Ford Rakun — UI/UX Case Study by Mert Bukulmez, Senior UI/UX Designer in Berlin

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Ford Rakun
Electric Scooter · HMI Design

Ford
Rakun

RoleUI/UX Designer Year2021 – 2023 ClientFord / Arçelik
HMI Design Focus
2023 In Production
Ford × Arçelik
Turkey Active on streets
Overview
00

Designed for the road. Built for the courier.

Rakun is a collaboration between Ford and Arçelik. I designed the complete interface, covering the dashboard, cluster and driver module of an electric cargo scooter. In-depth usability tests with working couriers shaped every iteration, surfacing the information riders truly need and keeping their eyes on the road.

Ford Rakun UI
Understanding the User
01

A distinct user group, largely unexplored.

The project introduced a distinct and underexplored user group: motorcycle couriers. In-depth research and scenario mapping uncovered the relationships between drivers, business owners and the vehicle, clarifying the business model and revealing what truly matters on the road. Three core focus areas emerged from this process, and each became a guiding principle for the design decisions that followed.

Ford Rakun research
Shaping the Experience
02

Tested, refined and built to last.

Throughout the design process, multiple UI alternatives were developed, evaluated with Ford, and put through usability testing to arrive at the most suitable solution. This mattered because the visual language had to fit the character of the motorcycle while staying immediately legible and intuitive for the rider. Above all, every decision was made with rider safety in mind: reducing cognitive load, minimizing distraction and keeping critical information within a single glance.

Ford Rakun design
Design Outcome
03

From screen to street.

The final UI design establishes a distinct visual identity while staying aligned with current design trends. Information architecture was built around relevance, so the most critical metrics surface immediately and the rider's attention stays on the road. Following physical and digital usability tests with real users, final adjustments were made and the design was signed off. Rakun is now produced by Ford and actively used on the streets of Turkey.

Designed for Every Condition
04

Built for every shift, every hour.

Usability testing revealed a clear need for both dark and light modes, and not just as an aesthetic preference. Couriers operate around the clock, navigating varying light conditions throughout their shift. To keep information legible and fatigue-free in every environment, an adaptive theme system was designed. Themes switch automatically based on ambient light detected by the onboard sensor, or manually through settings. Light mode also offers multiple brightness levels that respond dynamically to direct sunlight, maintaining optimal contrast at all times.

Ford Rakun
Ford Rakun
Deliverables
HMI Design Cluster UI Interaction Design Information Architecture User Research Usability Testing