Identity in Motion: Private Sensory
Identity in Motion is a solo project during my CMF design apprenticeship at Nissan Design America, strives to re-imagine car interiors using interactive immersive technology in self-driving vehicles. This campaign, informed by an understanding of latest technology adaptations and market trends, designs custom-made peaceful oases for introverts to contemplate and rejuvenate, answering the post-pandemic amplified demand for solitude.
Role INternship Project
Project Duration June 2024 - August 2024
AUtomotive CMF Design
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About the Project
Research
Insights & Design Goal
TouchDesigner Experiment
Final Design
Conclusion
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About the Project
The growing importance of private space and mental health post-pandemic, particularly among the expanding introvert demographic, points to a significant market trend. Introverts value private time for introspection and need tranquil spaces to recharge after social interactions. The advent of autonomous driving opens up unique opportunities for automotive interiors. Identity in Motion introduces a customized, immersive experience using motion tracking and interactive projection technology, proposing a new future possibility for automotive spaces.
Future Opportunity of Automotive Space
Currently, the automotive space revolves around mobility, seating, driving actions, storage, comfort, and safety. However, between 2030 and 2040, advancements in autopilot and AI assistants will replace human driving actions. This shift opens opportunities to redefine the concept of automotive space.
Unmet Market Needs: Introversion V.S. Extroversion
In my customer study, I explored how personality traits shape individual preferences. I identified clear differences: introverts prefer solitude, seek deep connections, recharge quietly, and are driven internally, while extroverts thrive on social engagement and external stimulation.
Despite introverts making up over half the population, many cultures, including the US, prioritize extroverted behaviors, driven by social efficiency. This societal bias often neglects introverts' needs, presenting industries with an opportunity to address this gap and innovate to meet these needs.
Characteristic
Introverts tend to seek solitude, value deep connections, recharge through quiet activities, and be motivated internally.
Unmet Needs
In a recent survey Myers-Briggs Company did in the UK, 9 out of 10 people report feeling pressured to behave in an Extraverted way.
Introvert's needs, such as quiet spaces and tailored social experiences, often go unaddressed
Market Opportunity: Tranquil, Personalized Sensory Experiences
Research indicates a growing need for spaces tailored to individual personality traits, particularly for introverts who require secluded environments to support mental health and manage sensory overload. Currently, this need is being recognized and addressed by artists and designers using technologies such as specialized lighting and materials. This trend highlights an unmet market demand in the automotive industry for customized, tranquil sensory experiences.
Deconstructing the Sensory Experience of Interior CMF
By dismantling the sensory interaction of humans with tangible substances, we recognize how sensory data shapes our cognition, forming an intricate montage that informs our comprehension and is retained in our memory. While emotional responses and recollections tied to materials vary individual to individual, our sensory perception is bounded by the inherent confines of the substance.
Opportunity
An opportunity emerged to integrate a technological layer that bridges human interaction with tangible elements, creating a "phygital" (physical + digital) material. This approach enhances sensory experiences beyond the physical constraints of materials, offering more immersive and emotionally resonant experiences by incorporating intangible elements that physical materials alone cannot provide. This advancement enables customized sensory interactions that cater to the unique preferences of each individual.
Interactive Projection
Projection mapping, or interactive projections, combines three-dimensional projection mapping with motion-detection technology. This integration allows users to interact with the projected visuals in real time, creating immersive environments where the imagery responds dynamically to various stimuli.
To Be Explored
Design Goal
Tools
TouchDesigner Exploration
Visual Exploration
Image & Video Input Exploration
Music Input Exploration (Sound On)
Interaction Exploration
Experiment Insights & Future Potentials
During my exploration of the software with various inputs, I uncovered multiple potential applications for automotive design.
Application & Visualization
INFINITI embodies the essence of Contemporary Japanese Opulence through a balanced fusion of Dynamism and Tranquility. Accentuates the tradition of Japanese hospitality, preempts client wants, and offers integrated, people-oriented goods and services.
