Smart surfaces allow automotive interior designers to create sleek, intuitive, modern interaction with the vehicle. Just like using mobile devices, these smart surfaces extend traditional switches, buttons, and displays.
Seat surfaces sound less obvious as a space for this kind of thing, as that’s where occupants sit. But at the same time, seat surfaces represent a significant real estate within the cabin (total seating developed surface is approximatively 10m²!). And integrating controls there can place them closer to the occupant, and the material closer to the technology.
There are unique challenges in locating an HMI in places where it is not normally used (like seats), under the condition designers prevent unintended distraction. In this week’s in-depth piece, we look at how seat surfaces—mainly textiles—are becoming smarter. It’s a great appetizer for the smart surface session of the upcoming DVN Interior Workshop which is now just four weeks away—time to register!
This week’s DVN-I Newsletter also reflects the sustainability focus of the industry, with news about hemp fiber composites, sustainable seats, bio-tanned leather, and the cornucopia of new potential materials on display at the Material District in Utrecht, NL.
The workshop docket is close to final, and you can download the current version. The event will include the results of our newsletter survey; speaking of that, it’s time to vote for question 6.
Sincerely yours,
