UID26 | Jakub Szewczyk – Grad project presentation
Outer widgets
Degree Project
2026
Outer Widgets is a Dacia sub-brand ecosystem. The mobility system offers a rental service for mobility and sports equipment, enabling people to meet and connect with others who share a passion for outdoor sports and the preservation of the natural environment. The system combines two key components, the Widget Mobility and Basecamp station. Widget mobility is used to travel to the chosen location. Its interior has two spaces. First users ring and back cargo space. The user’s ring is a front area where users can use two traveling modes. The driving mode where they enjoy steering and guidance via the hologram interaction system to the sports destination, or the second mode, story mode, where, thanks to the changeability of the chrysalis seats, people can face each other and interact with the feature recorded by the Outer compass. The hologram session is recorded by Outer Compass’ drone, which follows users in their sports endeavours. They can edit this feature and share it later with friends during an interactive hologram sports session. The second interior space is made to meet a wide range of equipment needs. The rear cargo space of the Outer Widgets can accommodate two equipment modules for a wide range of sports equipment, including bikes, climbing gear, windsurfing gear, paddling gear, or foldable gliding gear. The gear units are stored in the second big system component, in the Outer Basecamp. Outer basecamp stores sports equipment, loads cargo units onto the Widget mobility, contains fixed units, and a users’ chilling space. It is operated by the Widgets crew, local people who take care of mobility Widgets, load equipment, fix broken gear, and oversee all processes to ensure they run smoothly. The Outer Widgets hire those people.
Inspiration
Urban residents often face challenges in accessing nature, which is essential for physical and mental health. Contact with other person and doing outdoor activity togehter creates social bonds and make this outdoor activity even more mentally beneficial and fullfilling.
Public transportation is inadequate for outdoor sports enthusiasts with bulky gear, and declining car ownership due to the cost and environmental concerns that sharpen the issue. Urban green spaces lack sufficient biodiversity, depriving residents of essential stimuli, which can lead to cardiovascular and chronic illnesses. Conversely, nature exposure reduces harmful urban stimuli, lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle stiffness, and decreases mortality. Thus, promoting physical activity with other likeminded people in nature is crucial for mental and physical health.
Process
To best suit user needs, the author explored different packages and layouts. The main intention was to focus on how very small interior space can enhance users’ interactions and store outdoor equipment in the smallest and functional footprint.
Research methods included user questionnaires, interviews, and market analysis to understand the lack of contact with nature and travel obstacles. The design process was further informed by usage scenarios and market analysis and summed up with user needs.
After that, creating doodles and mood boards helped clarify the form and general direction. Study models and 1:1 scale mock-up improved the understanding of the project’s size and applicable materials. Sketches, Photoshop renderings, and CAD modelling helped to establish a final form of the design mobility solution.
Result
This thesis proposes a hypothetical design solution to address the needs of off-road sports enthusiasts and aims to democratize access to nature. The solution includes product geometry and a digital system connecting individual vehicles with the user-supporting ecosystem. The interior design addresses customizable and adjustable passenger space, gear storage, vehicle access, and gear maintenance, emphasizing simplicity to assist users.
The designed mobility system targets many stakeholders, including car manufacturers, sports equipment brands, car rental companies, nature preservation agencies, and individual users, supporting a diverse outdoor sports community.
Jakub Szewczyk
Master's Programme in Transportation Design
