Joyn

Joyn the Revolution

Benjamin Hubert designs an autonomous ride-sharing platform built around safety, style and sustainability.

With increasing urbanisation, rising traffic congestion and a lower rate of car ownership, ride sharing has grown exponentially over the last decade. The sector is now valued at US$61.3 billion globally, and though success is set to continue, there are challenges ahead when it comes to safety, accountability and sustainability. As a result, Benjamin Hubert of experience design agency Layer, has created Joyn, a concept for autonomous transport that makes ride sharing more desirable. After extensive research, Hubert identified a gap in the market and set about developing a solution that offers users a more private, safer and eco-friendly alternative to existing models. “This near-future concept addresses both the need for a more comfortable ride-share system that people actually want to use as an alternative to private commutes, and a growing need for environmental action and awareness,” explains Hubert. “Passengers using this platform could alleviate the eco-guilt associated with car travel without sacrificing comfort or convenience, and also engage in a community with shared sustainable goals.”

The eight-passenger vehicles – designed for journeys of 30-60 minutes – are based around the footprint of a Ford Galaxy, with the exterior conceived as a smart glass bubble displaying upcoming stops and time to destination. Passengers use the Joyn app to locate nearby vehicles, and can instantly see what seats and storage space is available.

Inside, the human-focused space features tactile upholstery and vegetable-leather details. Modular seat pairs face opposite ways and are separated by wings that can be kept closed or opened out to ‘joyn’ seats for passengers travelling together, while seatbacks feature stowable tables with smart tech provisions including charging ports and folding tablet stands.

It is hoped that Joyn will become not only a simple way to book a ride, but also an exciting and engaging social network that creates a community to drive environmental action.