Autonomous vehicles are still quite a ways off, in terms of technology and legality, but they are coming. And we’re closer than ever to seeing the futuristic idea be realized.
Cadillac’s head design chief, Andrew Smith, stated General Motors design as a whole is already being influenced by the idea of autonomous vehicles, according to Automotive News. Specifically, interior cockpits are seeing influence in design.
“At a basic level as a designer, you could ask should everyone face forward in an autonomous car? Do you still need a steering wheel? What do occupants do with all that time since they won’t be driving?” He also questioned how designers will manage the bountiful amounts of onscreen data inside an autonomous vehicle, too, knowing internet, applications and more will be accessible as the steering wheel goes the way of the dodo.
“As you can see as designers we are being called on to use our imagination to redefine the customer experience. The stakes are really high at the moment. We’re on the verge of so much technical innovation.”
“Today’s customers demand more than a great product. They demand a great experience,” he added.
Comments
This is an interesting subject. Most people are unaware that Autonomous cars are really coming soon.
Interiors are the most important aspects of selling these cars to consumers. My vision is that cars won’t be about the driving experience. Cars will be about comfort in transporting people. Therefore tall vans with spacious interiors and amenities will rule. Think of a motor home. Start with that design. Then start shrinking that to the size of a minivan. Imagine how amazing the family experience will be to have a motor home that can drive itself so all passengers can enjoy the viewing and visiting experience. Do we really want a 70 or 80 year old person with poor hearing and vision driving a 40 ft motor home on a windy road?
GM and other car manufacturers are well aware that car ownership is going away. Society is moving to an “On demand” business model. The reason is that cars are parked 95% of the time. Once consumers realize this, there will be a massive adoption of autonomous cars.
Autonomous cars really ???? Like in 100 years maybe.. but not anytime soon!