Tokyo 2015: Nissan Teatro for Dayz projects the future

Nissan’s Kei-car concept Teatro for Dayz is one of the most visually stimulating displays here at Tokyo Big Sight.

It may be small but its interior features a light show that belies its dimensions. Intended to simulate the sort of smart materials that would double as displays, it’s an insight into how Nissan is approaching HMI and broader, more immersive interaction design particularly for younger drivers, or users as they are increasingly being termed.

The show car’s ever-changing seats and IP are powered by a complex series of 18 projectors (although Nissan would rather you didn’t know that) which allow infinite customisation. “The technology doesn’t exist, but it’s very close,” explains executive design director Satoru Tai. “Five years ago we didn’t have super-thin, flexible screens so it’s not hard to imagine having these kind of smart display materials very soon.”

The idea of using the whole IP as a display and interface is not entirely new – indeed Ford extensively explored the idea with its 24-7 concept 15 years ago – but that’s not to say it’s a bad idea. Back then it was a high-concept dream, now it feels far closer to feasibility.

The interior is perhaps most engaging when viewed from the outside – as a glowing cocoon within the robust exterior. “In fact the original plan was to have the car permanently closed as it has even more impact in the context of the exterior,” says Tai. And that pinched B-pillar DLO? “We investigated a new way to create our floating roof. