Design Guidelines( Writing principles)
Android Automotive Design Principles.
Last updated
Android Automotive Design Principles.
Last updated
Simple, glanceable content ensures that the driver's attention returns quickly to the road.
You should:
While both driving and parked, the goal is to reduce the driver's cognitive load. People don't read what's on the screen; instead they scan the text in an F-shaped pattern.
Front-load important information, clearly and concisely describing the action the user needs to perform. Use clear hierarchy to convey information at a glance. For example, use bullet points to organize content.
Do
Don't
Connect your phone to start
To get started, do one of the following:
Tap the notification on your phone
Scan the QR code
Connect your phone to start
Tap the on the notification on your phone or scan the QR code to get started. You will then be guided to your car's app to complete next steps.
Avoid using jargon or complex words. They confuse the user and delay task completion.
Do
Don't
Sign in to your account
Authenticate your account
Limiting the amount of text the driver has to read before taking action reduces cognitive load and increases comprehension. Based on guidance from NHTSA and JAMA:
A single message or chunk of text in English shouldn't exceed 120 characters or 24 words
A single message or chunk of text in Japanese shouldn't exceed 30 characters
The text in 1 line shouldn't exceed 80 characters
A sentence or paragraph shouldn't span more than 3 lines of text
This guidance doesn't apply to legal or privacy text.
Do
Don't
Android Auto doesn't work with your phone
Android Auto isn’t part of your phone’s operating system, so it won't work with this car.
OK
Android Auto was not preinstalled on this device
Android Auto must be bundled with your operating system to work correctly. Please contact your phone manufacturer for assistance.
Try Again
Consistent language helps minimize cognitive load for drivers.
You should:
Consistency creates a cohesive and recognizable voice for your brand. It helps drivers navigate the text easily and over time builds trust and loyalty.
Based on your brand's style choices, ensure consistency in choice of words, sentence structure, capitalization, punctuation, and overall voice and tone.
Do
Don't
Make buttons sentence case or title case consistently
Cancel setup
Connect another phone
Mix capitalization across buttons
Cancel Setup
Connect another device
Punctuate the end of standalone sentences consistently: period or no period
"Your phone is now connected to the car" and "You lost connection with your phone"
Mix use of periods across sentences
"Your phone is now connected to the car." and "You lost connection with your phone"
Using different words to mean the same thing confuses users. Use consistent terminology across your product to remove ambiguity during user journeys, enhance user comprehension, and increase user trust.
Do
Don't
First reference: Phone
Second reference: Connect another phone
First reference: Mobile device
Second reference: Connect another phone
Ensure language on the UI is relevant to the user's needs and situation, including whether they are driving, parked, or experiencing an emergency.
You should:
The text shown during driving should be brief and clear. However, it's OK to use longer explanations for complex situations — such as privacy consents, permissions, and data sharing — when the driver is parked. In those instances, break up longer text using lists and hierarchy to keep text readable.
Do
Don't
Chromecast built-in
To use Chromecast built-in, you'll need to agree to Google's Terms of Service and Google's Privacy Policy.
Your device data ensures Chromecast built-in works as expected, and won't be used to identify you.
[I agree] [Not now]
Chromecast Terms of Service
You must agree to Google's Terms of Service and Google's Privacy Policy. Your device data won't be used to identify you.
[OK] [Cancel]
By starting with the value a feature offers, you can prioritize the importance of the user's needs, reduce cognitive load, and help them make a decision to move forward in a short span of time.
Do
Don't
To connect your phone, turn on Bluetooth
Use Bluetooth to connect your phone
To sign in faster, scan the QR code
Scan the QR code to connect faster
When the car is in motion, use a reassuring tone of voice to avoid distracting the driver and causing needless anxiety.
However, exceptions should be made when the driver is in physical danger and needs to take immediate action. In those cases, use direct instruction and exclamation marks to convey urgency.
Do
Don't
(Non emergency) New conversations are paused
(Non emergency) For your safety, all new conversations are paused!
(Non emergency) Android Auto lost connection
(Non emergency) Lost connection!
(Emergency) Brake now!
(Emergency) Take control of your steering wheel to stop collision
These best practices are always relevant but especially so for car screens.
You should:
Button labels, also known as CTAs (calls to action), should always start with a verb and ideally contain no more than 3 words.
Do
Don't
Connect phone
Phone is ready
Download app
App listing
Provide a confirmation message to reassure users when tasks they initiated have been completed.
Do
Don't
Dave's phone is now connected to the car's hotspot
<No confirmation message>
Error messages should state the problem clearly and offer a way out of the situation. If there's no recovery path, the message should be transparent about it with the user.
Do
Don't
Turn on Wi-Fi to connect
Android Auto needs 5 GHz Wi-Fi support to connect
[Turn on Wi-Fi] [Not now]
Android Auto is not connected
Your Wi-Fi is turned off
[OK]
Try a new USB cable
Your phone keeps disconnecting from the car. Using a different USB cable or port could help.
Damaged USB cable detected
Android Auto has noticed an unusual number of disconnections.
Do
Don't
Focus on driving
Some new notifications are saved in the Notification Center
Notifications aren’t being shown
Go to the Notification Center to see your notifications
Notifications should succinctly front-load critical information. .