Rina Kim, CMU MHCI student and Interaction Design intern at Designworks

I recently had the chance to speak with Rina Kim, a current MHCI student and former Interaction Design Intern at Designworks — BMW Group’s design company. Read below to learn about her role and what interaction design looks like in the automotive industry!

What do you do as an interaction designer?

Some of the responsibilities as an interaction designer include researching and implementing various technologies for users, thoughtfully designing optimal solutions, and creating experiences that allow people to easily utilize and maximize their benefits in solving problems.

What are your key considerations when you design for automotives / BMW?

One thing I keep in mind is that a car is much more than just a vehicle that gets you from point A to point B. It's a space that feels like a second home, where you can shift your mindset from home to a professional one. Your car can be a personal environment that keeps you grounded throughout your day, whether you're commuting, relaxing, or prepping for an important event.

BMW i Interaction EASE, an experimental chamber in AI automotive interaction design

What are some design considerations you anticipate with autonomous vehicles?

The first thing that pops into my head is safety. With so many unexpected things that can happen on the road, designers need to be thoughtful about not just the user experience, but also the technical details like LiDAR, path planning, control systems, and cameras.

What’s your advice for those looking to get into Interaction Design?

I suggest bringing empathy into your design process. It’s more than just about making something functional—it’s about building a deeper connection with users and making sure the design feels intuitive, comfortable, and supportive. When you design with empathy, you create solutions that people truly value and enjoy using.