Portfolio
2012
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Amarpreet Gill MA Transportation Designer About me
Education Educated Umea, Sweden
Born Leicester, UK
Info Location/Leicester, UK +44 7977 47 0010 amarpreetgill@hotmail.co.uk www.amoconda.blogspot.com
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Origins Punjab, India
Experience
Umea Institute of Design, Sweden Masters in Transportation Design
Enkai Custom Aquariums Fish Tank Designer
University of Huddersfield, UK BA Hons in Transport Design
Fuelled Media 3D CAD/Graphic Designer
Leicester College, UK Foundation in Art & Design
Mini Live Project - Mini Interior
Gateway College, Leicester, UK Advanced GNVQ in Art & Design A-level Design Technology
VW Live Workshop - Beetle 3.0
Skills 2D Freehand Sketching Marker and Pastels rendering Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe Indesign 3D Clay modelling Adobe Premier Alias Automotive 2011 Hyper move Keyshot Solidworks
Solifer Polar Live Project - Future Caravan
Competitions Move ‘2030’ 2011 Competition Finalist Interior Motives 2010 Shortlisted for the VW PayGo. Interior Motives 2008 Shortlisted for The Breitling Praetorian.
Contents
BriSTOL AUTOCULTURE Breitling Luminary Volkswagen PAygo Citroen Steering wheel MINI PLAYMAN AUDI AVQ 3
Bristol
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AutoC
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Vehicle Maintenance The relationship between vehicles and their owners, shows in the way they maintain their vehicle, next to your house, your car is probably your largest investment. Yet the masses do not maintain and care for their vehicle as they do with their house. Even though with regular maintenance a vehicle could last a lifetime. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, vehicles tend to last just over 13 years. Mileage also plays a role in how long a car, truck, or van will last, and the average final mileage for a vehicle is 145,000 miles. Yet the majority tend to upgrade or sell their vehicle after a mere 4-5 years. Vehicle maintenance could be one aspect to help rekindle the relationship between vehicle and their owners. Through regular and enjoyable maintain practises and a end reward people could start to care and build meaningful rapports with their vehicles, similar to how people care and nurture their plants.
Battery and power steering fluid -- add fluid if low Coolant or antifreeze -- add more if low
Make sure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work
Hoses -- replace if bulging, rotten, or brittle
Inspect shock absorbers for oil seepage or wear
Oil level -- add oil if low and check for leaks
Inspect exhaust system for rust, damage, or loose parts
Belts -- replace if worn, frayed, or glazed
Brake fluid -- add fluid if low
Air filter -- replace if dirty
Tire pressure -- add air if low
Transmission fluid may needs looking at every 60,000 miles
There might still be coolant to check
Check the tires Check the brake pads and discs
The maintenance of plants is relatively easy and can be done by anyone at any age. Plants give us environmental benefits as well as aesthetically pleasures, if a transportation system could replicate this, could it make people care about their cars again? Opportunity Here...
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Transmission fluid -- add fluid if low
Horticulture Horticulture can be done on many levels, from growing watercress on a balcony to large indoor crops, the principals of caring and nurturing the plant remains the same. The more you care and nurture for the plant throughout its growth the bigger, sweeter, and tastier the result will be. Nurturing a plant offers you an excellent way to practice unconditional love. Nature is the foundation. Each seed comes with a plan, and contains all the design capacity to become what it is meant to be. But if it is dumped on a parking lot and ignored it isn’t likely to germinate, let alone grow. Just as important as nature is, nurture is critical too. This is not only true for plants but also for people, relationships, children and ideas, to name a few. This principal of nurture is to care, cherish and love the object in question, something which is missing from the transportation industry.
Project Scenario In the future, cities will develop into Urban Hubs, where cities have become localized and contain efficient, sustainable and intelligent solutions to many of today’s issues. These cities would have new inner city areas that have efficient public transport services and where travelling by car within the city compounds would be of the minimum. Therefore the project aims to develop a long distance concept which can be used to travel from city to city, in a comfortable, luxurious and efficient fashion. This is the ideal scenario for a energy harvesting vehicle as the increase in travel duration, in turn increasing the energy harvesting opportunity within each journey.
