Visit UID23 | Project Gallery

MINI URBMAN

Degree Project 2023

With many rule breakers like autonomous driving or shared e-scooters coming in, many people and organisations are working towards the shift to more sustainable, non-motorised modes of transportation in urban areas, and all the possible new forms of commerce, social activities enabled by it.MINI URBMAN is a new type of shareable, open-air, slow-moving vehicle that co-lives with pedestrians in such slow cities, enabling a more dynamic and vibrant lifestyle. MINI could benefit from collaboration with the government to provide service, blending into a smart slow city. A combination of soft and hard materials was used to build trust between the user and pedestrians. The human-like interaction furthers MINI’s way into a friendly and playful identification. MINI URBMAN is like a companion in the city that lives with us. We can not only move around with it, but also benefit from the functions offered while it’s parked.

Show more Show less

Project Information

The project is in collaboration with MINI and MUNIQ Design. My initial idea was to create something that could blend into the smart city and crowds, making spontaneous moving possible, and offering more interactions and functions than simply moving people.

Method

I started my research with how to build pleasant public spaces instead of car-related information right away. I found that the surprising aspects and freedom of creating a space that adapts to the user’s needs are crucial. In order to further explore human needs in urban areas, a street study was carried out to collect the behaviours that the citizens already have.

The sketch phase started with simple doodles picturing how transparent and soft materials could influence the perception of people around it. Together with functions such as surprising interface and public bench, I explored minimalistic structures that can be transformed to adapt 2 passengers to drive with it in a leaning posture.

Integrated with a slidable protecting roof, the selected theme was developed further in 3D tools. In comparison to other vehicles with different sizes, MINI URBMAN has a minimal dimension that doesn’t take up too much space or threaten the pedestrians. Its height can be lowered so that it does not block adults’ horizontal eyesight.

The inspirations were not only from cars but also furniture, architecture, public space, game, and product design. The design language is set to be friendly but with definition that build up a producty image which suits MINI well.

After 3D model was checked in a VR review, a 3D model of slow city was created for final visualisation of the concept. To finalise the project and tell a complete story, a 3D-printed model and an animation was created.

Result

The outcome is a shared vehicle with an open-air experience that allows 2 passengers to get on and off spontaneously in a car-free slow area with some luggage. While it’s parked, it can be converted into a bench for everyone, and also talk to people or give exclusive advice to people about the city. The front of the vehicle is made of soft material which makes it safe to move in the crowds. The human-like interface and simple autonomy provide companion and make it easy to get started to use it.

MINI URBMAN co-lives with us and makes the city more vibrant.