In the dynamic world of automotive technology, one project steers ahead in complexity and collaboration – the Human Machine Interface (HMI) in the Volkswagen Group's infotainment system. Here, the .msg group plays a pivotal role. Spanning models from VW to Seat and Skoda and reaching markets from Israel to China and North America to Europe, this HMI project is the nexus where technology seamlessly merges with the driving experience.
Imagine a collaboration between technological powerhouses like LG and Skinners, instrumental in customizing interface "skins" for various car models, alongside our skilled development team. This partnership is a dynamic interplay of key players, collectively crafting an experience for millions.
Handling the Future from Romania
In Romania, 10 developers work alongside 40 colleagues in Germany on the back-end components of the Phone, Media, Online, and User Management features. In the Phone domain, they ensure seamless smartphone-to-car connectivity via Bluetooth, Android Auto, Carplay, and the recently introduced Hicar. Their daily tasks include managing calls and messages and adjusting phone settings – a glimpse into their routine operations.
The Multimedia and Audio sectors focus on enhancing the driving experience, from streaming music to personalizing audio settings. In Online Services and User Management, the developers enable users to tailor the HMI according to their preferences by setting up dedicated user accounts. They also facilitate the use of mobile devices as digital car keys.
It's all about forward-thinking. The features developed now will integrate into future models, typically released years later. This necessitates stringent security measures; all live tests are conducted under strict supervision and behind closed doors.
What It Takes to Work on HMI Projects
Working on an HMI project entails grappling with complex user requirements to cater to a diverse user base with varied skills and preferences. A basic understanding of automotive systems can be beneficial, enabling developers to balance design with usability more effectively. Safety is also strongly emphasized to ensure the HMI doesn't distract drivers and remains reliable under all conditions.
An additional layer - HMIs must adhere to various international and local regulations. For instance, the notifications a VW driver receives when starting the car differ in the US from those in the EU. The teams are developing a Chinese version of VW’s system, incorporating new features tailored to that market.
At the moment, the team is complete. Still, if you are passionate about technology and know you could bring your expertise to this or other Automotive projects, we invite you to discover our job openings and talk: https://www.msg-systems.ro/en/job-offerings.