Project 9

Design Brief- Pods

Introduction

As the automotive technology advances into the future, we are starting to see more simplistic design where all the smart features in a car is integrated into smart systems to reduce the clutter.

20 years down the line, following this trend, we are likely to see, most, if not all the features to be completely integrated into the system where the design looks almost basic.

Pods.

Pods can be defined as computer driven vehicles that provide comfortable ride upto four passengers including luggage.

These pods usually provide non-stop transport on overhead tracks that are currently used which have smart infrastructure to support these systems.

Examples include companies like google and amazon uses these transport methods within their boundary of work for the employees to get around the campus.

These pods are also called as Public Rapid Transit (PRTs)

Examples

An ULTra PRT, in Heathrow airport, London.

West Virginia University’s PRT system.

User, Desk, and Market research.

These systems, as previously mentioned, will likely be used by the general working populous in a huge “smart” city.

The users will most likely consist of people who are looking for a comfortable and fast ride.

These systems will be well coordinated and the traffic problem will never be an issue.

Given that the mode of transport is only likely to get faster and efficient, it is reasonable to assume that, within short travelling time, many of the features such as infotainment systems and interactive screens will be removed or integrated into the smart systems.

This will mean that the pod’s main focus will remain on point A to point B efficiently while keeping the comfort of the passenger in mind.

Trend Analysis and Forecasting.

If we notice the current smart cars in the market, we can observe that all the features in a dashboard in a conventional vehicle is starting to get integrated into a smart interactive screen. The dashboard is still kept to preserve the aesthetic of a car as we know it although it serves no function.

Following this trend, since the pods are autonomous, we are to see complete removal of the unnecessary features to save space for extra leg room and the focus will be more on the comfort of the passengers.

Ideation and further developments

• The pod that I have considered to design will be in shape of a capsule.
• Considering the interior are two seats facing each other which a telescopic door opens upto.
• The leaves of the telescopic door will be lodged into a retraction space on the side of the pod when the doors are open.
• The wheels are hidden behind the body panel and will not be seen.