identity in motion
Identity in Motion is an immersive interior concept developed during my CMF design apprenticeship at Nissan Design America. The project re-imagines the automotive cabin for the 2030–2040 autonomous era, transforming the vehicle from a mobility tool into a "phygital" sanctuary. By integrating motion-tracking and interactive projection mapping, the campaign designs customized, peaceful oases for introverts to contemplate and rejuvenate, addressing the post-pandemic demand for sensory-controlled solitude.
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problem
Market research indicates that while introverts make up over half the population, societal and industry standards—especially in the US—prioritize extroverted behaviors. A survey by the Myers-Briggs Company revealed that 9 out of 10 people feel pressured to behave in an extroverted way. This project identifies a significant market opportunity to address the unmet needs of introverts: quiet spaces and tailored sensory experiences that prevent sensory overload and support internal recharge.
solution
As autonomous driving and AI assistants replace human driving actions between 2030 and 2040, the automotive interior faces a fundamental shift in purpose. This project leverages that shift to propose a people-oriented space focused on mental well-being. Utilizing INFINITI’s essence of "Contemporary Japanese Opulence," the design seeks to preempt client needs through a balanced fusion of dynamism and tranquility, moving beyond traditional comfort to offer integrated, sensory experiences.
01 Design Story: Private Sensory Experience
Between 2030 and 2040, as advancements in autopilot and AI assistants replace human driving actions, the automotive cabin is undergoing a fundamental shift from a mobility tool to a customized, tranquil sensory sanctuary. This emerging trend addresses a significant post-pandemic demand for mental health and private space, transforming the interior into a peaceful oasis designed specifically for meditation and contemplation during travel.
02 The "Phygital" Material
The design story focuses on deconstructing the sensory interaction between humans and tangible substances. I recognized an opportunity to integrate a technological layer that bridges human interaction with physical elements, creating "phygital" materials. By utilizing TouchDesigner and projection mapping, the interior becomes a responsive montage where intangible digital elements enhance physical constraints, offering customized, emotionally resonant interactions that traditional materials alone cannot provide.
Research on interactive projection mapping trends that blend digital technology to recreate sublime natural landscapes.
03 Research & Exploration: Sensory Data
The exploration phase involved rigorous testing of visual, image, music, and motion inputs within TouchDesigner. This "interactive projection" phase combined 3D mapping with motion detection to allow the environment to respond dynamically to the user in real time. I researched chromotherapy (color therapy) to ensure the palettes used for these projections were not merely aesthetic but strategically chosen to improve mood and mental well-being.
TouchDesigner experiment on transforming a real-time driving view into a light tunnel.
TouchDesigner experiment on face expression detection to change color and pattern scheme.
04 CMF Designs: Five Temporal States
I developed five universal CMF proposals for the INFINITI Qs, each designed to facilitate a return to tranquility
Deep Water Recharge: A soothing palette of muted teal and light pink, simulating the healing pressure and flow of a serene underwater world.
Zephyr Gate at Dawn: Pale yellow and light blue tones evocative of morning sunlight filtering through curtains, emphasizing lightness and comfort.
Secret Glade: Luminous greens, beech tree browns, and dusty pinks that capture the reflective essence of a solitary forest expedition.
Sublime Horizon: Indigo, dark purple, and light orange tones capture a transcendent, future sunset for an elegant, intellectual atmosphere.
Timeless Lull: Neutral marble grays and ice blues, blending the austerity of concrete architecture with the warmth of soft, inviting interiors.
05 Technical Experiment and Insights
Testing interactive projections on various physical materials revealed critical design outcomes:
Saturation & Tone: Low-saturation neutrals (gray and white) offer the best digital versatility, while cooler and warm tones significantly impact the mood of the visuals.
Texture & Depth: Organic patterns with bumps and relief add dimension to digital visuals, while textured surfaces create complex, interesting visual effects as the projection "travels" across them.
Tactility: Materials with elasticity provide necessary tactile feedback during the interactive experience.
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