Reimagining GM’s Performance Data Recorder
Involvement
Date
Product Design
Lead UX Designer
2022 – 2024
Integration
2024 Cadillac Performance, 2026 Corvette Performance
The Challenge
The redesigned Performance Data Recorder was built with four core objectives:
Make data and video review possible directly within the vehicle
Eliminate the need for external devices
Enhance the system with real-time driver coaching
Design a user interface that balances deep technical insight with everyday approachability.
These goals guided every decision—from feature prioritization to visual layout—ensuring the final product was both powerful and intuitive for drivers of all experience levels.
“Data without interpretation is noise. We aimed to make it speak.”
Project Goals
The previous-gen PDR required removable media for reviewing video and telemetry and offered no in-vehicle playback or coaching, leaving most drivers disconnected from their data.
Pain Points:
External device required
No in-vehicle analysis or video playback
No real-time driver coaching
Design Approach
Close collaboration with performance engineers and track-day drivers helped us design a tool that responds directly to the demands of high-performance driving. Their input shaped the experience end to end—from how feedback is delivered in real time to how data and video are reviewed post-lap.
The result is a system that feels fast, focused, and intuitive, giving drivers meaningful insights without breaking their rhythm. By grounding the design in real-world behavior, the PDR became more than a recorder—it became a real-time coach.
Key Features Introduced
On Track Coaching
Real-time cues help drivers optimize braking, throttle, and cornering.
In-Vehicle Video Review
Watch track laps on the vehicle’s infotainment screen—no laptop needed.
Lap Comparison Mode
Overlay laps and telemetry to visualize gains and losses in real time.
Track Database
Preloaded North American circuits with auto lap detection.
Simplified Telemetry UI
Clean visuals and colour-coded cues for faster learning and feedback loops.
Results & Impact
The success of the redesigned PDR lies in its ability to transform complex performance data into a seamless, in-car experience.
By removing friction and delivering real-time, actionable insights, the system empowers drivers to push their limits with greater confidence and clarity.
Integration of all the new features allowed GM’s PDR offering to leapfrog original equipment manufacturer competition, setting a new benchmark for in-vehicle performance tools.
Its adoption across flagship models like the 2024 Corvette reflects not only its technical achievement but also its alignment with GM’s vision of elevating the driver experience through innovation.
“It feels like the system is riding shotgun with you—giving you just what you need, right when you need it.”