College Exhibition: National Institute of Design, India, 2019

India is among the world’s largest and fastest-growing car markets, and we have seen their domestic manufacturers reach ever higher design standards in recent years. The National Institute of Design recently held their summer degree show, with projects ranging from electric motorcycles and autonomous delivery systems, to youth-oriented utility vehicles and even a Mars rover.

Below are selected projects described by the students themselves.

Aaditya Hariharan

“With the increase of population and shifting of importance of major metro-cities to the nearby tier-II cities, due to saturation and excessive space utilisation, compact pickup trucks seem to be a good choice for the moving youth. But, will a normal pickup suffice for these changes? The project also looks into how the future pickup could look. Interesting surface treatment solutions with a compact package for two people helped in the development of an exciting proportion for the Cross Pioneer vehicle. The vehicle was designed keeping in mind the trend patterns and traits of various sections of the population in 2026. With the help of this data, a user persona was created to further refine the direction for the concept ideation of the Cross Pioneer vehicle.”

Aniket Patil

“The Project was designed to develop a deluxe bus seat for semi-sleeper buses with aesthetics and functional requirements to be one of a kind. I kept a the participatory design approach to understand the situations dwelling in these compact spaces, and aimed to deliver a suitable solution in the best interest of passengers. The research helped me discover that often the concerned problems and appropriate solutions belong to the same system, especially in cases like such where the system works more efficiently when in a closed loop, i.e. refrain from external interaction and survive with what is available within their physical reach.

The TRANQUIL seat has been specially designed for use in long-distance trains. The high level of functionality also makes the seat stand out. The ergonomically shaped backrest provides an ideal level of support. The extra-wide headrest and the large headrest sides create a screened seating area, which cannot be seen from behind; thus allowing for an undisturbed journey.”

Elvis Pallippat Raju

“With the rapidly growing demand for online deliveries, the need of effective last-mile solutions is always on a hike. Is the current fleet efficient enough in serving the need?The scope of the project involves examining present scenario of last-mile delivery vehicles and how the character of the segment can be redefined to add value to the lives of the user. It would involve looking into the emotional connection of the users to their ride and how it can enhance the vibe it gives back.

A detailed study would help decide the design direction for the project. A deeper understanding should enable the design of a new concept segment by itself which would transform the way deliveries are experienced from both ends. Hyundai Spingo is a micro concept for the last-mile deliveries which has the character of the purpose it serves. The feel of owning a new product or experience is celebrated in the mood of the concept and its form exploration. The idea of adding flavours to the life of delivery boys brought the route of ’FORM follows FUNction’.”

Kaushambi Choudhary

KORA – the electric motorcycle for women

“The automobile industry is virtually dictated by the male population across the nation. Most automobile designers are men, most engineers are men but buyers are both men and women. In the present market, there is hardly any motorcycle made specifically for women. Our society has linked motorcycling with males, but riding is beyond discriminations, due to which there is a huge gap between male and female bike riders in India. So, here comes the question: is there really a requirement of a women-centric motorcycle?

India is the second largest market for motorcycles in the world. Beside rising incomes and growth in infrastructure, one big reason for the rise in sales has been female commuters. With the increase in working women population, more and more women are becoming independent and they are looking for easy commuting options.

In 2030, women are going to be empowered. The main objective of this project is to designing a two wheeler to celebrate the pride of women riders of 2030, keeping in mind the trend and technology incorporated by that era. Providing them a new experience where comfort and safety enhances the beauty of riding a bike and keep them connected to the real world and their spirit high.”

Samarjit Waghela

“The graduation Project was to Design a Mars Rover for ISRO 2040. As space exploration is opening up, a great opportunity of humankind becoming a multi-planetary species by 2030, and Mars will perhaps be the next destination. With technology aiding this vision, transportation systems will be a game changer for human settlement on an alien surface. Exploring the opportunities of a compatible, modular and sustainable surface exploration vehicle for Mars was the fascinating premise of this project, keeping in mind human safety and cost-effectiveness.

Four major modules were developed for scouting, deep excavation, logistics and habitat building for human activity on Mars. These were accommodated on a modular platform as per their individual missions. The idea was to create a multi-functional modular rover instead of developing four different vehicles. The design included a platform equipped with artificial intelligence by which the rover could carry out its mission once given a command. Initial ideation was followed by final renders and a CAD model.”

Sijo Thomas

Move: Personal mobility solution for 2030

“Motorcycles were always beyond transportation from the era of wars. Today, motorcycle giants are experimenting to redefine the rider experience.

In 2030, the world steps into autonomy for a new safe driving experience. Future economic, social, technological and political models have an impact on the design as it always has. So, how can a motorcycle can be redefined with all its DNA? 2030 is the era of migration due to climate change. Cities take a larger shape and grow into mega-cities. All these demand a well-connected public transportation system and that people use it efficiently, but a strong desire for private personal transportation is still alive. They need something that helps them to break free from this mundane life and still cater the urban needs. A two-wheeled vehicle can be an ideal package for a personal mobility pod. This project was a study to define a new proposition for smart and safe personal mobility.”

