Designing Sensory Experiences to Influence Mood at Hyundai’s Health + Mobility CES Exhibit

Hyundai’s Health + Mobility CES exhibit introduced personalized micro-experiences, or “Mood Bursts”, designed to influence a driver’s emotional state through sensory inputs including scent, sound, lighting, temperature, and posture. Each mood burst, such as a calming experience during traffic or an invigorating alert during long drives, delivered short, choreographed interventions tailored to real-time conditions.

At CES, a VR booth brought these mood bursts to life through immersive storytelling grounded in realistic driving simulations. Visitors experienced how sensory cues could transform stressful commutes into more relaxing, emotionally aware journeys.

Early interface concepts were prototyped as low-fidelity wireframes and refined through user feedback into polished UI sequences. A narrative walkthrough of a driver’s day demonstrated how mood bursts integrate seamlessly into the in-vehicle display system, showing real-time emotional support.

A summary screen visualizes how the system tracks and supports well-being across time, reinforcing how future vehicles can actively contribute to a healthier, more balanced life.