Climate of VW ID.7
This is an advanced evolution of the climate control system from the MEB platform, now known as MEB+. It features a redesigned airflow system and an updated interface that allows for both manual and autonomous adjustments. This innovative climate control system is the standout feature of the MEB+ upgrade, and the ID.7 is the first vehicle to showcase this new technology.
Starting Point
This was our starting point: the climate functions were divided into three tabs due to space constraints on the screen, preventing all features from being displayed at once.
The first screen showcases classic climate functions, most of which are self-explanatory and have been standard for many years. The Auto button enables automatic climate control with three levels: Low, Medium, and High. These levels indicate the speed at which the system adjusts to the user’s pre-set temperature. However, the settings for these modes were hidden behind the button, which, as revealed in a comprehensive study, caused confusion among many users. They didn’t expect an additional step to select the speed level, and for every adjustment, the function had to be turned off and on again to change the speed.
The Left tab introduces smart climate controls, offering a more intuitive and emotional approach to climate settings. When selected, these options aim to achieve the desired condition as quickly as possible and then deactivate automatically after a set duration.
The Clean Air tab provides a visualization of the air filtration process, with a toggle to turn it on or off.
The challenge now was to integrate the airflow settings into the new interface that needed to be developed.
Single Layer
After several iterations, the pre-final result of the initial climate screen is a streamlined, single-layer design. The tabs have been removed, and the car’s interior is now integrated with the airflow control. The Smart, Auto, and Clean Air buttons now trigger modals with quick actions, which automatically close after a set timeout.
Auto Climate
The Auto Climate button now provides three levels with a single click, eliminating the need for separate fan speed and fan zone buttons. These buttons previously caused confusion by inadvertently deactivating auto mode, which wasn’t the users’ intention. Auto Climate offers a more efficient climate control solution, saving energy. Once the pre-selected target temperature is reached, it reduces activity and focuses on maintaining the set temperature, a feature that the traditional climate control system does not provide.
Intelligent Air Vents
Now, let’s focus on the main new feature: the four air vents, each of which can be controlled independently. By holding and dragging the circles, the airflow direction of each vent can be adjusted. When holding the vent direction, an arrow indicator appears, showing the range of motion for the control. An additional button offers various preset options, including automated settings. This functionality is demonstrated in the lower section of the prototype.
Smart Climate
The Smart Climate quick functions are now displayed on a warm-to-cold scale, with color coding to visually indicate whether the function is set to a warmer or cooler setting. The modal can be easily closed by tapping on the empty tab.
Protopie Prototypes
These two prototypes, built in Portopie, showcase the climate control functionality. They represent two different iterations, with the final version displayed in the image and video in the lower section.
LA Auto Show Showcase
To gain publicity, we presented the concept at the LA Auto Show (Las Vegas), showcasing it in our concept car, the ID. Space Vizzion. We were eager to see how the new concept would be received by exhibition visitors and other car brands, while proudly presenting our innovative design. The HiFi prototype, created by our development team, was fully functional and seamlessly integrated with the car’s three-zone climate control system.
Final Interface
After further development, this is the final product now featured in the new ID.7.