Personally for map, I've always wanted to see a modernized version of it (I have imagined a modern version of it in my thoughts, but when it actually happened, the building blocks in GT7 are much smaller than I thought), also I want to see it being utilized as more than just menu background (probably the light trails on it are a start), like the map adjusting itself to the time, where it's brighter at daytime, and darker (like currently in trailer) in night time. And more importantly, use the map as the setting for open world (I want GT to also cover another aspect of "driving" - cruising on the street is obviously driving too, but for GT instead of driving like maniac every other open world games have, in GT you obey the street rules, with its own license for open world which consist of something like avoiding traffics. Kaz also already had thoughts on this).
Though you seem to only cover for the main menu, how about their other menus individually? Personally I want the other non-main menus in GT7 to resemble GT5's Tuning Shop in styling. I do think I wonder where's the implementation from the artist behind R4's UI currently, or the current menu is already his work (in typical GT fashion instead of his previous sthick in Ridge Raacer).
The thing is, for GTS' Top Screen, it takes a small amount of space, which also reminds me of something that is left out from GT1/GT2, the shortcut menu.
I think they should implement the Top Screen again in GT7 outside of the main menu map for GT7 (if going to Brand Central, GT Auto, GT World, etc.), where it acts like GT1/GT2's shortcut menu.
Unlike in GTS where the top screen changes to write down the title of the menu you're in (ex: Going to Home replaces the Top Screen with a writing "Home")
Iirc PD did dip their toes into open city levels. In GT5/6/S (can't remember which one) there was a home screen that showed a 3D model of a city that cars would go through. Many thought it would hint at open city levels. To add to that, many photomode locations in GT5 had the entire town or city modelled, perhaps even with enough fidelity to have a car go around. I do hope PD look into the free roam driving one day.
We also did get that tech talk on procedural generation of cities by PD
https://www.gtplanet.net/polyphony-digital-procedural-landscape-generation-cedec/
The R4 dev only joined in 2019, so his work would be seen in GT7. I don't know his position however, he could be on the cinematography team as he was also experienced in replay cameras.
GT5's tuning menu is nice but its a bit outdated now. The one side gradient, large grid design is kind of plain looking. I think the parts being overlayed is a very nice affect though.
I'm not a big fan of havign realistic objects on a background that is highly minimal, I think it can be a bit too off looking. For stuff like track select I would do a 3D CAD model view
or something like Modern Warfare's main menu: a real video feed with some simple graphics showing measurements
For autoparts, I think PD should flex their graphics skills and do something more visually stimulating like this:
I agree with the last part, GTS UX design is flawed in how many screens you have to go through.
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Also, Dribbble is fantastic if you want to get some inspiration!
