AUTONOMOUS MOBILITY STUDY
From a pure means of transport to an automobile space of experience
studiokurbos designs a visionary vehicle concept for autonomous driving for the joint research project RUMBA
RESEARCH PROJECT
In close cooperation with renowned partners from research and technology, the studiokurbos design team creates a virtual vehicle that consistently harmonizes the autonomous driving experience with user needs. Following the holistic design approach, the international design studio immediately turns the research project into a complete, virtual show car and thus makes it possible to experience the latest findings from the complex development with all senses.
CONSORTIUM
Audi AG, MAN Truck & Bus SE, Robert Bosch GmbH, Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH, CanControls GmbH, OHP GmbH, Spiegel Institut Mannheim GmbH, Würzburger Institut für Verkehrswissenschaften GmbH, Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart, Universität Stuttgart, CARIAD SE
INTERIOR DESIGN - FOCUSING ON PEOPLE AND THEIR NEEDS
Autonomous driving creates completely new design options for how the interior in particular can be used. Thus this vehicle was designed from the inside out.
The focus is on people with their needs and the impact on the driving experience in different driving situations.
The design team has defined 3 modes for the seat layout, in which the occupants are located depending on the level of automation and need:
1. Drive Mode:
The driver drives himself, all seats are facing the direction of travel.
2. Social Space Mode:
The vehicle drives fully autonomously. The front seats turn toward the rear passengers. This promotes communication and interaction among all occupants while driving.
3. Cocoon Mode:
Should the occupants feel the need to withdraw and switch off during autonomous driving, the seats can be turned away from each other. A "Privacy Shield" extends from the headrest to provide additional privacy.
LIGHTING DESIGN MEETS SUSTAINABILITY
The purist basic concept of the interior in grey and white offers many possibilities to the design-ers from the CMF department. Light is used specifically as a design element to flexibly support the needs of the occupants in the various modes. If the driver decides to drive himself, increased attention is required. According to findings in color psychology, this is supported by red-yellow color worlds. If, on the other hand, the occupants wish to relax, the interior is immersed in soothing blue-green light.
THE USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN - TECHNOLOGY ON DEMAND
One thing immediately catches the eye: classic controls such as steering wheel and instruments are no longer exist in the RUMBA vehicle. A bold and clear decision by the design team. It follows the philosophy of letting the mind go on a journey instead of having to concentrate on driving. The "Shy-Tech" trend is used, in which the integrated technology on displays only becomes visible as soon as the user approaches. Otherwise, the surface remains part of the loop with matching lighting mood. UI/UX merges with the interior design to form a visual and functional unit.
COLORS AND MATERIALS
The use of sustainable, innovative materials throughout the vehicle sets new standards. For example, only recycled plastic is used in the center console and on the wheel rims. All knitted surfaces are made of recycled polyester. Compared to other materials, knit is particularly sustainable because there is no waste from cutting.
THE EXTERIOR DESIGN - CONSISTENT CONTINUATION OF THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The vehicle's uncompromising one-box design emphasizes the focus on the passengers.
A long wheelbase and short overhangs characterize the proportions and make the design timeless and realistic. The desire for privacy from the interior concept is taken up by an extremely raised color gradient from the side into the window areas. The unobstructed view from inside to outside remains unaffected.
The sensors - an essential component of autonomous driving - are visually highlighted and effectively staged. Graphically designed areas in black on the front, next to the front wheel, in the rear, and on the roof, creating a strikingly futuristic expression.
STATEMENT ANDREAS KURBOS
"The RUMBA research project is an exciting field for us at studiokurbos and a great complement to series projects. Together with our partners from science and industry, we are pushing bound-aries and exploring how visionary project ideas for autonomous driving can be translated into concrete user experiences. Through our expertise in virtual reality, we help our project partners bring innovations to life and make safe decisions."
image sources: studiokurbos GmbH
