Designing a more predictable car modification journey
‘Nirvana’ Project
Car enthusiasts often rely on fragmented and unreliable information when planning modifications. As a result, they struggle to predict outcomes, choose suitable parts, communicate with shops, and stay within budget. VroomVision is a concept platform that helps users preview modifications before committing, build clearer project plans, and navigate the service process with greater transparency.
PHASE 01
Research
Understanding the landscape — market data, field observation, and direct interviews with car modification enthusiasts.
From Personal Passion to Design Problem
Growing up watching Initial D, I later modified my own car in the U.S. and experienced firsthand the difficulties enthusiasts face — fragmented information, unreliable advice, and unpredictable outcomes. This personal frustration became the project's starting point.
Growing Market, Fragmented Channels
Where enthusiasts find inspiration
What Owners Modify
167 participants · online questionnaire · North America focus
Visiting All Star Auto
I observed the real modification workflow at a shop in Newark, DE — from consultation and planning to modification and delivery.
- 01Consultation and planning
- 02Selecting parts & components
- 03Quotation & agreement
- 04First inspection
- 05Modification work
- 06Quality control & testing
- 07Final inspection & approval
- 08Delivery
4 Enthusiasts, 4 Perspectives
“I have been in contact with cars since I was a child, and it has been 22 years now... Now I want more and more people to know about modified cars and car culture, and share my knowledge and ideas”
“The acceleration and roaring engine of a car make my adrenaline surge... experience the thrill and extreme speed of racing cars firsthand”
“By participating in and watching famous car races like GT and WRC... I also gained insight into the development of car culture and the emotional resonance of car fans.”
“First came into contact with cars in the Fast and Furious movie... I need more channels and resources to better understand cars and car culture.”
Research Insight
Information channels for car modification lack credibility and comprehensiveness. Enthusiasts at every level struggle with fragmented knowledge, unclear processes, and unpredictable outcomes.
PHASE 02
Discovery
Synthesizing all research into a clear picture — mapping the user journey, defining user archetypes, and distilling the core problems to solve.
Mapping the Emotional Rollercoaster
Three User Archetypes
6 Core Pain Points
Design Opportunity
By combining Online and Offline Interactions, enthusiasts can more conveniently understand and modify cars — addressing information, planning, and experience gaps in a growing market.
PHASE 03
Explore
From divergent brainstorming to a converged solution — defining the concept direction and mapping how it operates within the broader ecosystem.
Divergent Thinking
Two-Pronged Solution
Online
A centralized platform for car enthusiasts to learn, plan, and visualize modifications before committing.
Offline
An immersive VR experience device at modification shops that lets users feel their modifications before any real work begins.
How It All Connects
The full ecosystem: Customers interact with the App (3D model, groups, planning) online, connect to the Shop for consultation and VR experience via Device, actual modifications by Mechanics — all powered by a Database backed by manufacturers and suppliers.
Solution Direction
VroomVision — a data-driven platform combining 3D visualization, community features, and project planning online, with an immersive simulator experience offline. Four pillars: Communication & Learn, Project Planning, Innovative Experience, Information & Database.
PHASE 04
Design
From concept to high-fidelity — translating research and strategy into a connected product and service experience.
How It Works
High-Fidelity Screens
Service Blueprint
The end-to-end service flow connecting customer touchpoints, employee actions, frontstage, and backstage processes — from app planning through test drive and delivery.
| Phase | Customer Journey | Employee Action | Device / App | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make plan on app | Create plan on app | — | APP | 30 min |
| Appointment Booking | Book appointment | Confirm booking | APP | 5 min |
| In-store Consultation | Consult with staff | Discussion | — | 30–60 min |
| Simulator Experience | Experience simulator | Simulator setup | Device | 30–60 min |
| Schedule Timeline | — | Create work schedule | APP | 10 min |
| Check-in | Drop off vehicle | Record check-in | APP | 5 min |
| Modification | — | Modifying / tuning | — | Based on plan |
| Test & Check Out | Test drive & checkout | Check-in / out | APP | 15 min |
Storyboard
Reflection
The Nirvana project taught me that service design is never just about the app. The real challenge was bridging the gap between a fragmented offline experience and a connected digital one. If I were to continue, I would develop two specialized tracks — classic car restoration and electric vehicle modification — both high-growth areas that demand the same transparency and immersive planning this project was built around.