E1 Series

Revolutionising Electric Boat Racing Displays

The E1 Series is the world’s first all-electric race series featuring the RaceBird, a hydrofoil boat designed to promote clean technologies and protect coastal waters.

E1 approached us to design a bespoke cockpit display system for their new boats. The challenge was to deliver critical race data in high-speed, high-motion environments while maintaining glanceability and ease of use.

For Simrad, the partnership offered brand exposure on a global racing platform, a strategic step into electrification solutions, and an opportunity to support awareness around marine conservation.

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Louise's Design Live Presentation, Southampton.

My Role

As Design Director, I mentored Louise in her first project leadership role, bringing experience from designing similar marine displays.

  • Guided workshops, concept explorations, and design reviews.
  • Ensured best practices were applied to achieve clarity and comfort for pilots racing at speeds of up to 50 knots.
  • Refined UI visuals, motion design, and presentation storytelling for stakeholders.
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Outcome

Delivered a custom cockpit display system with:

  • Central 9” screen. race-critical data, animated gauges, and proximity sensors for collision avoidance.
  • Left 7” screen. diagnostics, including engine health, foils, and performance graphs.
  • Right screen. race management, position tracking, lap layouts, and event alerts.
    The result was a visually striking, functional interface tailored to the pilots’ needs, improving safety, usability, and engagement.
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Kick-off & Discovery

Initial workshops with E1 and pilots to understand the racing environment. Reviewed E1’s rebranding and considered its adaptation for performance displays.

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Concept Exploration

Brainstormed themes influenced by gaming, AR, and futuristic style. Filtered ideas into three key routes: boat architecture, futuristic visuals, and brand-led styling.

UI Design & Iteration

Developed the three-screen layout: central (critical data), left (diagnostics), right (race details). Tested motion, gauge behaviour, and readability with engineers and pilots.

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Brand Integration

Adapted E1’s brand colours for better legibility under real race conditions. Maintained brand identity while prioritising function over decoration.

The project was both a technical and creative challenge. It reinforced the importance of balancing visual ambition with the strict demands of a racing cockpit. Mentoring Louise on her first major project was rewarding, and seeing her grow in confidence while delivering a high-profile, performance-focused product was a highlight. The partnership also showed how product design can support broader goals, from electrification to marine conservation