GM has announced that Sebastian Bauer will serve as the automaker’s new Executive Director and Head of Human Interface Design.
Bauer’s resume includes extensive experience at two tech giants, Google and Apple, where he led key projects in interface design, user interaction, and cross-platform ecosystem development. At GM, Bauer will lead customer touchpoint design in the areas of vehicle infotainment, mobile, web, and connected vehicle services.
“I am excited to announce a new chapter in my career, as Head of Human Interface Design at General Motors,” Bauer writes on social media. “My passion for automotive and design merging in this new position is a long-time personal and professional dream come true.”
In response, Baris Cetinok, GM Senior Vice President of Software and Services, welcomed Bauer to the team, adding, “Your expertise in design will be invaluable as we continue pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, user experience and autonomy.”
In his new role at GM, Bauer is tasked with designing key digital and physical user experiences across all GM brands. His scope covers in-vehicle systems, mobile apps, voice command interfaces, and emerging technologies, all of which are part of GM’s broader strategy to deliver new technology offerings in both its current and next-generation vehicles.
Before joining GM, Bauer served as Head of Android & Pixel Product Design at Google, where he played a key role in launching Android 12, the Material You design system, and the evolution of Android’s visual identity. He was also instrumental in improving design cohesion between Google and partner OEMs like Samsung and Xiaomi. Prior to Google, Bauer held multiple creative roles at Apple, including work on the App Store’s Today tab and high-impact features such as ARKit, Animoji, and 3D Touch. His portfolio spans both product development and marketing design.
Bauer holds degrees in Visual and Media Arts from Emerson College and Business Management from Bentley University.
Comment
This a good move to get him to lead human interface design for better GUI experience.