Persona
Color Therapy
Before developing my color suggestions and concept board, I researched chromotherapy to choose colors that enhance my design project. Chromotherapy, also known as color therapy, uses the psychological and emotional effects of colors to improve mood and mental well-being.
5 Final CMF Proposals
Drawing insights from customer study and chromotherapy research, I have put forth 5 universal relevant CMF designs aimed at facilitating users' return to tranquility and relaxation within the private confines of the INFINITI Qs.
Deep Water Recharge
The first mood board, "Deep Water Recharge," presents a soothing palette of muted teal green and light pink, reminiscent of the tranquil depths of the ocean. It captures the sensation of gliding gracefully through water, enveloped by its gentle pressure and soothing flow. This mood board transports viewers to a serene, ethereal underwater world, providing a sanctuary of relaxation and healing.
MoodBoard
Infiniti Qs Color Proposal
TouchDesigner Interactive Visual Design
Interactive Projection
Zephyr Gate at Dawn
The second mood board, "Zephyr Gate at Dawn," captures the essence of early morning tranquility with its palette of pale yellow and light blue, reminiscent of the sea at dawn. It features images of comforting sunlight filtering through translucent white curtains, warm yellow hues, and drifting dandelions. This board evokes a sense of freedom and relaxation, conveying the feeling of the soul floating free from the body, embracing the gentle breeze and experiencing tranquility, ease, lightness, and comfort.
MoodBoard
Infiniti Qs Color Proposal
Interactive Projection
TouchDesigner Interactive Visual Design
Secret Glade
The third mood board, "Secret Glade," presents a serene palette of luminous greens accented with yellow hues, beech tree brown, and dusty pink. It captures the tranquil essence of a solitary forest expedition, inviting one to breathe in the natural world and escape into a surreal journey. This mood board evokes the experience of discovering novel plants and animals, offering a reflective and soulful adventure.
MoodBoard
Infiniti Qs Color Proposal
TouchDesigner Interactive Visual Design
Interactive Projection
Sublime Horizon
The fourth mood board, "Sublime Horizon," is characterized by a sophisticated palette of low-saturation indigo, dark purple, light orange, white, and woody tones. It captures the essence of a future sunset, evoking a sublime and transcendent experience. This mood board is visually soothing and incorporates surreal elements, creating a serene, elegant, intellectual, and tranquil atmosphere.
MoodBoard
Infiniti Qs Color Proposal
TouchDesigner Interactive Visual Design
Interactive Projection
Timeless Lull
The final mood board, "Timeless Lull," showcases a palette of neutral tones, including marble gray, ice blue, and cool brown. This selection blends the elegant austerity of concrete architecture with the warmth and comfort of a soft, inviting interior. The mood created is one of relaxation and serenity, conveying a sense of emotional stability and a tranquil, composed outlook on life.
MoodBoard
Infiniti Qs Color Proposal
TouchDesigner Interactive Visual Design
Interactive Projection
Interactive Projection Experiment With Physical Materials
I chose a variety of physical materials with different textures and colors to test how they interact with projection mapping and how their textures impact the user's sensory experience during interaction.
Observation Outcome
Low-saturation colors offer digital projection versatility, helping convey a calming atmosphere. Cooler and warm tones impact the digital visuals, but personal preferences play a role. Neutrals like grey and white work best with projections. In terms of texture, organic patterns with bumps and relief add dimension and interest to digital visuals. Materials with elasticity provide tactile feedback. While smooth surfaces enhance visual clarity, textured surfaces create interesting visual effects when travel through.
Conclusion
During my internship at Nissan Design America, I led CMF design proposals that incorporated cutting-edge color trends and materials for future cars, significantly shaping the aesthetic direction. I also developed a personal project using interactive projection mapping to craft immersive interiors tailored for introverts, enhancing private experiences. This role deepened my understanding of automotive trends and advanced my skills in TouchDesigner, equipping me with valuable hands-on experience in real-time visuals. My achievements included mastering collaborative and innovative approaches within a professional setting, preparing me for future challenges in design and technology integration.
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