Safety and sensorial experience in automotive design

01/08/2020

It is interesting to see how car design has evolved over the last decades.

Looking back, I can't help but admire how automotive design has evolved. It's not just about modern features and efficiency; for me, it's a great way to observe good products, where you can see the beauty (or not) of good design work and its impact on people and the environment. When I was young, cars were more than just vehicles—they were our connection to the outside world, our companions on the journey. 

Let's look through time and explore how automotive design has shaped our egos, the awareness of road safety, or the environment.

In the early 70s, I remember a holiday trip with my family to former Yugoslavia. Our red Renault R4 carried us through winding roads and uphill passes that seemed to stretch forever. With our windows slid open, we formed a convoy of cars, engaging in conversations, memorising car licences and sharing the excitement of the journey, looking into other vehicles, ...waving. Travelling across the Alpes at a leisurely 30-40km/h upwards, we had ample time to immerse ourselves in the sights, scents and sounds of the surrounding landscapes. Feeling the temperature rising the closer we get to the south. 

Back then, cars weren't isolated and comfortable experience vehicles; they were like an extension of our senses. We could feel the wind rushing the surface of the car and hear the agitated sound of the engine. Our vehicles, though fragile, served as a conduit that kept us connected to the outside world, making us more aware and fragile while we went downwards with an amazing lightspeed of 110km/h. Feeling that fragileness perhaps made my father drive more carefully.

Fast forward to the present, and we've traded this beautiful connection for isolation. This isolation prevents us from getting a sense of speed and respect for it. Our modern cars, with their advanced technologies and sleek designs, cocoon us in a world detached from reality. Screens and gadgets dominate our attention, distancing us from the very essence of the journey. Are these protected and safe environments truly making us aware of what lies beyond our vehicle's confines?

As automotive engineers and designers chase after user-centric experiences, they may have unintentionally created a rift between us and the world around us. The alluring screens and superficial conveniences may satisfy our immediate desires. Still, they can't replace the joy of feeling the road beneath us or witnessing the vibrant tapestry of life outside our windows. Or why do you think that people are still driving motorcycles or convertibles?

In our quest for safety, we mustn't rely solely on technology. Safety should be an inclusive endeavour that engages all our senses—the power of sight, the harmony of sound, and the visceral feeling of velocity. By designing cars that encourage sensory engagement and foster a genuine connection with the outside world, we can create an environment that enhances our awareness and rekindles the joy of the journey. This brings us to a broader question of design philosophy.

IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT CARS... IT'S ABOUT HOW WE APPROACH DESIGN IN GENERAL.

Though well-intentioned, the prevalent trend of user centrism has led us wrong. When prioritising our own experiences without considering the impact on life and the environment, we inadvertently contribute to pollution and resource scarcity. It's time to shift our focus to a more life-centric design approach that embraces the timeless principle of "form follows function."

Imagine cars that blend seamlessly with their surroundings, prioritising safety, social responsibility, and environmental impact. They don't isolate us; they reconnect us.

They become conduits for empathy and understanding, reminding us of our place in the grand tapestry of life. By designing vehicles that empower drivers to be more connected to the outside, we can create a future where safety and awareness go hand in hand, without the false sense of invincibility that technology alone can bring.

An unintended consequence emerges if design advances to prioritise safety through larger cars, improved protection, and advanced assistance systems. The measures meant to protect us can isolate us from our natural sense of danger, leading to increased speeds and a lack of awareness of potential risks. To create a more balanced approach, automotive designers must strive for designs that prioritise safety, encourage a reconnection with our instincts, and encourage a deeper engagement with the driving experience.

Reimagining automotive design as a transformative journey, I aim to reintroduce the magic of open windows, the perception of the outside, and the harmony of the road.

By combining functionality and enchantment, I would design vehicles that not only transport us from one destination to another but also enhance our overall experience throughout the entire journey by creating awareness of being where you are and doing what you do.