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Brand Analysis
Strengths
After extensive research in Bristol Cars, a series of brand analysis exercises were carried out to help understand the brand and identify where opportunities can be available in the future. Bristol Cars was chosen mainly due to the after care service that Bristol provides to all its customer. Convenience, extraordinary product knowledge, reliable estimating, on time completions and good value, all of which are values that the mindful consumer requires from a brand and car manufacturer. Therefore the concept aims to build on the values established at Bristol Cars already and showcase them with a strong identity which can be carried over the whole range of Bristol Cars and promote the things which makes them unique and set them apart for the competition.
Last British owned brand Strong Heritage Hand-crafted cars High quality finish Unique and reliable after care service Resourceful & experienced workforce
Opportunities Expand production models Develop a unique Design language Increase advertising and marketing Collaborate with other Luxury Brands
Core Values
Threats Advances in Technology Liquidation Fewer people know of the brand Reduction in sales
British
Quintessential
Understated
Weaknesses Luxurious
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Quirky
Hand Crafted
Lack of advertising Too exclusive One showroom Lack of modern design Dated image
Bristol 6-Series
Aligned C-pillar with centre of rear wheel
Vertical Door shut line
Long Bonnet
Long Rear Overhang
Grand Distance between Cabin and Front wheel
Short Front Overhang
Key Features Bristol has been producing cars since world war 2 and in that time they have had a wide variety of vehicles, with an array of different design features. After spending some time analysing their models throughout the years, a few common design features have been established.
Long swooping shoulder line
The vehicles produced by Bristol Cars, are usually centre around practically, unique proportions and clever packaging. This page illustrates their common features and indicates some of the features which can be brought through into the concept.
Feature flowing off front arch
Repetition Grill
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Thumbnail Sketches 10
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Further Development Through further development the proportions were really understood and the concept started to come together. The vehicle, which had grand proportions and opulence volumes, started to give the right feeling with a presences and understated power
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Design Development The mian theme throughout the concept was the contrast between the clean minimal exterior and the intricate piezoelectric threads. The introduction of a high belt line was experimented on the design similar the collar of a shirt or jacket, this was to help reduce the size of the glass house, it gave a interest feature which could be played with on the interior. This also gave the impression of a mystery and anonymity for the user of the vehicle, which would suit the target user of this vehicle.
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PiezoElectrics Treatment With the high belt line forming a collar around the glass house, the front hood was an area which could be used to express and enhance the piezoelectric features. This could be treated in several way, however to keep in line with Bristol’s image a cleaner and more formal solution was needed. The piezoelectrics lie underneath the hood maximizing the potential of the wind being channelled through the vehicle.
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Clay Development At this stage, the concept was quite well resolved, with the proportions and volumes being very close to the final. Therefore to further understand and refine the volumes in place, the design had to be take into 3D to fully be realised. These sketches were produced to help the transition into the 3D mediums. The clay model was not intended as a final model, but more of a 3D mock up and a experimental platform to develop and try ideas on the design.
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CAD Development With the use of Alias Automotive, the clay model was transformed into a full scale CAD model, still with many refinements being adopted throughout this process. This stage brought with it many issues, however with perseverance the model was controlled and further knowledge of the software was gained.
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Final Design The result stays true to Bristol’s heritage, whilst bringing the brand’s identity into the future. The design blends design cues found in past Bristol vehicle, such as the repeating grill and the piecing chrome details, together with fresh and bold proportions, to create a vehicle which has character and understated quality. Grand proportions and bold, minimal surface treatment helps to give the vehicle presence and authority on the road, in turn creating the ideal surface to maximise the efficiency of the solar paint.
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Energy Harvesting The main purpose of the concept is to given something back to the users, to make them feel rewarded for their efforts and loyalty. The vehicle does this in the form of energy, harvested from the natural surroundings. Using solar and pizeoelectrics the vehicle harnesses energy from the both the sun and wind. The vehicle has solar harvesting capabilities through the a combination of photovoltaic glass and photovoltaic paint, and wind harvesting capabilities through the adjustable piezoelectric threads based under the hood area, and fixed piezoelectric threads which run through the vehicle’s body, together which these would produce a sufficient amount of energy every journey.
