SOUTHFIELD, Mich., June 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Penton's WardsAuto has announced a new conference to drive engagement around the hot issue of building tomorrow's automotive "user experience." The WardsAuto UX Conference follows the model of the successful WardsAuto Interiors Conference, with automaker keynote speakers, panel discussions on UX-focused topics, exhibits from leading technology suppliers and the first annual Wards 10 Best User Experience awards ceremony.
The event takes place October 4, 2016, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI. The website http://wardsauto.com/ux includes the agenda and other key conference details as well as registration.
"All major automakers now have entire design teams with user experience titles and design studios dedicated to UX," says Drew Winter, Director, Content at WardsAuto. "They get it. OEMs and suppliers know consumer electronics and changing attitudes regarding mobility are transforming what customers expect to see in the next cars and trucks they buy," he says.
The WardsAuto UX Conference will take a unique, holistic view of the subject matter that is design-focused and leverages WardsAuto's deep knowledge of vehicle interiors. It will examine in depth how UX can be integrated with traditional interior design and comfort features to define the user experience for specific automotive brands.
Topics to be explored at the conference include:
The Wards 10 Best UX competition will follow the same format as the Wards 10 Best Interiors and 10 Best Engines. WardsAuto editors will test vehicles for ten days each during their daily commutes and evaluate numerous features including human-machine interface design, connectivity, infotainment, controls and advanced driver-assist technologies – in addition to overall value. Winners will be announced in early September, and the October 4 event will be used to recognize the efforts of key designers and their teams.
"The pace of change in this field is lightning fast," Winter says. "This creates a need for automakers and suppliers to keep engaged with technology providers to not only stay relevant, but also to thoughtfully integrate these new features into their brands' design language. The WardsAuto UX Conference intends to be that forum for automakers and suppliers to solve these challenges together."
About WardsAuto
WardsAuto is a world-leading provider of automotive insights and analysis, having served the industry's information needs for more than 90 years. A Southfield, MI-based division of Penton, WardsAuto provides a forward-looking perspective on all aspects of the automotive business, from the tech center to the plant floor to the showroom. Its services include the premium WardsAuto.com resource and suite of customizable data reporting tools, the WardsAuto Interiors and WardsAuto Outlook Conferences, and digital newsletters and magazines. Subscribe to WardsAuto and attend its events by visiting http://www.wardsauto.com.
About Penton
Penton is an innovative information services company that empowers nearly 20 million business decision makers in markets that drive more than 12 trillion dollars in purchases each year. Our products inform with rich industry insights and workflow tools; engage through dynamic events, education and networking; and advance business with powerful marketing services programs. Penton is the way smart businesses buy, sell and grow.
Headquartered in New York, Penton is privately owned by MidOcean Partners and Wasserstein & Co., LP. For more information, visit http://www.penton.com or follow us on Twitter @PentonNow.
Media Contact:
Chris Lamphear
Director of Marketing
Penton Ground Transportation
248 799 2658
clamphear@wardsauto.com
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SOURCE Penton