Autonomous Goods Delivery
Conceptual User Experience
Client:
American Automaker
Role:
Lead/Sole Designer
Project Manager
Year(s):
2021
Visualizing self-driving deliveries
An automotive company approached Magic+Might to help visualize a conceptual digital ecosystem for an autonomous delivery service. This service would act as a delivery partner to various consumer businesses such as grocery stores, home improvement stores, and other major goods suppliers.
The unique challenge with this project was making sure that the correct customer would get the correct order. The vehicle would likely deliver multiple orders from different merchants at once in order to be cost effective. Because of this, it was vital to make sure that each customer could only access their own items within the vehicle and that we design a solution that would prevent accidental or intentional theft.
This project did not have a UI or visual exploration component to it. The ask was for proof of concept wireframes to help illustrate the the journey map and use cases.
In addition to being the sole designer, I also managed the timeline and execution of this project, held timely check-ins and status updates with the client, and generally saw this project through to completion.
Example Devices
The autonomous vehicle was described as having locked compartments in various sizes as well as an external touch screen display. The external display could be paired with the vehicles lock system in order to provide access to these locker compartments.
Main interaction issue to solve Making sure both the merchant and the customer had the correct access to the correct compartment, and providing clear instruction for loading and unloading orders.
Below is a selection of wireframes that highlight the system for both the merchant and customer.
Vehicle Arrives to Merchant Store/Warehouse
The merchant app displays a series of cards that act as an incoming vehicle status line.
Merchant unlocks AV and specified compartment
Instruction on how to unlock and load the order is displayed in the app as well as on the vehicle itself, as the merchant may have their phone in a pocket while carrying the order(s). In addition, the 5-digit unlock code would also be printed on the order receipt and taped or stapled to the package in case the merchant’s device was inaccessible.
A clearly labeled diagram with a simple letter, numeral digit, and color tells the merchant which order goes where.
Weight sensors in the compartments tell the vehicle that items have entered the compartment, prompting the merchant to then close and secure the compartment.
Merchant Loading Order
Recipient retrieving order
After notification updates on the status of the delivery, the recipient will be alerted of the vehicle’s arrival.
Instead of using a random access code like the merchant did, the vehicle will ask for the last 5 digits of the customer’s phone number. It was important to consider that customers may leave or forget their phones inside, so being able to access the vehicle without relying on their personal device was important–especially if these deliveries are to buildings with multiple floors and getting outside takes more than just a few seconds.
There will inevitably be scenarios where a larger order will require more than one trip between the vehicle and the customer’s home. In this case, the system allows the customer to tell the vehicle to “wait” while they bring some items into the home before collecting the rest of their order.
This optionality will appear when the customer closes the compartment/vehicle.
Large Delivery, Multiple Trips
Once everything has been removed from the compartment and the vehicle is closed again, the customer is asked to dismiss the vehicle so that it can carry on with the rest of its deliveries.
Delivery Complete
Please let me know if you’d like to see the full set of screens for each moment along an order’s journey.