In-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems have become increasingly popular in modern vehicles, offering a range of features to enhance the driving experience. IVI systems typically consist of a touchscreen display, speakers, microphone, and connectivity options, allowing drivers to access a variety of entertainment, communication, and vehicle control features.

If you’d like to learn more about how designing in-vehicle infotainment systems works in 2023, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the key components of IVI systems, revealing how these systems work and how technology is working side by side with them.

How do IVI Systems Work?

IVI systems can be operated through a variety of interfaces, including touchscreens, physical buttons, and voice commands. They are usually powered by a dedicated computer unit and run on specialized software that is designed specifically for use in vehicles.

Modern IVI systems are often integrated with other vehicle systems, such as navigation, climate control, and safety features, and can be customized to provide personalized experiences for different drivers and passengers.

Overall, IVI systems aim to enhance the driving experience by providing access to a wide range of entertainment and information options, while also ensuring that drivers can stay focused on the road.

How is Technology Affecting IVI’s Nowadays?

In 2023, IVI systems are expected to see several advancements in technology, including:

• Integration with Smart Home Devices: IVI systems will likely become more integrated with smart home devices, allowing drivers to control home devices such as lights, thermostats, and security systems from their car. This feature will be particularly useful for drivers who want to arrive home to a comfortable environment.
• Health and Wellness Integration: With advancements in health monitoring technology in both smart homes and connected cars, these systems could communicate to better manage your health and wellness. For example, if your car detects high-stress levels during your commute, it could communicate with your smart home to prepare a relaxing environment when you arrive, like adjusting the lighting and playing soothing music.
• Augmented Reality Displays: Augmented reality (AR) displays, also known as heads-up displays, will become more common in IVI systems, allowing drivers to view navigation directions and other information overlaid in the real world. This technology can enhance safety by providing drivers with real-time information about their surroundings, without requiring them to take their eyes off the road.
• Biometric Authentication: IVI systems may also incorporate biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, to provide a more secure and personalized experience. This feature can also help prevent theft by ensuring that only authorized drivers can access the vehicle’s features.
• Integration with Voice Assistants: IVI systems are likely to become more integrated with voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This will enable drivers to control various features with voice commands, such as making phone calls, sending messages, and adjusting the temperature.
• Advanced Audio Features: IVI systems will also see advancements in audio features, such as immersive 3D sound and personalized sound profiles. These features can enhance the entertainment experience for passengers and make long journeys more enjoyable.

However, as IVI systems become more advanced, it is essential to ensure that they do not cause driver distraction. Therefore, designers will need to continue to prioritize safety and ease of use when developing IVI systems.

Tips on Designing In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems in 2023

1. Focus on User Experience

User experience (UX) is critical when designing in-vehicle infotainment systems. The system should be easy to use, intuitive, and provide a seamless experience for the driver and passengers. In 2023, designers should focus on creating a personalized experience for each user. This can be achieved by using machine learning algorithms to learn the user’s preferences and adjust the system accordingly.

2. Embrace Voice Control

Voice control has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it will continue to be a significant trend in 2023. Designers should embrace voice control and make it a primary method of interacting with the infotainment system. This will allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, improving safety.

3. Incorporate Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information in the real world. In 2023, designers should incorporate AR into in-vehicle infotainment systems to provide drivers with real-time information about their surroundings. For example, AR could be used to display navigation information on the windshield, making it easier for drivers to follow directions.

4. Consider Cybersecurity

As in-vehicle infotainment systems become more connected, cybersecurity will become a significant concern. Designers should consider cybersecurity when designing these systems and implement measures to protect against cyber threats. This could include using encryption, implementing firewalls, and regularly updating the system’s software to address any vulnerabilities.

5. Integrate with Smart Home Devices

In 2023, smart home devices will be even more prevalent than they are today. Designers should consider integrating in-vehicle infotainment systems with smart home devices to provide a seamless experience for users. For example, drivers could use the infotainment system to control their home’s thermostat or turn on the lights before they arrive.

6. Use High-Quality Displays

Displays are a critical component of in-vehicle infotainment systems. In 2023, designers should use high-quality displays that provide clear, crisp images. This will make it easier for drivers to read the information on the screen and reduce eye strain.

7. Design for Accessibility

Accessibility is an essential consideration when designing in-vehicle infotainment systems. Designers should ensure that the system is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This could include incorporating features such as voice control, large text, and high-contrast displays.

8. Test and Iterate

Finally, designers should test and iterate on their in-vehicle infotainment systems to ensure that they meet the needs of users. This could involve conducting user testing, gathering feedback, and making changes based on that feedback. By testing and iterating, designers can create a system that provides a seamless experience for drivers and passengers.

