Mercedes-Benz Vans Moving Goods Project
This collaboration explored the future of goods transportation through design thinking and rapid prototyping, helping shape the Mercedes-Benz adVANce initiative and lay the foundation for their Silicon Valley innovation lab.
Exploring the Future of Cargo Delivery.
Role: Interaction Design Director, Client Relationship Lead
Related Services: Future Vision Work, Interaction Design
Overview
This collaboration explored the future of goods transportation through design thinking and rapid prototyping, helping shape the Mercedes-Benz adVANce initiative and lay the foundation for their Silicon Valley innovation lab.
Exploring the future of moving goods and building a design thinking culture.
By prototyping concepts like one-shot loading, driver prompting systems, and smart bins, the team validated key ideas early and influenced the final Van of the Future concept. Low-to-mid-fidelity experience prototypes helped align cross-functional stakeholders, speed decision-making, and demonstrate feasibility. The Mercedes-Benz Vans group ultimately implemented these concepts as a high-fidelity concept demonstrator.
Integrated warehouse loading systems were also explored to streamline logistics. These systems allowed deliveries to be staged while vehicles were en route, reducing idle time and improving delivery efficiency. Tailored loading solutions were developed for the Sprinter and Metris vans, supporting flexible last-mile delivery scenarios and future partnership opportunities. A central goal was to build prototyping fluency within the Mercedes-Benz Vans team. A year later, the impact was clear: a culture of experimentation and agile development had taken root at their new research lab in Silicon Valley.
From early concept sketches to rough prototypes the team shaped each aspect of the cargo Van of the Future vision including one-shot loading, driver prompting systems, and smart bins.
A high-fidelity appearance model accurately representing materials and product weight was used to assess fit and comfort for extended use throughout the day.
AdVANce videos and images: Mercedes-Benz Vans
BMW iDrive Redesign
The redesign of BMW’s original iDrive system marked a pivotal shift in the BMW vehicle user experience. The first-generation iDrive, with its distinctive circular menu structure, was ambitious but ultimately problematic, posing significant challenges in physical interaction and cognitive load. The redesign represented more than a software update; it fundamentally changed how drivers engage with technology behind the wheel.
Evolving a Revolutionary Vehicle User Interface.
Role: Interaction Design Director, Project Lead, Client Relationship Lead
Related Services: Interaction Design
Overview
The redesign of BMW’s original iDrive system marked a pivotal shift in the BMW vehicle user experience. The first-generation iDrive, with its distinctive circular menu structure, was ambitious but ultimately problematic, posing significant challenges in physical interaction and cognitive load. The redesign represented more than a software update; it fundamentally changed how drivers engage with technology behind the wheel.
Simplifying Sophistication
Navigating the original iDrive’s unconventional interface demanded a steep learning curve, often frustrating drivers who expected more intuitive control in a premium vehicle. Drawing on interface paradigms from various industries to create a more intuitive, driver-centered experience, this project explored integrating familiar UX patterns into the iDrive interface. A streamlined direct-access menu and the introduction of dedicated physical shortcut buttons for frequently used functions enabled quicker and more instinctive operation. The original circular interface, featuring eight directional menu options, was replaced by a simplified four-mode menu accessed by moving the iDrive controller up, down, left, or right. This significantly reduced cognitive load and aligns more closely with real-world driving needs. The redesigned iDrive offering adopted widely recognized digital elements, including familiar UX patterns like scrolling lists, sliders, radio buttons, and modal dialogs to create a more familiar and accessible experience.
A Long-Serving Solution
Since its second generation, BMW’s iDrive has evolved with touch input, sharper graphics, and digital display integration, while retaining the core layout that defined it. Its influence is evident, with many automakers adopting similar control systems, underscoring iDrive’s lasting impact. The system reflects BMW’s commitment to innovation without compromising usability or brand consistency.
An Evolving Platform
Since the launch of its second version, the iDrive controller has evolved significantly, integrating touch input, enhanced graphics, and digital display integration, while maintaining the core layout that made it a defining feature.
Toyota Robotics BLAID
BLAID is a personal mobility device that integrates cameras, sensors, and a combination of haptic and acoustic feedback to help visually impaired users navigate complex physical spaces. Developed in close collaboration with individuals from the visually impaired community, the system was designed to deliver an intuitive and empowering experience through four core modes: Explore, Scan, Capture, and Find.
Experiential Prototype for the Visually Impaired.
Role: Interaction Design Director, Client Relationship Lead
Related Services: Future Vision Work, Interaction Design
Overview
BLAID is a personal mobility device that integrates cameras, sensors, and a combination of haptic and acoustic feedback to assist visually impaired users in navigating complex physical spaces. Developed in close collaboration with individuals from the visually impaired community, the system was designed to provide an intuitive and empowering experience through four core modes: Explore, Scan, Capture, and Find.
Modes for Mobility
The Explore mode delivers real-time spatial awareness, using auditory and tactile cues to guide users safely through unfamiliar environments. Scan allows users to identify nearby objects and points of interest, providing contextual audio feedback to enrich understanding of surroundings. With Capture, users can store spatial information for future reference, enabling more confident return visits. Find offers targeted guidance to specific items or destinations within a space, streamlining the process of getting where one needs to go. Recognizing that many people with visual impairments wish to experience the world without drawing attention to themselves, BLAID was purposefully designed to be discreet and familiar, more like headphones than a specialized assistive device. It reflects a broader goal: designing assistive technologies that are universally beneficial, appealing, and seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
Prototyping For Function and Fit
To ensure comfort and wearability, the team evaluated various materials, textures, weights, and cable-routing methods with users. This extensive testing informed the final component layout and material choices, resulting in a design that supports long-term, all-day use without fatigue or discomfort. BLAID is a thoughtful intersection of inclusive design, advanced sensing, and empathetic innovation.
Auditory and haptic feedback, combined with intuitively placed touchpoints on the neckband, ensure effortless and user-friendly operation.
A high-fidelity appearance model accurately representing materials and product weight was used to assess fit and comfort for extended use throughout the day.