Maneuver Mastery
Maneuverability is crucial for off-road driving, particularly in challenging terrains. This design project focuses on developing a Tank Turn Controlling System (TTCS) to enhance vehicle maneuverability. Using a research-through-design approach, the project explores the human-centered design principles necessary for this novel user interaction. Insights gathered from a Virtual Reality driving simulator provided valuable data to inform future design recommendations for optimizing the TTCS
2025
The designs
To gain insights into which tangible interaction provided the best user experience, each steering wheel design was turned into a prototype. These four prototypes controlled the Tank Turn maneuver in distinct ways, allowing for a comparative evaluation. The design of these interactions was grounded in thorough literature and field research, ensuring that each prototype was informed by both theoretical knowledge and practical insights. By testing these variations, the goal was to identify the most intuitive and effective steering interaction for users.
Research
The system exists out of four parts as can been seen at the pictures underneath. The pedal ensures that the receiver is able to drive forward and backward. The user interface ensures that the receiver is able to turn around its axis, imitating the movement of a Tank Turn. The transmitter transmits data from both the user interface and the pedal to the receiver, resulting in a translocation of the receiver. A live POV from the receiver is then sent to the built-in dashboard screen.
Expert off-road session
Low fidelity
user testing
Co-creation
with users
Mercedes G580
Tank Turn experience
VR motion platform
To become familiar with the system each user started by testing one of the concepts. Participants were given 2 minutes to test each steering wheel. After they tested a steering wheel, they needed to fill in the User Experience Questionnair scale. In the meantime, the steering wheels were changed. Atfter testing all four interfaces a semi structered interview was conducted to get some qualitative insights.
