LUXLink

Vehicle Concept Design (TD1) 2024

In China, many older adults need a simple and social way to travel between their rural homes and the city. Staying connected with others, maintaining independence, and engaging in activities are all essential for their well-being. This project aims to create a fully autonomous MPV with a unique and recognizable design, integrating hardware and software, making travel easier and more enjoyable for older people. The vehicle features smart functions for effortless use and social seating that encourages interaction. A standout feature is the "Smart Arc" system, which signals when the vehicle is available, while the taillights take inspiration from the Huawei logo for easy identification. The design process involved sketching, mood boards, and the use of key themes to develop a strong concept. The result is a new kind of autonomous MPV that prioritizes both function and social connection. It provides a safe, efficient, and engaging way for older adults to travel, helping them stay active and connected with their communities.

Lasting Expressions: digital technology informing tomorrow's car design aesthetics

Sponsored by Huawei

The course focused on creating innovative, intelligent, and aesthetically pleasing vehicle concepts for the year 2035, emphasising creativity, advanced technology, and collaboration with Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA). The course aimed to address the evolving demands of the automotive market, driven by electric vehicle (EV) powertrains and digitalization, while maintaining high-quality, aspirational designs.

Students worked on vehicle exterior designs that aligned with keywords such as intelligent, unconventional, aspirational, joyful, digital, meaningful, China, and EU. The course encouraged a balance between rational and emotional values, fostering creativity and integrated technological solutions. The majority of the concepts targeted the Chinese market, with some also focusing on the EU.

The course was structured into several phases:

  • Information Gathering & Concept Formulation (2 weeks): Students researched the brand and target users, dissected the project brief, and presented a concept description with an image board.
  • Technical Definition & Ideation (3 weeks): Students generated basic 3D representations of technical constraints, developed at least three unique design themes, and presented a progress gateway.
  • Project Development (3 weeks): Students focused on visualizing their vehicle concepts in key views, supported by rough 3D models, and received internal tutoring for design refinement.
  • Presentation (1 week): Students produced an oral and visual presentation summarizing the concept, vehicle attributes, context of use, and value added to users.

Deliverables included 2D sketches, renderings, rough 3D digital models, posters, and a personal reflection paper. The course emphasized collaboration, with students working both individually and in teams, and included checkpoints with Huawei for feedback. The final presentation was concise, focusing on essential information and results.

Viggo Bergström

Master's Programme in Transportation Design

In collaboration with:

Huawei Logo
The green smart arc signals that the vehicle is available.

The green smart arc signals that the vehicle is available.

The taillights, inspired by the Huawei logo gives the vehicle an easy and recognizable feature.

The taillights, inspired by the Huawei logo gives the vehicle an easy and recognizable feature.

The C-shaped interior seating promotes interaction while giving each passenger a personal view. Six seats in total.

The C-shaped interior seating promotes interaction while giving each passenger a personal view. Six seats in total.

The car has the dimensions of: Length 5200, width 1900 and height 2000 mm.

The car has the dimensions of: Length 5200, width 1900 and height 2000 mm.

Key-sketch, used as an identifier of the key design elements and proportions needed to convey the intended design in the process.

Key-sketch, used as an identifier of the key design elements and proportions needed to convey the intended design in the process.