Autonomous Language

Abstract: Automation will challenge our notions about communication between the vehicle and its surroundings. This thesis explores how an autonomous Peugeot vehicle could look like if the exterior design would be smart and aware about the world around it.  Using as reference the needs of a small family and inspired by ripple effects as a reaction to an impulse, the design process also included research, ideation and form development using analog and digital tools. Animation and video were also used for testing and visualising the ‘autonomous language’.  The result is a concept vehicle with an active skin and a unique sculpture reflecting its new architecture, enabled by an electric powertrain and autonomous driving technology. New light mode that lets the lights be projected towards the vehicle instead of the road will enhance the volume description of the vehicle to be visible especially at night. The design process included context research, needs of people inside and outside of the vehicle, interviews, ideation, package study, digital form development and physical model. It is important to me that my concept fits into a believable context of the future and creates a vision upon issues that we strive to develop today.