Google Bespoke Concept

New Designers 29 Apr 2015

Google Bespoke is a thesis project by Mitsuyoshi Shinomiya that explores the possibilities of using the design process typical of software to create a customized vehicle with a better, stronger relation between product and user.

Developed as a final thesis project at Umeå Institute of Design, the Google Bespoke focuses on a new type of development process, that takes into account the final user’s input and needs since the early stages of development.

In particular, Mitsuyoshi Shinomiya envisioned a future where the majority of people will not need a private vehicle and will use car sharing services with autonomous vehicles.

This could lead to a new demand for something more “unique”, tailor-made and that offers the pleasure of ownership to a selected number of people.

For these potential customers, Mitsuyoshi envisions a bespoke vehicle service with an innovative approach based on the flexibility of today software development processes.

The users would be able to defined and communicate their preferences – number of seats, vehicle size, etc. – using a mobile application. They could also send their 3D scanned data so that the interior is specifically optimized for them.

The development process would be carried over with an information exchange similar to that of software beta testing.

Finally, the customers will be able to update/modify their vehicles after a while, thanks to the use of low volume manufacturing processes like 3D printing.

The author simulated this approach by involving and interviewing many people – like virtual customers.

As he explains: “the designer can act as a translator between the product and the user, that can be involved within the design process by use of their data and modifiable material which enables the user to communicate with the designers in better way.

By applying software design development principles to hardware design development, the vehicle can be updated according to user’s demands and data.”