The Design Lounge in this edition is presenting how the center console/floor console space has changed paradigm—from buttons and gauges to modern HMI/UX interaction. Now the interior aggregates information, connectivity, communication, and occupant monitoring. Our in-depth piece is focused on how the future will have more car-to-driver communication, as the car will be the “driver” in certain scenarios, with many communication technologies going both ways (with car feedback, through text, images, lights, sounds, vibrations, etc).
Through two different lenses we see that the main, central purpose of the car is no longer to move people, but to communicate and interact while driving. That triggers a permanent flow of new features and technology, in parallel with what’s happening with mobile devices and office automation.
This big-bang of new technology is also influencing the €/$ cost balance of the car as a product, and also as a service with millions of new services through apps and permanent connectivity to the world. The business model is shifting, as it shifted to go from a portable telephone to a hold-in-the-hand computer. But the total cost at stake is at least 100 times higher, and nobody knows if what was acceptable at €/$500 cost magnitude will be still possible at €/$50,000.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter—please let us know your thoughts; we value your feedback. And remember, if you’ve not yet registered for our 1st DVN Interior Workshop in Darmstadt on 23-24 September, you may do so here.
Sincerely yours,