optimizing fleet performance.
Order-based Charging Recommendations
The proactive feature enhances driver experience and fleet management by alerting drivers of low battery levels upon ride completion and suggesting optimal charging stations based on cost, distance, and availability. This AI system minimizes driver downtime and ensures efficient use of charging stations, optimizing fleet performance.
• Reflection
• Reflection
Why is smart dispatch system crucial in the era of Robotaxi?
Why is smart dispatch system crucial in the era of Robotaxi?
We believe that ultimate efficiency leads to the ultimate user experience. The smart design of batch-matching systems accelerates the transition to a superior user experience in the robotaxi era. As battery technology improves, enabling longer ranges and faster charging, advanced AI algorithms will efficiently match passengers with vehicles, optimize routes, and schedule predictive maintenance. This results in minimal wait times, reduced empty miles, and maximum fleet utilization. Leveraging vast data, AI models will continuously learn and adapt, delivering a seamless, on-demand transportation service that is both efficient and user-centric.
We believe that ultimate efficiency leads to the ultimate user experience. The smart design of batch-matching systems accelerates the transition to a superior user experience in the robotaxi era. As battery technology improves, enabling longer ranges and faster charging, advanced AI algorithms will efficiently match passengers with vehicles, optimize routes, and schedule predictive maintenance. This results in minimal wait times, reduced empty miles, and maximum fleet utilization. Leveraging vast data, AI models will continuously learn and adapt, delivering a seamless, on-demand transportation service that is both efficient and user-centric.