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Photovoltaic Glass
Photovoltaic Paint
Pizeoelectric Threads
Super Capacitor All the energy harvested is stored in the vehicle’s super capacitor, which is located under the hood area. The traditional proportions of the vehicle allow for a large capacitor which in turn, means that can harvest and store a large amount of energy. The capacitor continues the layered design language and a variety of connections point for all the piezoelectric threads to connect to, this gives an infinite about of possible when setting up the threads and creating an all-embracing the user experience and an area where they can learn, experiment and express themselves with.
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Vehicle Maintenance The main aim of this project was to create a platform where the user can experiment on and be rewarded for their efforts. In additional, the aim was to recreate the maintenance of the a vehicle, to a more pleasurable and intuitive experience. Even though the maintenance was a main aspect to vehicle, is was not meant to feel like a burden for user to, as current vehicle maintenance. The aim was to create an exclusive and tangible experience, therefore the concept comes with a service kit as an accessory, which contains all the essential material needed to maintain the vehicle. This includes a set of augmented reality specs and gloves, clippers and clamps, and diagnosis reader which is used for testing the tension and efficiency of each individual piezoelectric thread.
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- Augmented Reality Specs - Augmented Reality Gloves - Clippers and Clamps - Diagnosis Reader
Augmented Reality To ensure the vehicle is harvesting energy in at its optimum level, the piezoelectric threads need to be regularly maintained and kept under tension. This is achieved via the hood interaction unit, the user pushes the badge on the hood, which activates and folds up the tension bars. At this point, the user puts on their augmented reality specs and gloves, to see the user interface. From here the user can pan around the super capacitor, selecting and isolating individual piezoelectric threads, and increase/decrease the tension by pumping the tension bars. 23
Final Model To express the design a 1:5 scale model was produced, using a combination of milling and rapid prototyping at Umea Institute of Design. During this phase there were many obstetricals, one of the biggest being the single piece glass house, however with perseverance and determination they were all overcome. The unique paint job, which highlights the solar cells in the paint, was sprayed by the Umea based paint studio HOT PAINT ART.
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Breitl
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ing Lu
minar
y
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Breitling is a brand of Swiss watches from Grenchen, Canton of Solothurn, originally founded in Saint-Imier, Bernese Jura by LÊon Breitling in 1884. The watchmaker offers Certified Chronometers designed primarily for aviation use, though most frequently worn as high-end luxury watches. Breitling’s watches offer aviation functions, though their chronograph functions have become more of status symbols than practically applied tools. They typically have a large face for better visibility and to allow display of more information on the analog dials. Many models feature an automatic winding mechanism that is purely mechanical. Many Breitling watches are equipped with additional functions such as the flyback function, split-second, moon phase, date display and other complications.
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Target market Luxurious red carpet vehicle for the year 2050, ideal for travel to the Oscars, fashion shows, premières and any other high profile event. Ideal for all types of millionaires, executives and celebrities. The vehicle should appeal to people of all ages, as something they aspire to in, the pinnacle in chauffeured transportation.
Modern Carriage With Breitling becoming more and more popular in affluent markets and with women, it would be an ideal opportunity for Breitling to provide a vehicle service which fits into their lifestyle. With the dated look of limousines, there is a gap in the market for a modern carriage, a vehicle which can bring all the prestigious apsects of the traditional carriage in the digital future.
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2000
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Initial Develo pment Seductive
Confident Jewel 30
Key sketch
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Front t n e m p o l Deve
ga, e form and yo om the femal fr n ch tio hi ira w ), sp e pose form takes in a (Half-tortois ith the heart in The exterior w a – Kurmasan d, dh Ar he e tc th re st rly ly mic particula t graceful ye ct eful yet dyna pa ac m gr a co e cl dy hi bo ve e e th th s s ep e. ke is give d muscl the body. Th al presence an the centre of terior with re ex an s te ea stance and cr
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Rear Develo p
ment
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Rear Security Area
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Final Design
The Breitling Luminary, is the pinnacle in automated transportation, Breitling’s Luminary is a vehic le service provided to high profile clients, offering a luxurious and breathtaking experience, the prefect way to arrive at any red carpet event in style. Using a Breitling’s expertise in movement engineering, wrapping a in layer of lightweight reinforced private glass, to create a modern carriage with real depth, character and presence.
