HCI (Human Computer Interaction) lead for Jaguar's 1st Chinese market vehicle the Jaguar Cherry XFL and the award winning Range Rover Velar.

I worked at Jaguar Land Rover soon after graduating from University and worked in the HCI department.

I was initially working in a research role user-testing  across all product lines and it was my job to help the programme leads for each vehicle to help test and feedback to the relevant programme.

Testing included trying out new features or designs with users whilst in the car in either dynamic road and track testing, or static lab based tests.

Soon after I was promoted to the role of programme lead for the attribute of HCI. In this role it was my responsibility to be the voice of the customer for all matters HCI and Ergonomics, working closely with engineers, designers and more from every aspect of vehicle engineering. 

The Human Computer Interaction team encompassed a broad range of skillsets and touch-points with the vehicles. The team looked after everything from infotainment displays to switches and the ergonomics of the car. Each component part had to be understood and designed in relation to each other.

As such, there was a close relationship with interior design, vehicle packaging, software development and the other teams which made up the attributes of vehicle engineering.

I was responsible for the recruitment, preparation, execution and reporting on tests. On occasion presenting to board level stakeholders.

In order to be successful in the role, relationship building with engineering managers, workshop teams and PAT Leaders was crucial. 

Having to consider other people's timing and workloads, whilst seeking favours to loan cars, create prototypes or even the logistics required for preparing lab sessions was a daily challenge on top of the role of running sessions and creating reports.

• Jaguar XLF

• Range Rover Velar

As the Programme Attribute Team (PAT) leader for both the Jaguar XLF and the Range Rover Velar it was my responsibility to represent HCI for both vehicle programmes.

Having created a strong network across the business during my previous role, knowing how each department worked and who to speak to allowed me to be effective in the role as a PAT leader.

I helped both programmes to pass key milestones to help the vehicle concept reach production. Th Jaguar XFL would become the first JLR (and modern) British vehilce sold in China in partnerhip with Cherry. Whilst the Range Rover Velar would go on to win industry awards for design and its new in car split screen display.

I was also successful in upholding the HCI ambitious targets for both vehicles, which are set out at the start of the vehicle programme, which dictates the market position for each vehicle attribute. In both cases 'Leadership' was required for HCI.

In other words the standard they wish to achieve when compared to other similar vehicles in the market. This requires negotiation and reasoning with the head engineer, with strong justification, why time or money may need to be spent in order to further the needs of the HCI vehicle attribute.

Delivering at pace I was eager to impress and built up a wide network across the business in all areas. 

I enjoyed asking questions, developing my understanding of the production of commercial vehicles and as can be seen from the images below, was hands on in crafting low fidelity mock-ups which were used and tested by chief engineers and presented to design leadership. 

The work of which would later directly impact the design of the touch screen displays. Specifically I was:

• Part of the Jaguar XFL team which designed the first Jaguar model to be built in China by Chery Jaguar Land Rover.

• Part of the Range Rover Velar team which produced an award winning industry first dual screen display. 

Fast, continuous design change, often having to work alongside waterfall engineering projects and design gateways.

I had to learn to influence, negotiate and compromise with many other engineering areas to achieve the best outcome in order to meet best in class design objectives.

I learned a lot about working in a truly large worldwide organisation, the value of design-first production, managing the expectations of others up and down the business structure and the importance of creating a great culture at work.

I worked hard and late, but still learning how to work smart. I learnt the value of trusting in what I know, asking questions when I don’t and how to search until I find the solution, with the help of others or through perseverance.