Bang & Olufsen was founded in 1925 in Denmark and today
manufactures a highly distinctive and exclusive range of
televisions, music systems, loudspeakers, telephones, multimedia
and car audio products that combine technological excellence with
emotional appeal. Currently B&O Automotive Division
collaborates with companies like AUDI, BMW, Aston Martin and AMG by
adding value to their in-car audio experience. In this
collaboration project the goal was to investigate how vehicles
could benefit if different levels of interaction with the user were
a key factor to design interior components all around. In very
objective terms, this meant approaching the design process with the
following mindset: "How can B&O systems continue to add value
to the user experience inside cars in the future?"
The project had a strong focus on aspirational users. This meant
balancing rational and emotional values during the creation of the
concepts. Students exercised vehicle interaction and interior
design methodology from research to advanced visualisation of their
concepts. 3D digital tools, experience prototypes and physical
mockups were used for verification and testing during the process
and one iconic element of the interior concept was presented in a
tangible manner, as a model or prototype depending on the
context.
Collaboration was fundamental in such approach. Team work
involving a highly international group of students from two
different specialisation programmes and the input from a leading
supplier in the automotive segment supported the creation of very
innovate solutions.
