Revamped Automobile Design anticipated due to Self-Driving Technology, according to General Motors' Design Head
Bryan Nesbitt, the newly installed chief of global design at General Motors, has shared his vision for the future of car design, stating that autonomous driving will drastically change how vehicles are envisioned [1]. This shift, according to Nesbitt, will move away from traditional driver-centered layouts towards adaptable, technology-rich interiors that enhance comfort, health, and experience for all occupants.
In an interview published by General Motors, Nesbitt discussed the significance of integrating technology artfully into people's lives. He used the Cadillac Elevated Velocity concept as an example, a design that incorporates advanced technologies such as biometrics and augmented reality to improve the occupant experience, whether in autonomous mode or manual driving [2].
The new design features adaptable interiors that optimize comfort and functionality, lighting to aid driver focus, and a cabin designed for multisensory well-being, reflecting a move towards a more holistic, occupant-focused environment.
Nesbitt believes that our relationships with cars will change dramatically in the next 20 years. He points out that the public's preferences cannot be shifted solely through messaging or design, but require real value and improvement in people's lives. This is not the first time the automotive industry has faced such a challenge. In the past, consumers attempted to grapple with a similar degree of change by purchasing a model of a horse's head to put on their car.
The next big transition in mobility is autonomous driving, and it has the potential to break free of traditional automotive design constraints. However, EVs are often criticized as jellybeans. Nesbitt believes that autonomous driving will redefine car design, and concept cars for an autonomous world often feature long, pea pod-shaped designs with movable seating, tables, mini-fridges, and plants.
However, people value solitude and may not want their everyday commute to be a social gathering. Control and investment in vehicles are also important factors for some individuals. Nesbitt acknowledges these factors and emphasizes the importance of understanding and catering to the diverse needs and preferences of consumers.
The automotive industry is currently at an inflection point, not just due to electrification. The transition to autonomous driving is a significant factor, and Nesbitt discusses the impact of this transition on human behaviors. As we move towards an autonomous world, it's clear that the role of cars in our lives will evolve, and Bryan Nesbitt is at the forefront of this change at General Motors.
[1] General Motors. (2022). Bryan Nesbitt discusses the significant impact of the transition to autonomous driving on human behaviors. [Interview]. [2] General Motors. (2022). Nesbitt unveils the Cadillac Elevated Velocity concept, showcasing a future of artful technology integration. [Press Release].
Concept cars, featuring technology such as biometrics and augmented reality, could redefine vehicle design in an autonomous world, with long, pea pod-shaped designs that cater to solitude and offer comfort features like movable seating, tables, and mini-fridges.
Understanding and catering to the diverse needs and preferences of consumers, particularly in regards to solitude, control, and investment in vehicles, will be crucial as the automotive industry transitions towards autonomous driving and adaptable technology-rich interiors.