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Interior sidewall splits in the center and slides back into the body.
Lower part of the door, folds out to form a step. Upper part of the door, Splits and rotates above the vehicle.
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Ingress /Egress Breitling’s Luminary is ideal for red carpet events, due to the single, large, automated door which is a unique way to present the occupants upon arrival. The door consists of three pieces that divide into two segments, the upper simply folding above the vehicle and the lower folds out to reveal a step to help make ingress/egress as comfortable as possible.
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The Interior
The interior of the vehicle has four individual seatin g which are arranged facing the center of the vehicle, this helps create an atmosphere which encourage the occupants to interact with and enjoy each others company. In the center of the vehicle is a 3D/holographic display, where occupants can receive the latest news feeds, vehicle info, video calls and interact with social sites. The system is controlled by either voice control or the internal touch pad which dock in the central armrest. Interior Touch Pad
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The interior seats are extra wide, 2 piece leathe r lounge seats, giving the occupants a comfortable and relaxed experience whilst traveling to their destination. The seats are embedded into the bench appearing fixed, however the seats still have the full range of motion, and offers the occupants reclining options as well as heating and several massage options. Underneath the central armrests are the autom atic drink dispensers which gives the occupants a choice of hot and cold bever ages, in addition each journey in Breitling’s Luminary comes with two complimentary bottle of champagne as a gesture of goodwill.
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There is enough space for two security guards, one seated and one standing.
Robust Leather Seat
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Rear Guard
Vehicle Information
Emergency Equipment
Chauffeur’s seat
The rear of the vehicle has a area for Breitling Guards, who overlook the journey and provide security duties for the passengers onboard.
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Wheel Movement
ovided by a r the vehicle is pr The propulsion fo by Breitling’s ed ovement, inspir unique Wheel M ing their unique us ed lop ve de and watch movement g. etic engineerin knowledge on kin bber composite to ent uses robust ru c The Wheel Movem cuperating kineti d is capable of re grip to the road an it. ns tra vehicle is in energy whilst the
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Front Movement
Rear Movement Light Unit
Drive Cog II Recuperation Cogs
Outer Case
Braking Cog Traction Balls Drive Cog I
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Volks
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wagen
Paygo
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MOB
ILITY
PROJ
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INSPIRATION\\...
Development
KEY SKETCH\\...
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PayGo takes its inspiration from both natural and human attributes. Organic traits such as random cell structures, growth through layering, and ability to adapt to its surroundings, are combined with human traits such as personality, individualism and emotion\\...
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exterior Inner Structure\\...
STANDARD VERSION\\...
Solar NanoTech Panel\\...
Recharge Port\\...
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To increase the customisable capabilities the exterior is designed to be fully customisable. PayGo’s exterior is built up of Solar-Nanotech panels layered over an inner strength structure. These panels are infused ,on a nano-scale, with a combination of Solar cells and Advance Nafion polymer, known as ‘Yoga’ polymer, this allows the panels to stretch, bend, emboss, embed and change colour, whenever a different current is passed through it, simultaneously absorbing solar energy. Using these panels in a layered design creates a canvas for users to express their individuality, whilst retaining the VW PayGo identity through its unique proportions and distinct features. The vehicle would detect the user’s preference via their PayGo Accessory and morph into their settings when the user approaches their requested PayGo\\...
Customisable Body \\...
Customisable Headlights\\...
DIFFERENT POSSIBILITIES\\... Customisable Alloys\\... 53
Digital Wing Mirror\\...
