Virtual Vehicle (1997)
this project was to create an intuitive system for navigating through and configuring a virtual car. The system was to be accessible to all kinds of audiences, and not limited to computer-literate expert users.
The system presents a virtual car in real-life size, which can be viewed through a high-resolution touch screen mounted on a telescopic mechanical arm. One can navigate around and through the virtual car by simply walking around with the display. With this "absolute navigation", one meter's motion in physical space corresponds to a meter's movement in virtual space.
The touch surface on the screen adds the possibility to interact with the car instead of only looking at it. By touching different parts of the car, additional information is displayed, and one can manipulate parameters to evaluate variations of the features available.
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Client
DaimlerChrysler AG
Services
- Concept,
- interaction structure
- project management
- interface design
- construction of prototypes
- design of media
- graphic design
- screen design
- High-end 3D models
- scene authoring
- software development
- planning of media
- installation
- after-sales support and maintenance
Technology
- Real time rendering on SGI graphics workstation
- mobile interface for navigation and configuration
- sensor technology for 3D positioning to the nearest millimetre
- link-ups to the Car Configuration sales and distribution system
Special features
- Development of the entire project from first idea and popularity studies of prototypes to the final presentation in the showroom
- First development of a unique interface concept for the vehicle sales environment