Sirjith Mohan

“The primary aim of the project was to understand and study the Online Grocery Ecosystem, and understand the key problems associated with the movement of crates from Distribution hubs to homes. The growth of the online grocery industry was an important area of study, with focus given to key elements of the supply chain implemented by today’s major player in the market.

Big Basket was selected as client model, owing to its success in leading the industry with its inventory-based ecosystem. The design process flowed through observing the journey and life of crates. The data was collected by means of task observation, contextual enquiry, shadowing and personal interviews. Key gaps and opportunities in the ecosystem were subsequently identified. A variety of solution cards were generated based on product, services and technology that would help solve the above problems.

These solutions are synthesised by Card Sorting and grouping, on various levels of implementation. The final solution concept is derived from the synthesis in the form of a 10-year plan which would periodically introduce a product based on the core concept. The first stage would introduce the core concept of an all new crate pallet system, which would finally lead to the Grocery Van concept in 2027. The crate was designed based on basic anthropometric data and appropriate provisions for improved smart functionality, such as modularity and connectivity. The Grocery Van was designed keeping sustainability of the product cycle in mind.

Project Ugao would encourage consumers to participate in a community-based agricultural programme, being a pilot service from Big Basket. The crates would then be repurposed into Aquaponic agricultural systems and utilised to grow fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, that can be circulated within the participating users. Digital service interactions, based on devices used by two unique user personas in 2027, were also illustrated. The key learnings from the project was understanding the abundance in opportunities available in the Grocery and food space, especially in terms of sustainable nourishment. A need for utilising this technology for eradicating hunger in the lower sections of the society was also felt.”

V S Shyamprasad

X-Vader Anti-ballistic Military vehicle

“Anti-Ballistic vehicles have been playing a major role in our daily lives, more than we ever thought it would – to transport money to our next-door ATM kiosk, to dig up a mine for the metals used in the jewellery, or to transport the elite across the state. Nowhere has it been more extensively used than at the forefront of the battlefield or in a politically distressed region. The armed forces are known to operate these highly armored Anti-Ballistic Vehicles (ABVs). ABVs come in different shapes, sizes and a wide array of creature comforts, if one chose to have any in the metal cocoon.

This project resulted in a new concept: Multi-mode Tactical Response Vehicle for the Indian army, a vehicle that could take up multiple roles with very little effort to convert it for any purpose. The project looks into the future possibilities for a streamlined military vehicle capable of and specifically designed for the army’s requirements, keeping in mind the current trend of ineffectively retrofitting a production vehicle with the needs of the army

Though the freedom was given to explore a futuristic form, care was taken to not to push the limits as military vehicles usually are based on the ease of manufacturing of the products. However, the details and the fascia had to portray a stable, commanding character for an impressive first appeal. The concept was to go to the bare minimum by designing the utility of the vehicle around the necessities of the personnel. The shapes had to convey the rugged look of the vehicle.”

Varun Manocha

Wanderlust Autonomous – Reimagining Tourism in 2040

“Tourism and travel form an integral part of our lifestyle. We travel for business and pleasure, work and leisure. A multisensorial experience with a mix of anticipation, excitement and anxiety, it opens up our world and our minds. Travel can be the ultimate escape and reward; it can inspire and motivate. However, while we’re spoilt for choice in terms of products and services designed to ease our travels, we’re losing out on the spirit of travel—not to mention dulling its spontaneity.

The objective of this project was to capture the spirit of spontaneous travel and meaningful exploration, by envisioning a whole new dimension in the realm of travel and tourism in the year 2040; a novel experience that would hinge itself on a lifestyle radically transformed by the prevalence of self-driving vehicles. The design process saw the conception of a new brand: ‘Wanderlust Autonomous’, offering a unique travel experience—underlined by living and working on the go—for those consumed with wanderlust (a strong desire to travel). The design development focused on a conceptual vehicle experience design which was validated through physical prototyping of a 1:20 scale model.”

Vibu S

Compact SUV for India, 2025

“The global SUV market is set to surpass 21 million units by 2020, a figure driven by safe, convenient and luxurious personal mobility needs in emerging markets along with growing recreational needs. With ever growing populations, Asia-Pacific represents the largest automotive market worldwide. Even with slow economic growth, India remains the primary market for SUVs. Untapped opportunities in rural and upper middle class consumer segments, rising employment opportunities, better standard of living and development of road & other infrastructure also add to this.

In the present scenario, Indian automakers are shifting towards more compact, affordable SUVs for the Indian youth, since SUVs represent a smarter upgrade from a hatch or sedan. The upcoming SUV models with their modern aesthetics, techy features & fuel-efficient power plants continue to create a wider opportunity for growth. The scope of the project involves understanding the present scenario of utility vehicles in India, and how the current market will adapt to the change in the automotive industry.”