Interior
In various areas around PayGo’s interior are Object Recognition Zones (ORZ), these use intelligent biopolymer gel which can recognise objects set inside them. ORZ will not only support the object, it will heat, cool, recharge and connect to the object to interior. The ORZ areas are ideal for all kinds of phones, laptops and music devices. Through ORZ users can upload their music to play through PayGo and connect their phones to take calls through PayGo. To insure that nothing is left in PayGo by accident, ORZ actively registers the object and reminds user when they are leaving PayGo\\... Air Vent\\...
Electro Fibres provide charge\\...
Object Recognition Zone\\...
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UNOCCUPIED\\...
PAYGO DRIVING\\...
USER DRIVING\\...
As PayGo is a Self-Driving system the interior would not be in use, all of the time, therefore PayGo’s interior is made using Intelligent Shape Memory Polymers which would react accordingly with the user. In its unoccupied state PayGo’s interior is hidden away, this would to reduce the risk of vandalism and fraudulent use. When the user approaches PayGo the Seat would form, this would indicate that the user has approached the correct PayGo, if the user has any preferences then PayGo would morph into the user’s preferences.\\..
Shape Memory Polymer\\... 55
brand PayGo is more than a pay-as-you-go service, PayGo is a brand that extends beyond its original product becoming part of the user’s lifestyle. Alongside the vehicle there would be a range of accessories which users can obtain\\... The accessories will range from clothing items to various types of jewellery, which would all be capable of absorbing different types of energy, such as, heat, kinetic, and solar. Any energy which is accumulated through PayGo accessories will be discounted from the user’s journeys. All of the accessories would be accompanied with a PayGo Key chain, which would, contain an in-built GPRS receiver, save the user’s personal settings, be capable of connecting to their computer and provide a direct free line to the nearest PayGo Centre, giving users the ability to call on PayGo anywhere\\... This embodies PayGo’s ethos of, the more the users utilises PayGo, the more they get out of PayGo\\...
ACCESSORIES EXAMPLES\\...
Flash Drive\\...
PAYGO KEY\\... GRPS and Speaker\\... 56
PayGo’s energy is derived through an electro-solar hybrid set-up, Regenerative in-wheel motors recover the kinetic energy from daily usage, and solar nano-cells infused in the exterior panels collect fresh solar energy. All the energy collected, goes through their relative converters, where the energy is maximised, processed and channelled through to the Storage Cells. The Storage Cells consists of advance hexagon lithium-ion batteries which use nanocrystals that are made of manganese, nickel and cobalt, known as Manganese Nano Crystal Cell (MNCC), to provide the performance boost and highest energy density required by PayGo. Using in-wheel motors allow for all the mechanics to fit inside the wheelbase and reduce the overall vehicle proportions\\... Manganese Nano-crystals storage cells\\...
Regenerative In-wheel motors\\... IDU\\... AluLight Chassis\\...
Drivetrain
The Intelligent Drive Unit (IDU) is the only part which is built on top of PayGo’s Chassis, this is the brain of the vehicle and would navigate and manage PayGo. The IDU would also have access to a user data network to upload user preferences, as well as call signs and driving habits. This would replicate a memory and enable PayGo to develop with the users the more they use it and overtime create a quicker and smoother PayGo experience\\...
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Alex roff Age\\... 32
OCCUPATION\\... Senior Account Manager
Lives\\... Central London, UK
Reasons for not owning a Vehicle\\... Does not hold a driving license
PayGo is Despatched\\...
Alex hires PayGo with his phone\\...
PayGo locates Alex via his phone’s GPS\\...
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PayGo drives Alex to his destination\\...
Rare User
No need to find parking\\...
PayGo returns\\...
Alex enters his destination and makes payment\\...
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Sara pre-books PayGo via paygo APP before her lecture\\...
Sara put her luggage in the trunk and drives to her party\\...
PayGo arrives early at sara’s location\\...
SARA GRACIA 60
Age\\... 20
OCCUPATION\\... Student
Lives\\... Mexico City, Mexico
Reasons for not owning a Vehicle\\... Can not afford a vehicle
Occasional User Upon arrival Sara sends PayGo to charge\\...
When Sara no longer requires PayGo she pays for her usage\\...
Sara is free enjoy the party\\...
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Malika requests PayGo to pick her up tomorrow\\... PayGo is despatched early to arrive on time\\...