Automotive Cybersecurity: The Importance of Over-the-Air Updates

A crucial component when designing in-vehicle infotainment systems is related to cybersecurity and over-the-air (OTA) updates. In today’s connected world, vehicles are no longer just a means of transportation. They have become complex systems that rely heavily on software to function. As a result, the automotive industry has had to address cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities that come with the integration of software in vehicles.

To meet this challenge, the industry has developed several standards to ensure that vehicles are secure and safe to operate. These standards include ISO 26262, ISO 21448, and ISO 21434.

• ISO 26262 is a standard for functional safety in the automotive industry. It lays out guidelines for the development of safe systems in vehicles, including the identification of hazards and the implementation of measures to mitigate them. The standard also covers the management of software updates, which is essential for maintaining the safety of vehicles over time.
   
• ISO 21448 is a standard for the safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF) in the automotive industry. It covers the safety aspects of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving systems (ADS). It also includes a section on cybersecurity, which addresses the need to identify and mitigate cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
   
• ISO 21434 is a standard for cybersecurity in the automotive industry. It covers the design and development of secure systems in vehicles, including the management of software updates. The standard also addresses the use of open-source software in vehicles, which can introduce vulnerabilities that need to be managed.

One of the most important tools for addressing vulnerabilities in open-source software is the ability to quickly deploy patches for vulnerabilities in open-source components. Over-the-air (OTA) updates provide a way to fast and efficiently patch vulnerabilities in vehicles. OTA updates allow for the deployment of software updates to vehicles without the need for physical access to the vehicle. This allows for a more efficient and cost-effective way to manage vulnerabilities in open-source software.

In conclusion, the automotive industry must address the cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities that come with the integration of software in vehicles. Standards such as ISO 26262, ISO 21448, and ISO 21434 provide guidelines for the development of safe and secure systems in vehicles. Over-the-air updates are an important tool for fast deploying patches for vulnerabilities in open-source components and maintaining the safety and security of vehicles over time.

Over-the-air (OTA) updates not only play a crucial role in mitigating cybersecurity threats but also contribute to enhancing the overall user experience in the automotive industry.

• Bug fixes and performance improvements: OTA updates enable automakers to address software bugs, performance issues, and other software-related glitches remotely. By deploying patches and updates over the air, manufacturers can swiftly address any identified issues and improve the overall functionality and performance of the vehicle. This ensures that users have a smoother and more reliable driving experience.
• Feature enhancements: OTA updates allow automakers to introduce new features and functionalities to vehicles post-purchase. This means that users can benefit from new capabilities and improved functionalities without having to visit a dealership or go through complex manual update processes. Regular OTA updates can add value to the user experience by continuously expanding and enhancing the features available in the vehicle.
• Customization and personalization: OTA updates enable automakers to offer customization options and personalize the user experience. By providing firmware updates that modify the vehicle’s software, users can tailor their vehicle’s settings, interface, and other aspects to their preferences. This level of personalization enhances the user experience and satisfaction.
• Remote diagnostics and maintenance: OTA updates facilitate remote diagnostics and monitoring of vehicle systems. Automakers can proactively identify and address potential issues, troubleshoot problems, and optimize vehicle performance without requiring users to bring their vehicles to a service center physically. This saves time and effort for users while ensuring their vehicles are well-maintained and optimized.
• Safety improvements: OTA updates allow for prompt deployment of safety-related software patches and fixes. This ensures that any identified vulnerabilities or potential safety risks can be addressed quickly, reducing the chance of accidents or unauthorized access to vehicle systems. Regular OTA updates ensure that the vehicle’s safety features and systems are up to date, providing users with greater peace of mind.

In summary, over-the-air updates not only address cybersecurity threats but also enhance the overall user experience in the automotive industry. By providing bug fixes, performance improvements, feature enhancements, customization options, remote diagnostics, and safety updates, OTA updates contribute to a smoother, more personalized, and secure driving experience for users.

The Bottom Line

Designing in-vehicle infotainment systems in 2023 will require a holistic approach that takes into account the latest trends and technologies. By focusing on user experience, embracing voice control, incorporating augmented reality, considering cybersecurity, integrating with smart home devices, using high-quality displays, designing for accessibility, and testing and iterating, designers can create a system that meets the needs of users and provides a seamless experience for drivers and passengers. 

As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and incorporate them into the design of in-vehicle infotainment systems to provide a safe, enjoyable, and personalized experience for all users. At Tremend, the CEE software engineering hub for Publicis Sapient, we provide bespoke automotive solutions, including designing infotainment for Android & Linux, ECU firmware, or functional safety & security.