Ergonomic approach of the influence of materials and the user experience in the interior of automobiles

Abstract

A new paradigm emerges around automobiles: People’s expectations regarding transport and mobility are changing. New ways of interacting and relating to the vehicle emerged. This is mainly due to the significant increase of imbedded technology and connectivity as well as the updating of ADAS systems increasingly present in vehicles. In this context, automotive design needs to be rethinked. In this way, car and transport users in general are being impacted and the automotive industry is being forced to revise its business model. This new scenario highlights the importance of areas such as ergonomics and user experience, essentials for automakers to invest in new projects development. Vehicle ergonomics needs to adapt to these new needs of industries and user, aiming at future trends: connectivity and interaction. How to design vehicle’s interiors that are more and adapted to the new demands of both, automotive industry and market and provide a better customer experience of these vehicles? The purpose of this article is to demonstrate a macro vision of how the relation of materials, finishes and technologies influence the experience inside a vehicle. Although there is a consolidated understanding of vehicle ergonomics and user experience, the introduction of this knowledge into industrial activities should be further explored and partnerships with universities and the industry should be encouraged so that automakers can be prepared for this new paradigm where transportation becomes a service.