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© Yanfeng Automotive Interiors.

Kinetic media elements for interior showcase

Yanfeng & their project cause

As a world leader in automotive interiors, Yanfeng was determined that the “XiM17” showcase a multitude of innovative concepts, from simple and practical solutions like stowable tables to a complex choreography of motors for the seating systems, all complemented with a multitude of display systems in innovative form factors.

After we had already helped with the earlier “ID-16”, Yanfeng turned to us again with a nearly-completed design concept.

Yanfeng s new concept car “XiM18” © Yanfeng Automotive Interiors
Lounge Mode: Wheel retracted, maximum foot room, main screen plays video © Yanfeng Automotive Interiors

We worked as part of a team spanning three continents, with workshops and designers in Shanghai, Holland, and Michigan. The majority of our part was carried out at our home base in Frankfurt before we shipped our work over to the client, where we also helped integrate the systems into the car model.

Impeccable design and build quality

Yanfeng are a supplier of interior elements with a track record of impeccable design and build quality. The overall guarantee of quality is emphasized by the fact that even the media systems all play along in this study.

High quality soft tambour door for door panels © Yanfeng Automotive Interiors
Look, feel and function are seamlessly integrated to enable end-user... © Yanfeng Automotive Interiors

With the focus shifting from the experience of driving towards quality time in an automatic car, the availability of advanced media systems and smart surfaces becomes increasingly important.

The same intelligence that is already being demonstrated in autonomous driving was to be expressed in the electromechanical orchestration of the interior elements, with a futuristic performance that still seems within reach and functions very well.

The drawer can be opened by sliding forward or rearward © Yanfeng Automotive Interiors

High complexity in tight spaces

Altogether there are more than 15 movable dimensions that needed to be choreographed; the transition between the modes is a complex ballet. 

In the course of the project our tasks grew: we were initially hired to provide the high-level control features, but our scope expanded down to even the motor drivers. 

Meeting mode: Both passengers face each other © Yanfeng Automotive Interiors
Family mode: Comfortable driving for four persons. © Yanfeng Automotive Interiors

Passengers must be protected in all circumstances, the many moving parts must not interfere with each other, and the computer needs to constantly keep track of where each element is (or even look ahead along the motion path of all involved parts).

Meanwhile, content running on screens must be kept at a consistent, high frame-rate.

Seamless integration of features

A multitude of ambient animations set the mood for the journey.

A curved UHD OLED display spans almost the entire roof. A multitude of ambient animations set the...
Center Console © Yanfeng Automotive Interiors

The controller in the center console, a custom-built curved touchscreen spanning over a tablet-quality display, is a design treat in itself.

In addition to the media console, HVAC, and the usual drivers’ gauges, there is also a video chat, and a “cinema mode” as a glimpse of what could be done during transit in the future.

Two models of this demonstrator were built in succession and both went on to tour to numerous trade shows and corporate tech days around the world.

The superwide front screen also boasts 4k resolution.

The graphical user interface of the concept car is filled with the majority of and even more than the typical functions that would actually be present in a production car. 

The display content adjusted to “Drive Mode”

The breadth of features and their seamless integration made for a compelling presentation that received a great reception in the target audience of car designers, engineers, and decision-makers.

The display content adjusted to “Family Mode”

Making-Of

We developed custom hat boards for the Raspberry Pi that control interactive sensors, lights and industry DC motors via real-time telemetry. 

Custom board for digital isolation of control signals
Custom board for positional control of the the seat kinematics

We developed custom hat boards for the Raspberry Pi that control interactive sensors, lights and industry DC motors via real-time telemetry. 

Sarah wires the heart of the concept car
Blackbox containing the complete digital control unit for the show car

Multiple inexpensive Raspberry Pi boards form the central nervous system of this car.

Multiple inexpensive Raspberry Pi boards form the central nervous system of this car.

We used the software vvvv to program the interactive main console in the front of the car.

The vvvv root patch
VVVV patch for controling the modes of the concept car

We used the software vvvv to program the interactive main console in the front of the car.

Curious about our approach? Feel free to get in touch!

Max Wolf Partner +49 69 24 000 322 +49 69 24 000 322

MESO Digital Interiors GmbH
Gutleutstr. 96 . 60329 Frankfurt . Germany

Team

Theron Burger, Timon Skerutsch, Anna Rack, Anton Kluev, Nina Dauer