Almost all experts assume that the interior of a car will change drastically with autonomous driving, from the cockpit to the living room, so to speak. When computers and sensors control the vehicle through rush hour traffic or on vacation, the previous steering wheel becomes superfluous for a large part of the time, as do many switches, levers and buttons that previously dominated the dashboard.
The car becomes a living space
And then other things could become important, says Adrian van Hooydonk, chief designer at BMW: “Then people can relax. They can look around better in the car. So they will perceive things that have not been perceived before. And expectations Such an interior will then also change. It will become more of a living space. And that is actually exactly what we are pursuing as a direction. It should be warmer, more inviting, more homely. ”
Van Hooydonk and his colleagues at other car manufacturers usually rely on a tidy design and bright colors for their Vision models for the future. There is also scientific knowledge behind it. The research group Mobility Innovations at Fraunhofer IAO has examined what is necessary for people to feel comfortable with the new technology, which will gradually replace the conventional car cockpit in the coming years.
A whole new experience for drivers: relinquishing control
“Everyone knows what driving a car feels like, there are empirical values,” says Karin Bobka from the research group. “It’s very difficult with this new technology because you can’t experience it yet. There is still nothing where you can experience it. And it is very difficult for the user to imagine it. And indeed with autonomous ones Giving control of vehicles and airplanes to the technology. ”
The fear of losing control is deeply anchored in the human psyche, says Karin Bobka. BMW chief designer Adrian van Hooydonk agrees. That is why one should not overtax customers when vehicles are becoming more and more intelligent and taking on more and more tasks.
Technology must not overwhelm people
It depends on how you present the technology, so van Hooydonk: “I think that people are a little afraid of this artificial intelligence. You’re afraid that the whole thing will grow over your head. I believe that we in design To be able to counteract it a bit by incorporating the technology but presenting it in a way that doesn’t overwhelm people. We sometimes call it shy tech. The technology is there, but it’s a little shy. It’s not that present. ”
Important for the feelgood factor in the car: the smell
In any case, a lot happens in the subconscious when it comes to feeling comfortable in an environment. And sight is by no means the only factor, explains Bobka: “Of course, the smell also plays a role, that’s a totally exciting topic. According to a study, essential oils, good and pleasant smells, play a role in calming or reducing stress can play a big role. ”
It is not for nothing that Mercedes-Benz, for example, has been offering real scenting systems for a few years.
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