CloudMade was a pioneering automotive start-up split between London and Kyiv, Ukraine. They worked closely with OEMs to build and demonstrate smart UI solutions such as predictive routing, intelligent drive modes, occupancy recognition, adaptive climate, predictive navigation, and smart parking and payment. These systems learned from user behaviour, time of day, and season, becoming more intuitive the more they were used.
To demonstrate these ideas, we created mobile app prototypes and even retrofitted a new HMI into a Volkswagen Golf. CloudMade approached me to design an all-new smart vehicle interface that combined in-car and mobile interaction.
One of the most interesting projects I worked on replaced a hybrid physical-digital Golf cluster with a fully digital version. I worked directly with the developer, who had full access to CAN data, allowing fast iteration and shared problem-solving. It felt closer to software development than traditional automotive design. The UI was built in Sketch and developed in Canzy.
We built the system from scratch in under six months. Visually and functionally, it was a clear improvement over VW’s own cluster. We aligned the interface with other premium automotive brands to help secure OEM approval, proving how much could be achieved without the groupthink and fragmentation that often slow down traditional development.
CloudMade’s mobile app extended the experience beyond the car.
Another big takeaway was visiting Kyiv and getting to know Ukraine. The city felt modern, progressive, and full of smart, good-humoured, and welcoming people. I’m grateful to have experienced it shortly before the war began.
