Harmonizing User-Centered Design and Operational Efficiency in Battery Electric Vehicles: Navigating the Electric Dilemma for Sustainable Mobility

Abstract

As battery electric vehicles (BEVs) become more prevalent in the automotive industry, the interplay between user-centered design and usability takes center stage. This study addresses the complex dynamics of this paradigm and sheds light on the intricate trade-offs between user satisfaction and functional effectiveness to determine the optimal balance for a satisfying and sustainable user experience (UX). Therefore, an innovative approach is presented that enables optimized energy management, thereby increasing comfort and improving the UX. As technological innovations drive the capabilities of BEVs, the confluence of user expectations and operational efficiency presents a fundamental challenge. The pursuit of greater range combined with seamless usability underscores the need for a holistic human-centered design approach. In addition, the growing number of user-centric features (e.g., comfort features) introduces a new dimension to the equation, reinforcing the importance of human-centered design principles. Against this backdrop, external factors such as environmental conditions and user behavior exert a profound influence on the performance and usability of BEVs. The intricate interplay of these variables requires a nuanced understanding of user preferences and technological advances to strike a delicate balance. In response to these challenges, this research proposes an innovative framework to improve the UX of BEVs while maximizing energy efficiency in different operating scenarios and optimizing comfort features. By leveraging insights from user-centered design principles and advanced energy management strategies, this framework aims to optimize the driving experience while minimizing energy consumption. The electric dilemma highlighted in this study - increasing energy efficiency and driving range on the one hand and increasing comfort, optimized UX and human-center design on the other - which is particularly relevant for BEVs, illustrates the complicated interplay between user satisfaction and efficiency. Achieving a harmonious balance requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates user insights, technological advances and environmental considerations. The results emerging from the research offer actionable insights to guide the development of BEVs and provide manufacturers with a roadmap to tackle the electric dilemma and deliver UX that seamlessly combine comfort and efficiency. By embracing a human-centered design ethos, vehicle manufacturers can cultivate a symbiotic relationship between user satisfaction and efficiency, promoting a sustainable future for BEVs.

Keywords: User-Centered Design, Automotive Engineering, Usability & Comfort Features, User Experience (UX), Electric Vehicles, Human-Centered Design

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005620