Designing freedom: the evolution of the road trip

The road trip has always represented something greater than simply getting from A to B. It is the promise of freedom and exploration, and inevitably strengthens the relationship between car and driver. As technology transforms the driving experience, would do well to remember that.

At Car Design Dialogues Detroit, a panel moderated by car historian Donald Osbourne explored themes around connectivity, driving enjoyment and unexpected practicality. The panel brought together:

Irina Zavatski, VP Chrysler exterior design, Stellantis

Paul Wraith, Program chief designer, Ford

Dwayne Jackson, VP interior design, Scout Motors

Eoin Ryan, head of predevelopment NSA, Forvia Hella

Designing for adventure (and everyday life)

For Jackson, Scout’s heritage points to the opportunity of an off-roader that can enhance its owners’ lifestyle. There is the journey at large, he says, but also what happens as drivers stop along the way. “It’s about making it simple for everyone to use the vehicle in different places within the car and making it enjoyable,” he explained, highlighting the importance of space, materials and technology.

Sometimes we yearn for the open road and the act of driving a car

Practicality, however, need not come at the expense of excitement. Zavatski recalled how owning a Wrangler encouraged her to head out whenever it snowed, simply because it had capabilities which exceed that of an ordinary car. An enabler of the ‘destinationless trip’ – an expression that cropped up throughout the discussion. “With cars like that you get excited and drive it for no reason,” she said. “That’s kind of what you want when you’re designing your car.”

Wraith sees a similar role for cars like the Bronco. Owners may spend most of their time travelling to school, work or the supermarket, but a more ambitious journey is very much on the cards should the feeling take hold. “We all have duties and responsibilities, but we have dreams as well,” he said, suggesting that a car’s potential is only truly explored when owners diverge from routine and choose the unpredictable route.

Technology that enables, rather than dominates

Part of the allure of a roadtrip is the freedom to go where you like, within reason. But for journeys that might span a few days or perhaps weeks, maximising the route can become a challenge. Not only in terms of convenient stops, but finding things to do along the way. Imagine if the car could solve that for you? And particularly for drivers who might otherwise feel intimidated by off-road jaunts, Wraith suggested that well-designed systems can give people the confidence to explore.

It’s all about balance though and technology should support the experience rather than dominate. Ryan pointed to the role of adaptable cabin lighting which can create different moods during the course of the day – from a relaxing atmosphere during a long stint of driving to a campfire-like illumination when parked up in the evening.

Interfaces should also be considered and the panel agreed that reduced complexity and screens that are easy to navigate – in tandem with conventional touchpoints like steering-wheel buttons – can make for a more relaxing trip. Zavatski in particular sees value in a balance between digital assistance and physical interaction: adaptive cruise control (and more advanced systems on the horizon) can make long journeys less tiring, while tactile controls retain an element of direct engagement.

Built for real-world use

The road trip is a good shakedown for any car and things will inevitably get a little mucky and perhaps worn out. Jackson emphasised the importance of scratch-resistant materials and surfaces that can be cleaned easily, particularly where pets and luggage are involved. And if off-roading is on the agenda, designers should consider waterproofing and drainage so that owners can hose things down if needed.

It might seem obvious, but the prevailing idea is the same: maximising the use of the vehicle and building confidence in its abilities. You’ll never wear those white trainers outside if you’re certain they will get stained straightaway, for example. A similar thinking extends to the car. But perhaps there is something to be said for celebrating that distress more like an old guitar: “If it’s got a few battle scars along the way, you’re going to wear them with pride,” said Wraith.

Flexibility can extend the vehicle’s usefulness beyond driving, and designers are exploring new ways to repurpose parts of the car. Ryan pointed to removable seating, portable speakers and a package tray that doubles as a picnic table, for example, using parts of the interior for outdoor experiences. À la Citroen 2CV.

Jackson also championed the return of the bench seat, which he says can create a more sociable cabin and accommodate different family needs. This, of course, is a lesson from years gone by but a strong example of how retro themes can become relevant in a contemporary package.

Preserving the joy of driving

But for all the practicality and technology on offer, the road trip is ultimately a decision that leans on the joy of driving. The panel acknowledged that although convenience is undoubtedly improving, it can come to the detriment of driver engagement.

Ryan argued for adaptability, allowing drivers to take control when they want to participate more actively – perhaps some swooping bends come into view – and then relax when bowling down a straight road for hours on end. Wraith proposed the idea of vehicles with different personalities: sometimes tranquil, sometimes untamed. “Sometimes we yearn for the open road and the act of driving a car,” he affirmed.

Indeed, the panel ultimately centred around the emotional connection between car and driver, and the experiences and memories that are built. The car should feel aspirational to a point where driver and passenger(s) feel proud to be riding along. It should be empowering by opening up roads or experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach. Or at least daunting. And if all of this can be achieved while making a tool that is easy to use, practical, safe and efficient, it is the perfect recipe for a road trip. Or indeed the ‘destinationless’ drive.