Airbiquity, a global leader in connected vehicle services, partnered with UpTop to design a forward-thinking, proof-of-concept (POC) application aimed at demonstrating next-gen automotive capabilities to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Their goal: to showcase how smart data integration between vehicles, smartphones, and head units could redefine ownership, safety, and engagement—while laying the groundwork for a scalable, aftermarket solution.
Airbiquity
Transforming the Driving Experience: UpTop and Airbiquity’s Vision for Intelligent Vehicle Connectivity
Background
Challenges
Airbiquity faced a complex challenge: how to compress a wide array of telematics, diagnostics, safety, and driving behavior features into a single, intuitive app—optimized for both OEM demo purposes and future aftermarket customization. Specific challenges included:
- Designing for multi-platform functionality (smartphone + vehicle head unit).
- Managing complex vehicle data from OBD-II dongles.
- Enabling demo-ready features without onboarding requirements.
- Delivering meaningful user feedback from trip data, while making it engaging.
Partnership Info
client
Airbiquity
Industry
Automotive Technology / Connected Vehicle Platforms / Telematics
type
Connected Car App (Mobile + Head Unit Integration)
services
UX Research, Envisioning, UX Design, Interaction Design
Partnership Info
client
AccessNsite
Industry
Automotive Technology / Connected Vehicle Platforms / Telematics
type
Connected Car App (Mobile + Head Unit Integration)
services
UX Research, Envisioning, UX Design, Interaction Design
Background
Airbiquity, a global leader in connected vehicle services, partnered with UpTop to design a forward-thinking, proof-of-concept (POC) application aimed at demonstrating next-gen automotive capabilities to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Their goal: to showcase how smart data integration between vehicles, smartphones, and head units could redefine ownership, safety, and engagement—while laying the groundwork for a scalable, aftermarket solution.
Challenges
Airbiquity faced a complex challenge: how to compress a wide array of telematics, diagnostics, safety, and driving behavior features into a single, intuitive app—optimized for both OEM demo purposes and future aftermarket customization. Specific challenges included:
- Designing for multi-platform functionality (smartphone + vehicle head unit).
- Managing complex vehicle data from OBD-II dongles.
- Enabling demo-ready features without onboarding requirements.
- Delivering meaningful user feedback from trip data, while making it engaging.
Approach
UpTop led a structured UX discovery and envisioning phase, gathering deep context from Airbiquity’s product team and identifying core use cases. The team focused on translating highly technical requirements into usable, human-centered experiences. Key decisions included:
- Designing a modular system, easily re-skinned for different brands.
- Prioritizing three high-impact features for demo: Trip Reporting, Maintenance Alerts, and Geofencing.
- Using lo-fidelity wireframes and IA mapping to guide rapid prototyping aligned to demo goals.
UpTop's iterative design process ensured each feature delivered immediate value to the user while maintaining demo readiness and future extensibility.
Solution
UpTop designed a unified mobile application that paired seamlessly with OBD-II dongles and displayed real-time and post-drive data through both a smartphone interface and integrated head unit. Key Features Included:
- Trip Report + Economy:
- Displays trip-by-trip safety and eco-driving scores
- Maps with visual feedback on harsh events
- Gamification through score tracking and medallion achievements
- Maintenance Alerts + Dealer Promo:
- Real-time health reports using DTC data
- Simulated service scheduling and dealer recommendations
- In-app service coupons for user engagement
- Geofencing:
- Create multiple geofence zones and receive entry/exit alerts
- Historical and real-time map visualizations
- Multi-device notification preferences (email, SMS, in-app)
Designed specifically for the Samsung Galaxy S5 and reskinnable across brands, the app also supported multi-user profiles and was demo-ready without onboarding complexity.
Results
- Delivered a compelling proof-of-concept for Chrysler’s executive review.
- Created a strong foundation for an aftermarket consumer version.
- Demonstrated how embedded vehicle data could enhance driver engagement, vehicle safety, and brand loyalty.
- Positioned Airbiquity as an innovator in the connected car space, pushing beyond traditional telematics into user-centered design.
UpTop’s work didn’t just support a one-time demo—it launched a vision for what intelligent mobility experiences can become.
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