Voyager
2022 / INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
Emerging from the pandemic, a reevaluation of priorities has occurred, with an emphasis on cherishing moments with loved ones. Among the favored pursuits, travel is one of the most popular activities. Road trips, in particular, maintain their popularity as a preferred mode of exploration for families and friends. Given the substantial time spent in cars during road trips, the question arises: How will autonomous vehicles enhance the experience of embarking on these adventures?
With this question at heart, I conceived Voyager—an autonomous vehicle interior concept focused on elevating the overall enjoyment of road trips. It is equipped with an AI host that serves as a helpful tour guide during your trip. It provides information and engaging facts about the places you visit, and recommends tourist attractions that align with your interests. By incorporating such features, Voyager simplifies the preparation process and enhances the overall enjoyment of road trips, ensuring that your experiences are memorable and delightful.
For example, during a road trip to the Grand Canyon, Voyager's side windows showcase three primary rock layer collections in the Grand Canyon. Additionally, passengers can select to see the projection image of the appearance of the canyon from 1000 years ago and the process of the Colorado River shaping the valley.
The window tint adjusts intelligently to strike a harmonious balance between displaying information and providing passengers with a clear view.
Design Process
I initiated my project by conducting user and market research to explore the competitive landscape and identify a market position with growth potential. Next, I conducted interviews with my target end users, Gen X and millennials, who embark on road trips with their families and friends, to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and desires.
Following this, I began developing a journey map centered around a couple undertaking a five-day road trip from Pasadena to the Grand Canyon and back. This helped me discover design opportunities wherein autonomous vehicles could enhance their current road trip experiences.
In the ideation phase, I generated and tested ideas through full-size mockups that encompassed aspects such as seating arrangements and interior space. Through iterative refinement, I kept improving the design, ensuring it met the needs and desires of the intended users.