Overview:
This project explored cutting-edge possibilities for in-car interactions, integrating human communication principles—both subtle and direct—into the future of human-machine interaction. With advancements in AI and autonomous vehicles, the project aimed to reimagine how users engage with intelligent systems, moving beyond screen-based interfaces to incorporate intelligent materials, speech, haptics, and dynamic in-car environments.

Process:
Working within a highly multidisciplinary team of creative technologists, UX, UI, product, and motion designers, we collaborated with several departments at BMW, including color and trim, interior design, and digital innovation. The project started with a design-thinking inspired workshop to align goals and spark creative ideation across teams.

Throughout the project, we iterated on our concepts with input from stakeholders and cross-departmental partners, utilizing a mix of design methodologies:

- Discovery: Ideation and alignment through workshops and interdisciplinary research.
- Concept Creation: Developing interaction frameworks for AI-powered, multimodal interfaces incorporating speech, touch, haptics, and shy-tech elements.
- Prototyping: Creating hardware prototypes, motion studies, and wireframes to explore dynamic, in-material interactions.
- Visual Design: Crafting concept illustrations and animations to communicate interaction scenarios.
- Testing and Refinement: Material testing and prototype validation to ensure feasibility and cohesion with BMW’s interior design vision.

My Role:
I contributed as a Creative UX and Visual Designer, focusing on:
- Translating interaction concepts into illustrations and detailed wireframes.
- Designing visual and motion patterns for seamless integration of shy-tech into materials.
- Collaborating on prototypes to test interactions involving hardware, software, and hidden tech elements.
- Presenting refined concepts, animations and high-fidelity visuals for internal alignment.

Outcome:
The project delivered a visionary design framework for future in-car interactions, emphasizing multimodal communication through intelligent materials and seamless integration of AI-driven interfaces. These innovations set the stage for more intuitive and human-centric experiences in semi- and fully autonomous vehicles.

Impact:
The work has shaped BMW’s perspective on in-car experiences, bridging future AI capabilities with user-centered design principles. By moving beyond screens and embedding interactions into the car’s physical environment, this project provided a roadmap for designing meaningful, next-generation user experiences.

Tools & Skills:
Design workshops, concept illustration, wireframing, motion studies, shy-tech exploration, visual design, animation.