MAlikA ShivAni Age\\... 27
OCCUPATION\\... Events Manager
Lives\\... Mumbai, India
Reasons for not owning a Vehicle\\... Does not have parking near her apartment
When Malika is ready she goes to her PayGo which morphs into her preferences\\...
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After a busy day, Malika updates her preferences to promote her event tonight\\...
Frequent User When Malika finished with PayGo it returns\\...
Malika uses PayGo throughout the day\\...
Once malika is ready she goes to her PayGo which updates\\...
At the end of the month Malika receives her invoice\\... 63
Citroe
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n Stee
ring W
heel
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JECT
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Project topic
Gaming Gaming is a form of new media culture that has been influenced by video games. As computer and video games have increased exponentially in popularity over time, they have caused a significant influence upon popular culture. Video game culture has evolved in time, particularly in connection with internet culture. Today, the impact of computer and video games can be seen in politics, television, popular music, and Hollywood.
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GRAPHENE The key material for the steering wheel is graphene, The Nobel Prize in Physics for 2010 was awarded to graphene “for groundbreaking experiments regarding the two-dimensional material graphene”. key properties; •
one atom thick
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40 times stronger then steel
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conductive
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lightweight
key material Form Inspiration
Control pad Generation z children live a highly digital lifestyle. Game Control pads are one of the first handle held devices used by this generation. Control pads are the primary means of input on all modern video game consoles except for the Wii Using This as form inspiration will give a familiar feel to the steering wheel.
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Development Through the development stage experiments with the control pad theme and the Incorporation of graphene were played with, always aiming for a sporty, lightweight and futuristic feel.
Sketches
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Final Design
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Final design Touch screen ui
Soft foam
Graphene structural rods
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Single seat sports car
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Mini P
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layma
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This p guida roject wa s n Anna ce of Oliv sponsore db er Dierm eier, Seighart y Mini/B D e signe , Head o MW Gro The b r at M f Min u r i Inte p, under ini. resea ief was fo rior D t rch a cused esign he n innov and ative d identify around m inter ior, w materials aterials an t hich still h o be use d asked u t s as th INTE e bra o create a to RIOR nd id n e ntity PROJ of M EC ini.
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FEISTY
The Brand One of the most remarkable elements of Mini’s popularity is how it infectious spirit transcends traditional class barriers. From hipster and mods to milkmen and royalty. Everyone can have fun in a Mini.
INDIVIDUAL
FUN
Many owners love how easy their Mini could become an extension of themselves, a statement of their unique individuality. Every owner knows they can depend on their Mini to get the job done, whilst having a smile on their face the entire time. Mini describes itself as fun, sporty and individual brand, although sometimes mistaken as cute, Mini prefer to highlight the performance aspect. By doing this, they appeal to both male and female consumers and continue to be an iconic brand.
SPHERICAL FORMS
The project will focus on designing an interior for the Mini Countryman, Mini’s SUV model. The current interior uses a blend of spherical forms and muscular surfaces, to create an environment which is stocky yet friendly. The centre globe is one of the main focal point of the interior, containing all the option for the vehicle, this feature will be kept.
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ORIBOTICS Project Inspiration Oribotics is the fusion of origami and technology, specifically ‘bot’ technology, such as robots, or intelligent computer agents known as bots. Ori-botics is a joining of two complex fields of study. Ori comes from the Japanese verb ‘Oru’ literally meaning ‘to fold’. Oribotics is origami that is controlled by robot technology; paper that will fold and unfold on command. Using a proximity sensor within, the complex folded polyester blooms and fades as the viewer approaches the piece. When there are several in one environment, they react to each as well to the viewer, this creates a beautiful visual experience and could possible be incorporated into an interior.
