Airstream Smart RV - Native Apps
Working with: Matchbox Mobile, Buddy, & Airstream
Key contributions: Mapping out the product, pitching concepts, wireframes, producing visuals, designing and creating Lottie animations, snagging and refinement
We all love an adventure, but it's easy to miss all the comforts of home. Airstream was founded in 1931 with the goal to "To place the great wide world at your doorstep for you who yearn to travel with all the comforts of home", this focus has been at the forefront of Airstream's product development ever since. But in the last 80+ years, those comforts have changed dramatically. With the introduction of connected products and media streaming, users expect more from their homes.
While at Matchbox, I was lucky enough to collaborate with Airstream, producers of the iconic silver bullet trailers, and Buddy, IoT Cloud Platform experts, on Airstream Smart RV Technology. Bringing my passion for design and marrying that with Airstream's world-leading passion for travel and adventure to create a trailer with all the comforts of a modern home.
“Digital technology has improved almost every aspect of our lives, shouldn’t it make camping better, too? We think so.”
I was brought on to the project to work on the IoT aspect of the iOS & Android apps. With my main focus being how we could utilize the new smart home control hardware, location data, & maintenance readings, to enhance the existing Airstream experience.
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Ensuring users can quickly and seamlessly connect to their Smart Trailer in a safe and secure manner.
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Make the complex web of systems, connections, and control surfaces available to users in a way that meets their expectations.
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Aid users in the maintenance of their Airstream and provide them with access to real-time readings and notifications wherever they are.
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Help give users peace of mind that their trailer is where they left it.
Strategy
Research & Insights
User needs were researched without focusing on the app but on the Airstream experience as a whole. We worked with the team at Airstream to understand how users; plan their trips, set up their Airstream, pack it away, and maintain it, allowing us to identify problems outside of the standard in-trailer use and enabling us to create a richer experience.
One of the key insights was how expectations of the smartphone app differed from that of the built-in panel. Users in the trailer wanted more gradual control, whereas when away from the trailer, they focused more on dipping in and out for quick changes and references with little effort or distraction.
“Did I leave the lights on? I better turn them off.”
“It’s a bit too dark to read my book. Let’s turn the lights up.”
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“Let’s turn the AC on so it’s nice and cool when we return from our hike.”
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“It’s a bit hot in here. I’m going to turn the temperature down.”
Another critical insight was into maintenance and how users interact with their trailer when it's not in use. Talking with Airstream users helped uncover use cases such as; being in a store and wanting to know if you need more propane, and novice users needing additional help setting up & packing away.
Storyboards & Wireframing
User stories were written to cover each feature & persona. For some of the more complex features, these user stories were translated into storyboards. Let's suppose you're on your way back from a hike and want to make sure your Airstream is nice and cool on your return. Maybe you also need a little help finding your way back to your Airstream after that hike.
Storyboarding these scenarios ensured we thoroughly understood the users' environment and needs before creating more granular wireframes.
Prototyping & Testing
Initially, paper prototypes were used to help us prioritize features and simplify the experience. We then used digital prototyping to test how familiar smartphone interaction types, such as dragging, swapping & long press, could be used to control each device within the app in an intuitive way.
These prototypes led us to develop an interaction model in which the most important controls are immediately available on the launch screen, with the more granular control, such as dimming the lights, revealed on a second level. The other vital features, level monitoring, location, and checklists, were made easily accessible along the bottom bar.
Outcomes
Pairing
Users a guided through the pairing process. That uses a QR code scanner and unique serial number to connect users to their trailer seamlessly and securely.
Control
Opened straight on launch, the control feature was designed to give users quick access to what they need the most without forgoing the more granular controls that are hidden behind a long-press.
Monitor
Whether it's checking propane levels or ensuring no maintenance tasks are outstanding. The monitor feature informs users of their trailer status wherever they are.
Error Handling
From hardware, connectivity, or wi-fi errors, a series of contextual errors help users get back on track.
