Vangard: Rethinking Urban Mobility for Chongqing 2040
Designed a Level 4 autonomous vehicle that empowers city dwellers with seamless, safe, and intelligent transportation — built for Chongqing’s unique terrain and tomorrow’s tech-driven lifestyle.
Understanding the Product
Designed Vanguard to redefine mobility through autonomy, comfort, and contextual intelligence. Built for the dynamic terrain of Chongqing, the vehicle blends AI-driven navigation, adaptive interiors, and seamless user interaction — transforming daily commutes into intuitive, stress-free journeys that feel less like transit and more like a tailored experience.
My Team
Siddharth Camarushy
David Bauman (Me)
Mihir Sharma (Me)
01/04
“Xiaoli, play my road trip mix — and show me the weather.” 🎵
Vangard’s infotainment keeps things sleek and smart. Big icons, quick prompts, and modes like Drive, Parking, or Couch make every ride feel custom. With Xiaoli’s help and a tactile control bar below, it’s all just a tap away — no clutter, no stress, just chill.
This screen brings the whole vibe of Vangard to life — playful, purposeful, and super clear. I kept icons big and spaced out for quick glances, while modes like Couch or Vertical adapt the cabin to your mood. Whether you’re driving, chilling, or just parked for a snack break, everything shifts to match — no tapping through layers, no guesswork, just smooth transitions.
02/04
“Xiaoli, go Vertical — I need a better angle.” 🛞
Switching to Vertical Mode turns Vangard into more than a ride. The car tilts upright, making it easier for Bo — an urban photographer — to climb in with gear in hand. The steering wheel transforms into a projector, ready to screen edits or ambient visuals. A quick hologram pops up: “Heads up! Clear your cup holder.” Smart, smooth, and made for moments that need more than four wheels on the ground.
This screen puts the spotlight on Xiaoli and the joy of tactile interaction. I kept the visuals clean and immersive — swipe through your albums, tap to play, and let the music take over. The subtle lighting, responsive cards, and friendly assistant give the panel a personality of its own. It’s not just another playlist — it feels like you’re DJing the vibe of the ride.
03/04
“Your dashboard just became your sketchbook. 🎨
Vangard’s gesture control panel turns the center console into a creative playground. Draw an “M” mid-air, and you’re instantly in Music Mode. But it doesn’t stop there — the panel transforms into a digital sketchpad where artists like Bo can doodle, sketch, or graffiti their thoughts. With one tap, the artwork projects onto the side door panel — turning your car into a moving canvas. It’s not just control — it’s self-expression in motion.
This screen is all about mood, motion, and micro-moments. Each driving mode has its own voice — literally. From playful prompts like “Let me drive now 😏” in Couch Mode to helpful warnings in Vertical Mode, I designed the UI to feel alive and personal. The layout stays consistent, while the bot adds charm and clarity, making every transition feel intuitive (and a little bit fun).
04/04
“Why circle the block when your drone can scout it first?” 🛸
Vangard comes with a built-in drone that does more than just fly — it scouts. As you cruise toward your destination, the drone launches ahead to scan for parking. It finds open spots, sends options back to your screen, and once you choose, the car parks itself. No circling the block, no stress — just smooth,
This screen brings a little celebration to a routine task. Instead of a boring “Parked” message, I added personality through Xiaoli’s cheerful line — “YIPYY 🥳”. It keeps the UX playful and rewarding, while still delivering critical info. The clean contrast, bold speed markers, and bot animation make even parking feel like a win.
For the final presentation of Vanguard, a GM-sponsored studio project, we had the honor of showcasing our work to a panel of GM designers. The presentation highlighted months of dedication and innovation, where our team meticulously crafted every detail, from the UI elements to the overall experience. The designers were highly impressed with the concept, recognizing its potential to redefine urban mobility.
Conclusion 🚘
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