KEY MATERIALS
FOLDCORE POLYESTER
With the project focused on materials, we were asked to research into materials and select three we would use in the vehicle. After extensive research, the materials chosen were as follows; Arboform - A new durable, but still biodegradable material that can substitute plastic use, created using Lignin. The second most abundant natural polymer, 50 million tons per year created as a by-product to paper. FoldCore Polyester - As used in the Oribotic pieces, Foldcore is a German company which uses an elegant, isometric folding method to various materials to create collapsible cores, this technique produces a beautiful surface texture when illuminated, this is great for ambient lighting within a vehicle interior. Smart Textiles - These are fabrics that enable computing, digital components, and electronics to be embedded in them, creating seamless interactive areas within surfaces which bring to life, surfaces that would normally appear static.
LIQUID WOOD SMART TEXTILES
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Initial development revolved around bringing the three materials together, to create an ADPATIVE/REACTIVE interior whilst embodying Mini’s design language. The passenger side of the dash board would be an interactive surface, due to this a simple and bold surface was required.
FOLDCORE POLYESTER
LIQUID WOOD
SMART TEXTILES
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The seats, just like the rest of the interior, incorporate the three key materials, emphasizing each materials unique properties. The main design issue was to find a way to incorporate an interface into the rear of seat which could be the used by the rear passengers, whilst retaining the Mini’s design language. 78
Electronic paper
The rear of the seat contains a hidden screen, this be the main interaction point for rear passengers. The Screen is made using thin, flexible displays called Electronic-Paper, which is wrapped in eletrochromic textile that can change to a transparent state when in use.
Ventilation
Another aspect to the FoldCore Polyester, is that it is a very breathable material, this makes it ideal for the providing ventilation to the occupant.
Thermochromic fabric
With theme behind the concept revolving around PLAY, the users are meant to bring the interior alive with their presences. The seats highlight this, by using thermochromic textiles in the seat covers, which when sat on activate and slowly release a random array of colours and patterns that fade away once the seat has gone unoccupied.
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Speedometer
The central ball of the steering wheel is in a fixed position, this creates a practical area to incorporate display for the driver. The driver could customize their Mini to display which information they prefer, however the default setting would be the vehicle’s speedometer.
Create a memory
Similar to the seats, the steering wheel uses thremochromic textiles, which react to the driver’s touch. Over the course of roadtrip this could be documented and used as a memento, as each journey would create its own unique pattern. This could also be done with the seat patterns and unloaded to social networking sites.
Haptic Contrast
One of the main differences between the key materials is the haptic feedback, liquid wood being natural and Smart textiles being digital. This contrast should also be experienced by the passengers, therefore the components which are touched by the occupants, integrate each material in way where the haptic feedback can be enjoyed by the occupants 81
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At the stage the main features of the interior had been established and further development was needed to enhance the interior and bring the Mini feel into the design. Experimentation with the treatment of the centre globe was explored, searching for a practical yet unique way to expose the globe and incorporate the FOLDCORE Polyester.
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At this stage the design was nearly finalised and a alias data was provide by Mini, so that the design can be packed correctly. The next step was to create the final model using Alias Automotive.
MINI COUNTRYMAN
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The Interior is aimed at young family, typically consisting of 2 parents and two children aged between 2-15 years old. The interior uses FOLDcore Polyester for to create ambience, together with bold, muscular forms to create an friendly, playful and warm interior environment.
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Center Globe
The Centre Globe uses proximity sensors to bloom with the users actions, this allows information to be access on demand whilst creating a visual spectacle when not in use, the globe contains all the vehicle information and can connect to personal devices via wireless connections.
FOLDCORE Polyester
Air Vent
User Interface
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Mini playman Apps
Electroactive Textile
The interior is a platform for Mini Applications, these apps can be downloaded on demand and gives a personal touch to each Mini.
Telescopic adjustable arm
With the interior aimed at the young family, the app would be focused around entertainment and atmospheric enhancement. All the applications would be capable of multiple user interaction, allowing all passengers to be active participants in the activities throughout the journey. Below are few examples of the Mini Apps;
Embedded E-Paper
Pull Handle
Mini WEb
Simple web browsing application allowing instant access to the WWW from within the vehicle.
Mini BeatBox
This app allows passengers to create individual beats which can then be comprised together to a original piece of music.
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Mini Storytime
Interactive storytelling application which asks passengers to activity participant throughout the story, creating an unique adventrue each time.
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