You need to hide the sensors.
Many of the automobiles we see today are influenced by federal regulations, consumer preferences, artistic freedoms, as well as other factors such as consumer tastes and artistic freedoms. Over 100 years ago, designers used the same building blocks: an internal combustion engine and federal safety regulations. Driver input controls are also controlled. They also wanted enough style and comfort to attract buyers. This is changing as new technologies disrupt traditional automotive design and automakers BMW face new challenges. Domagoj Dukec, BMW’s chief design officer, discusses the challenges that autonomous vehicles pose to designers in an interview with .
Dukec stated to the publication that autonomous driving technologies had a greater influence on the design process than electric cars. It is difficult to integrate the hardware necessary for autonomous vehicles, particularly those with Level 4 autonomy or higher. For the system to work safely, more sensors will be required depending on the level of autonomy. BMW is balancing design, packaging, and cost as it works to add semi-autonomous driving technology in future vehicles.
Dukec asked whether consumers would compromise design for near-autonomous or autonomous systems. While it is not difficult to spend $100,000 on a well-designed vehicle, will they be willing to pay that much for one with autonomous driving? He said that “this is still something we don’t know” and that it will be a delicate balance for the automaker.
When it arrives, the BMW iNext will be equipped with Level 3 semi-autonomous driving technology. Although it’s simple for designers to conceal the hardware within the car’s paint and grille, it becomes more challenging when there are more sensors for Level 4. Dukec said that his team is also working to find viable and attractive solutions to the problem. The technology will continue to improve, so costs will fall and the tech should be packaged more attractively.