By In an era where cars are no longer just mechanical instruments but evolving digital ecosystems, the role of human-machine interfaces (HMI) and overall user experience (UX) design has never been more critical. Few design professionals bridge the gap between emerging EV startups and established automotive giants as effectively as Piotr Klarowski. With over a decade of experience—from fast-paced EV ventures to industry-leading OEMs—his journey offers key lessons for anyone looking to shape the future of mobility UX.
- Design for Scale and Safety at Global OEMs
At Toyota’s Advanced UX organization (part of Woven by Toyota), Piotr refined his ability to navigate highly regulated, safety-critical environments. Automotive UX at this level requires meticulous planning—from hardware constraints to rigorous testing standards and global usability considerations. Working within such an ecosystem taught him the importance of designing for both reliability and trust, ensuring that interfaces feel intuitive yet adhere to stringent safety and performance expectations. These foundational skills continue to inform how he builds scalable, intuitive HMI across any platform.
- Stay Nimble and Visionary in EV Startups
Piotr’s time at startup Arrival offered a counterbalance: a fast-moving, opportunity-rich setting where agility and system-level thinking ruled. Here, he engaged with pioneering microfactory manufacturing and fresh EV service platforms, practicing UX design in environments where everything—from production strategy to interface wires—was being reimagined. The result? A designer who knows how to move fast, think big, and integrate UX into holistic product visions from day one.
- Merge System Thinking with Empathetic Craft
Car UX is inherently interdisciplinary: it spans sensors, software, network connectivity, and physical controls. Piotr consistently emphasizes system-level design—a holistic perspective that views HMI not as isolated screens but as integrated nodes in a wider mobility ecosystem. His empathy for users, combined with technical awareness, creates designs that are not only usable but also richly meaningful and seamlessly integrated into users’ lives.
- Become a Clear, Insightful Communicator
Beyond crafting interfaces, Piotr brings clarity to complex ideas—essential in a field where innovation often meets skepticism. At the University of Tokyo’s DLX Design Academy “Inspire Talks: Mobility evolution: Beyond 5G”, he shared forward-looking insights on how mobile networks (5G and beyond) will redefine in-car UX, connectivity, and user expectations. His presentation reflected a rare ability to distill advanced concepts into compelling, accessible narratives that inspire both designers and technologists alike.
- Write to Educate and Connect
Piotr continues to share his vision through writing. On Medium, he published a piece titled “Car UX. Quick Overview. The evolution. Then and now,” offering a concise, retrospective primer on how automotive UX has matured—and where it’s heading next. His content is calm, insightful, and grounded in real experience, resonating with both peers and newcomers alike.
- Keep Creative Roots Alive
Design isn’t just about function, it’s about character. Piotr expresses this through side projects like creating the “Tetromino” font on FontStruct or sharing 3D creative work on platforms like Sketchfab. These ventures reveal a playful, explorative side—a reminder that strong UX also stems from aesthetic curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
- Design with an Aspirational Vision
More than just efficient or functional, Piotr’s vision for mobility is optimistic and value-driven. He values “tech for good,” aiming to shape mobility systems that are sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking. Whether through speculative thinking in futuristic urban UX or storytelling in his presentations and writing, Piotr consistently champions a better-focused tomorrow’s mobility.
Key Takeaways from Piotr Klarowski’s Journey
| Regulated UX at Scale | OEM experience instills discipline and reliability in design. |
| Startup Agility | Rapid iteration and holistic system thinking thrive in emerging platforms. |
| Seamless Integration | UX isn’t just interfaces—it’s part of a broader mobility ecosystem. |
| Thought Leadership | Speaking engagements elevate both credibility and network. |
| Accessible Writing | Medium posts like Car UX. Quick Overview… demystify technical subject matter. |
| Creative Grounding | Side projects reflect a grounded, playful design sensibility. |
| Vision-Driven Approach | Design is shaped by optimistic, future-conscious values. |
Final Thoughts
From the structured corridors of OEMs to the dynamic frontiers of EV startups, Piotr Klarowski brings a rare blend of rigor, imagination, and empathy to mobility UX. His work is a testament to the evolving role of design in the automotive industry—reminding us that user experiences are more than just screens and icons—they are the future of how we move, connect, and inhabit tomorrow’s world.
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