01
Project description
Design Mercury's first all-electric outboard for diverse boat types and global applications.
Timeline
Exploration to final designs in ~1.5 years
Background
With growing popularity of electric products, many companies recognize the market opportunity, but none are as trusted or have the size and industry market share of Mercury Marine. As an industry leader, Mercury is seizing the chance to invest and dominate the expanding electric market, while also addressing increasing environmental concerns by offering electric propulsion solutions that allow boating on both previously and newly protected waterways.
02
Process
Research & Planning
Primary, secondary, and analogous industry research uncovered opportunities, challenges, and user needs. Based on these insights, we defined target audience segments and outlined key features aligned with user needs, market trends, and broader Mercury strategies.
User research included interviews with prospective users throughout a typical boating journey to capture their experiences with existing products. Secondary research gathered additional observations and user sentiments, informing the development of electrification user groups and personas.
These opportunities drove our focus toward small vessels with constrained space, lacking traditional helms and mounted displays, necessitating the development of an all-in-one, integrated, and portable solution. Understanding this users holistic journey was an integral step towards ideation.
Design & Prototyping
Lead design team developing UI design for integrated and standalone digital Interface’s for multiple Avator outboard models.
Initial design exploration covered a range of options to determine the best combinations of attributes that aligned with project goals and strategies. We collaborated with suppliers and designers to create intuitive user interfaces and interactive prototypes, iteratively refining designs based on user feedback to enhance usability and visual appeal.
We worked with cross-functional engineering teams and international suppliers within and outside of Mercury. The focus was on user experiences, usability, and access to critical boating information, such as speed, battery SOC, range, power output, and depth.
Exploration of low-energy, small-screen IBN, TFT, LCD, and E-ink display technologies and their limitations was also part of the process. IBN segmented display technology provided the most cost effective, energy efficient and sunlight readable option to develop a UI with.
Testing & Optimization
We conducted rigorous testing across various devices to ensure intuitiveness and performance, with an emphasis on simplifying information at a glance. User feedback was gathered through beta testing and the interface was iteratively optimized based on usability results. We used moderated usability studies to capture interactions and preferences during simulated boating journeys. Paper prototypes, physical models, and high fidelity phone apps were used to evaluate the holistic experience of our concepts.
Refinements
Feature development was prioritized based on user feedback and technical feasibility. Supplier collaboration was key at this phase. Over 100 Individual IBN segments were defined to communicate critical information in the chosen 4" x 3" display.
03
Solution
The Mercury Avator 7.5e integrated display enables the electric outboard motor to provide all the necessary information for an electric marine journey. Designed for a premium appearance and convenient placement on the motor, it offers quick access to motor data via navigation buttons.
Selectable Data
All boaters are different and prefer different information at different times depending on boating activity, boat type, and environmental conditions. To accommodate these needs, users can select engine speed, battery percentage, and range estimates, with information displayed in full color for easy digestion, even in direct sunlight. Common colors—green for good and red for warnings/alarms—allow users to quickly assess the motor's status at a glance.
Display Settings
Customizable settings allow users to tailor control preferences and priorities to their unique needs. Settings are accessible by toggling through the available data. Once settings is selected, users can adjust throttle direction (ambidextrous) and units of measure. As a familiar marine display experience, users can also change display brightness by tapping the power button. Holding the power button will prompt a countdown sequence until powered off.
Mission Critical Communication
Legibility was a primary concern to minimize time spent reading data and to reduce data overload, allowing operators to quickly monitor information on the go. Emphasis was placed on available range and low battery states, with increasing levels of attention as the battery approaches zero.
04
Results
Product Recognition
The designed product has garnered international acclaim, winning numerous prestigious marine & design awards for its innovation and excellence.
Project Challenges
Navigating the challenges of a product with many limitations and new experiences requires balancing creativity with constraints and adapting to unfamiliar technologies. Although the chosen IBN display technology offers high contrast and wide viewing angles with many user benefits, it also presented significant design challenges, including a limitation of 100 individual segments to communicate information, color limitations, and segment spacing restrictions. These constraints restrict the design complexity and the amount of information that can be displayed effectively.
© 2025 – Thomas Weger
