Phase IV : Deliver
Early space allocation for scaling CAD model
Before start modelling the vehicle, I decided to go through a quick scaling exercise to package the vehicle. This was done to map out a basis for the model - how much litre of storage can be allocated, how does that change or constraint space within the interior, what is the possible entry size and so on. This was done after pick a certain dimension for the vehicle (here replace by a simple box with the dimensions of 4000x2000x1800mm). Each line sketched on the base of the box sits 500mm apart to help map things in proportion.
This definitely helped understand and generate three key aspects for the design to be successfully taken to CAD :-
Placement (Features, Build and Components)
Spatial Understanding (Maximise interior space)
List of Components
Although, this gave me a good direction and head start to begin modelling - at this stage I do expect things to not fall in place especially for the moving components such as adjustable panels and rotating seats. The shape and form in relation with the space between scaled components will determine the mechanics and movement. As reflecting on the scaling activity, at this stage I was not confident about leaving the mechanics to resolved in CAD as it usually should be the other way - design for mechanics → Scaling → CAD. I took this approach with the intention and knowledge that I won't be generating a production model and all the elements do have a certain degree of independence to their size. My objective was to convey the intent of rotating panels and seats to facilitate custom environment within the AV. (Private and Share) All of the components needed to achieve a high fidelity and be functional to generate an animation.
Moodboard
The moodboard had an ongoing contribution through the week and involves both interior and exterior focus for forms, colour, material and finish to applied at the last stage of the deliver process. As I will be generating visuals and a concept vehicle which is focused mostly towards the interior - I consider it crucial to collate a visual language which can communicate and contribute towards a vehicle interior which fits between public and private transport option. Proposed as a ride-share option which allows and facilitate for privacy, comfort, ease of use and sustainable function a variety of things were taken into consideration. Some things here contributed with intention of function while others solely inspire an aesthetic for a public x private transport.
Interior - The design of the interior was driven by maximising and utilising the use of space. Hence, the negative spaces to cut down material and compliment the functional purpose of the form. For instance - Seats with negative space provide an opportunity for storage cavities.
Exterior - The design of the exterior was secondary, while interior was given first priority. The exterior design was driven by the end goal to achieve a functional form motivated to provide a best possible access to the vehicle which takes wheel-chair users in consideration. Overall, the exterior was set to be away from organic and speed forms as the intention was to limit confronting and aggressive forms.
PDS Review
Eliminating needs and metrics out of scope for this project.
Here I eliminated the metrics either I am not designing for (given design elements. For instance - an AV is assumed to function in all weather conditions or backup systems) or are out of scope for this project. In this case, the drone. The vehicle span in the market was also eliminated due this not being a production model but a concept design/model and durability can only be estimated after considering the bill of materials and production standard models.
Final Sketches
Display front and rear of the vehicle for communication and feedback purposes.
Final direction for panels. (Open to be iterated in CAD based on scaling and configuration)
Final direction for the seats.
CAD Challenges
Issue 01
The base of the vehicle had to allow negative space for wheels→ this reduced the floor space left for the seats to be sketched and mapped out.
Solution 01
Iterating the form to cover the wheels while maximising the space for the interior.
Issue 02
Scale Model → Seating and Rotating Mechanism to be resolved.
The scale defined for the seats for the first design failed due to the seats obstructing with panels when being rotated.
Solution 02
Centre Pivot rotation for the seats. This allowed the seats to move freely separate from the partitions.
The partitions still move when the AV is set to social setting but only in a linear manner while the seats move in a circular motion.
AR Testing (Augmented Reality)
Testing out a simple extruded box for the AR (Augmented Reality) presentation for MADA NOW. Here I discovered how to export my 3D models to make them AR ready. This was done to showcase the vehicle 1:1 scale using a phone camera in context during the time of the exhibition. This will not only benefit the 'in-scale look' of the vehicle but could also help showcase the colour, material and finish (CMF) better than before due to the physical model being a 3D print.
CAD Model Timeline
01
Blocking of basic forms in CAD while considering proportions for access, seating and interface.
At this the stage the basic extruded blocks gave an idea about progressing the model further and provided a canvas for further detailing.
02
After modelling the chassis, seats and basic underlying block-in forms for the partition screens → Here I moved towards start laying out the the exterior and thinking about how the body will sit around.
This project focused more towards interior as compared to exterior.
03
The exterior was thought out and modelled to emphasise the interior of the vehicle and at the same be focused towards making the access to the vehicle as easy as possible
04
Here the thought process behind the exterior modelling was to accommodate wheelchair access somehow into the design. The exterior of the vehicle was not set to be stylised since the start of this project and was very purpose driven. In this instance - the purpose being easy access to the vehicle when the AV approaches a side walk or a parking spot.
Early Renders
Side View
Front & Rear View
First quarter view render of the AV showcasing the all things in place. Further, to be developed in regards to the display interface, colour and material and moving mechanism for both seats and panels.
Recent Updates and Discoveries about Uber
According to the article "How Uber Uses Psychological Tricks to Push Its Drivers’ Buttons" by NOAM SCHEIBER. New York Times.
"Uber’s innovations reflect the changing ways companies are managing workers amid the rise of the freelance-based “gig economy.” Meaning - jobs that last for a short-time contract or freelance work in contrast to a permanent job.
"Its drivers are officially independent business owners rather than traditional employees with set schedules. This allows Uber to minimize labour costs, but means it cannot compel drivers to show up at a specific place and time." (NOAM SCHEIBER)
Uber states on their website the 'matching' method they use. They further explain how their "Batched Matching" works which aims to reduce the average wait time for everyone and not just the closest pair as used previously in the early day to connect a driver with the first to request rider.
"To keep drivers on the road, the company has exploited some people’s tendency to set earnings goals — alerting them that they are ever so close to hitting a precious target when they try to log off."
Due to Uber driver being an independent contractor they lack many of the employee benefits and protection. This gives uber an opportunity to control their earning power or ride time by constantly giving them next available ride irrespective of the distance. Although, the system in place will run on 'batched matching' to reduce wait time but its still hard to guess a number on available rides in an area in combination with ride acceptance rate of the drivers to limit idle driving (deadheading) when the system is designed to keep as many drivers as possible on the road
References
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/04/02/technology/uber-drivers-psychological-tricks.html