Chiron

Real Roads. Real Learning. Real Smart.

Team LeadUX ResearchAutomotive UIPrototyping
Chiron hero image

Overview

Driver's education is inconsistent and outdated. Students are overwhelmed—juggling school, work, and anxiety—while being expected to master one of the most high-risk skills they'll ever learn. Chiron is an in-car AI system that provides real-time feedback during actual driving, building confidence through personalized coaching.

Duration

10 Weeks

Research

135+ Participants

Team

Austen MaccheroneTeam Lead
Shaoxiong GuanIndustrial Design Lead
Kat TassinariUX/UI Lead
Mariana Mallma RamirezResearch Lead
Danny KoucheravyData Analysis Lead

Why It Matters

Eight teens die each day in motor vehicle crashes in the United States.

Driver's education reduces fatal crash rates by nearly 20% in the first year—but only when it's effective. The current system fails to provide consistent, modern, personalized instruction.

For Students

Anxiety and overwhelm interfere with learning. Without confidence-building tools and immediate feedback, students struggle to develop safe habits.

For Parents

Parents feel ill-equipped to teach driving, yet they're expected to supervise 50+ practice hours while managing busy lives.

Research & Insights

We combined interviews, surveys, and secondary sources to understand driver's education. We engaged with 135+ participants, gathering over 1,500 data points.

Affinity mapping with sticky notes

Mapping the Journey

We deconstructed the learning flow to identify where students struggle and where curriculum gaps exist.

Analyzing Current Ed

We analyzed existing driver's ed curricula to understand what students are taught and where the system falls short.

Competitive Analysis

We mapped competitors across educational depth and gamification to identify our unique positioning.

Rapid ideation sketches

Rapid Ideation

Multiple rounds of sketching helped us explore interface concepts that reduce cognitive load.

Confidence is Critical

Teens need encouragement and trust, not just instruction. Anxiety slows learning while confidence drives retention.

Speak Their Language

Gen Alpha expects visual, interactive, and immediate feedback. Traditional methods fall short.

Learning That Adapts

Generic driver's ed fails students. They need experiences that adapt to their individual pace.

The Solution

Chiron is an in-car AI system that provides real-time feedback during actual driving, combining interactive simulations with personalized coaching to build skills progressively.

Chiron solution overview poster

Design Process

Every design decision was driven by our commitment to reducing cognitive load while building confidence.

Brand Identity & Visual System

We established Chiron's friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable brand personality through a cohesive visual design system.

Brand values: Friendly, Approachable, Knowledgeable
Geometric pattern design system

Early Sketches & Ideation

Multiple rounds of sketching helped us explore interface concepts and interaction patterns before committing to high-fidelity designs.

Early sketches and ideation

Reducing Cognitive Load

We designed every interface element with cognitive load in mind—prioritizing clarity and presenting information only when needed.

UI components and typography system

Usability Testing

We conducted comprehensive usability testing with 3 participants across 8 tasks, plus 1 expert consultation. The system achieved an average SUS score of 89—well above the 68 passing threshold.

Usability testing: 1 expert consultation, 3 test participants, 8 tasks, SUS score of 89

Reflection

"This system was a great mix of visual and simulation exercises. It's a great tool for learning the basics; I wish I'd had it back in my day."

— Usability Test Participant

Key Takeaways

Designing for cognitive load isn't just about minimalism

It's about timing, context, and progressive disclosure.

Research revealed unexpected insights

The gap between what students said they wanted and what actually helped them learn was significant.

Leading a team requires constant alignment

Coordinating between designers, developers, and researchers taught me the importance of clear communication.

Chiron represents a vision for how technology can make essential life skills more accessible. By meeting students where they are, reducing cognitive load, and building confidence through personalized feedback, we can create safer roads for everyone.