Mercedes-Benz Vans Concepting.
Redefining Cargo Delivery.

Inspired by the Future of Automobility project, Mercedes-Benz Vans sought to explore the future of goods transportation while fostering a culture centered around design thinking and rapid prototyping.

Related Services
Interaction Design, Visual Interface Design, Purposeful Strategy

Role
Interaction Design Director, Client Relationship Lead

Prototyping a Systemic Future Solution for Moving Goods

This project played a crucial role in vetting concepts and shaping the Mercedes-Benz adVANce initiative by applying design thinking, research, and tangible, experiential prototyping. The collaboration was instrumental in supporting the Van group’s efforts to establish a cutting-edge research lab in the heart of Silicon Valley, fostering innovation and advancing their vision for the future of mobility.

A slider concept inspired by this project—and later prototype in high fidelity by Mercedes-Benz—vividly illustrated the potential of future cargo handling systems, offering a richly detailed vision of automated, efficient transport solutions.

Client Perspective

“I cannot stress enough the fact that we learned a lot of methodology and cultural aspects through the fruitful and enjoyable cooperation with you and your team. You helped us lay the foundations to what we have achieved so far. Thank you very much again for that support. ”

— Stefan Maurer, Head of Strategy, Product Planning & Business Development Mercedes-Benz Vans

Exploring Future Cargo Delivery Van Features

The project played a pivotal role in shaping several key features of the Mercedes-Benz Van of the Future concept. Concepts like one-shot loading, driver prompting systems, and smart bins were tested and validated at lower fidelity levels, proving their viability before the company moved forward with the final concept vehicle. This iterative approach ensured that only the most effective solutions were incorporated into the final design, resulting in a more functional and innovative vehicle.

Video: Mercedes-Benz

Enhancing a Creative Culture and Process Transfer

A key request from the Mercedes-Benz Vans team was to help them master the process of rough, rapid, and effective prototyping, empowering them to accelerate innovation. A year after the project’s completion, a video showcasing the creative culture of prototyping at their newly established Mercedes-Benz Vans lab in Silicon Valley was released, highlighting the impact of this collaborative effort in driving faster, more agile development processes.

Video: Mercedes-Benz

Early Concept Sketches

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Backend and Warehouse Integration

Integrating loading stations with warehouse logistics systems significantly boosts efficiency by allowing contents to be staged while vehicles are in transit, optimizing delivery times, and streamlining operations.

One-Shot Loading

Once items are arranged on staging racks for optimal delivery efficiency, they seamlessly slide into the vehicles from the rear, ensuring a smooth and effortless loading process.

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Delivery Package Guidance

Connected smart bins with e-ink displays make it easy for drivers to quickly identify which packages correspond to each delivery stop. The bins are designed to rotate down and out, providing easy access and streamlining the unloading process.

Connected Delivery App

A digital app assists delivery drivers by providing real-time navigation, indicating the next stops and corresponding bins, and offering location-specific access information, such as gate codes, to ensure seamless and efficient deliveries.

Rapid and Refined Experiential Prototypes

Rough, Rapid, and Right Experiential Prototyping

A series of low- to mid-fidelity experience prototypes were rapidly developed, enabling both teams and users to gain a clear understanding of how the system would function across various stakeholder needs and scenarios.

Integrated Collaboration

The Mercedes-Benz Vans team played an active role in the project, conducting field research, leading ideation sessions, and showcasing the experience prototypes to leadership at Mercedes-Benz to gather feedback and drive decision-making.

Design Iteration and Refinement

Building on validated field research, Mercedes-Benz Vans refined the initial concept and developed a high-fidelity proof of concept, bringing the vision closer to reality and ensuring its practicality for real-world applications.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Easy Access Solutions Across the Line

Tailored solutions for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and mid-sized Metris vans were developed, offering flexible goods delivery options that could be seamlessly integrated into the operations of potential partners.