Silver Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design · 2026
Zna Z9 Hmi Design
by Beijing Pursuer Network Technology Co., Ltd.
- A' Design Award 2026 Silver Winner in Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile.Co.,Ltd.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 20,876
- Verification code 49AAFFDE85 · Verify this award
About Zna Z9 Hmi Design
Zna Z9 is a human machine interface system for the digital cockpit of an off-road pickup truck. The interface uses seamless 3D scene transitions in place of complex tree menus. The 12.8 inch high definition display adapts to changes in time, weather and the surrounding environment. Multimodal interaction is supported, including touch, gesture control, a voice assistant and biometric recognition, which reduces cognitive load. A semitransparent frosted glass texture and angled geometric shapes give the interface a rugged identity.
Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile.Co.,Ltd.'s Zna Z9 Hmi Design exemplifies the contemporary evolution of automotive human-machine interface philosophy, wherein the dashboard transforms from mere instrumentation into an immersive digital ecosystem mediating between driver intention and vehicle response, this particular implementation demonstrating sophisticated understanding of the cognitive constraints governing in-vehicle interaction where information must be comprehended within split-second glances without diverting critical attention from primary driving tasks, the dual-screen architecture represents a considered approach to information segregation allowing entertainment and secondary functions to occupy the smaller portrait display while navigation, vehicle status, and climate controls command the more expansive central screen, the visual language employs what might be termed refined glassmorphism wherein translucent card elements float above subtly textured backgrounds creating depth hierarchy without aggressive dimensionality that might prove visually fatiguing during extended operation, particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of a three-dimensional vehicle avatar rendered in the same sage green as the actual automobile, serving both practical function in illustrating vehicle status and symbolic function in reinforcing brand identity and ownership pride, the chromatic strategy demonstrates careful attention to circadian compatibility with cool blue dominance that maintains alertness while warm accent colors draw attention to active elements and important information without creating harsh contrast, typographic choices favor high-legibility sans-serif faces with generous spacing optimized for peripheral reading, the compositional organization suggests familiarity with established patterns from consumer electronics while adapting them thoughtfully for automotive constraints including viewing angles, variable ambient lighting, and the necessity for large touch targets accommodating imprecise inputs from moving vehicles, one might observe how this interface balances informational richness with visual tranquility, inviting the viewer to consider how the mediation layer between human and machine shapes not merely function but the entire experiential quality of automotive interaction.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This system redefines the digital cockpit experience for offroad pickup trucks. It introduces seamless 3D scene transition mode to replace complex tree menus, uses all weather digital twin technology, and supports multimodal interaction including touch and gesture control, voice assistant, and biometric recognition, reducing cognitive load. Unlike conventional impersonal HMI systems, it transforms the cockpit into a warm, smart space, reshaping the interaction between the driver and the vehicle.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- With a 12.8 inch high definition display and wireless connectivity with Bluetooth and WiFi, the system creates a high performance digital cockpit.
- Tags
- Multimodal Interaction, Digital Twin, Scene Adaptive Interface, All Weather Environmental Sensing, Semitransparent Frosted Glass Texture, Rugged Geometric Aesthetics, Deornamentation, Seamless Scene Transition
- Production Technology
- Visually, the interface features a semitransparent frosted glass texture to add modernity and transparency and uses geometric shapes with angled cuts in 3D UI scenes and icons, establishing a distinctive product identity.
The modular HMI system covering color, typography, icons, and controls, combined with component based design strategy, ensures high consistency across multiple screens and devices. - Design Challenge
- The main challenge was ensuring the ease of use of the innovative HMI system. To address this, the team implemented rigorous user testing throughout the full product lifecycle from design and software development to sample car. Insights gathered from multiple rounds of real world user testing and data informed continuous refinements, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience once the system launched.
- Project Duration
- Designed and developed in Zhengzhou in June 2023, the project was officially launched in China in April 2025.
- Operation Flow
- The minimalist large display with physical buttons supports multimodal interaction including touch and gesture control, voice assistant, and biometric recognition. The system introduces seamless 3D scene transition, displaying key information like navigation and real-time traffic intuitively. It automatically highlights the most relevant information for different scenarios and provides matching audio cues, offering clear audiovisual feedback for more efficient interaction and enjoyable driving.
- Research
- As automotive electrification and intelligentization advance, human and machine interaction is shifting from rigid hardware bound to software bound intelligent experiences. Many HMI systems feature cluttered information, limited interaction modes, and homogenized visual styles. This system introduces a seamless 3D scene transition mode to replace tree menus, uses all weather digital twin technology, and supports multimodal natural interaction, redefining the driver and vehicle interaction.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by urban minimalism and spatial constructivism, the design creates clean, intuitive 3D virtual scenes. Angled geometric lines are used to show the rugged offroad identity of the pickup truck. The interface themes and 3D scenes dynamically adjust to realtime changes in environment, time, and weather, delivering an immersive experience where the vehicle feels connected to the outside world, while making the technology feel responsive, alive, and emotionally engaging.