Kontrolka
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2016
- Employees
- 11-50
- Offices
- 1
About Kontrolka
Kontrolka is a Prague-based studio specializing in automotive human-machine interface design and digital product delivery. Established in 2016, it develops the interfaces through which drivers and passengers interact with vehicles, connecting visual design with the practical requirements of production software. Its work serves automotive manufacturers across Europe, North America and Asia, alongside applications in motorcycles, marine navigation and specialized machinery.
The studio’s remit spans digital instrument clusters, central infotainment displays, head-up displays, climate controls, steering controls and companion mobile applications. It brings together research, interaction design, visual design, motion graphics and technical delivery to develop coherent experiences across these connected surfaces. Brand integration and information architecture form part of that work, alongside ergonomic user flows and the presentation of vehicle information.
From strategy to implementation
Projects can begin with HMI strategy, automotive market analysis, UX/UI analysis and workshops. Kontrolka develops concepts through user stories, interaction models, wireframes and high-fidelity visual exploration. Its design work includes digital cockpit reskinning, interface design languages, navigation experiences and both 2D and 3D micro-animations.
The delivery phase extends beyond concept presentation. The studio produces design systems, optimized visual assets, 3D content and technical assemblies for developer handovers, followed by implementation quality assurance. This combination allows its work to move from exploratory screens and motion studies toward assets intended for production integration.
Kontrolka operates within automotive manufacturers’ engineering and design workflows, with assignments ranging from early interface visions to production vehicle delivery. Its portfolio also includes exploratory motorcycle interfaces, modular racing dashboards and nautical navigation concepts, reflecting applications of its interface expertise beyond passenger cars.
The studio’s approach combines user-centered research with detailed visual and interaction work. Across its projects, it addresses how information is organized, how controls behave and how animation communicates changes in system state. These capabilities support both the definition of a vehicle’s digital experience and the preparation of the materials needed to implement it.
More about Kontrolka
Leadership and background
- Founder and CEO MgA. Ondřej Velebný previously led user experience initiatives at Sitronics Telecom Solutions and studied advanced interaction design at Israel’s Bezalel Academy of Arts.
- Zdeněk Velebný became a statutory executive in June 2023 and serves alongside Ondřej Velebný. Richard Stoklasa is Chief Design Officer.
Production practices
The studio describes a Design Thinking methodology and designs to international automotive safety and usability standards, including ISO guidelines. Its technical delivery includes handovers directly to tier-1 suppliers.
Training
Kontrolka Academy provides motion design masterclasses, training for multi-skilled specialists and corporate HMI workshops for OEM design departments. Its educational programme also covers HMI ergonomics.
Recognition and collaboration
The report attributes eight Red Dot Design Awards for HMI product design to collaborations with automotive clients, rather than identifying them as standalone studio awards. Kontrolka’s SEAT/CUPRA relationship is described as a primary external HMI supplier engagement supporting production delivery.
Notable credits
11 creditsOffices
Where Kontrolka is based
- Michelská 18/12a, Michle, 140 00 Prague 4, Czech RepublicPrague, Czechia
Prague Studio & Headquarters
HeadquartersAbout this office
Sole physical operating studio and registered headquarters, housing HMI designers, researchers, 3D animators and software integration engineers.
Open roles
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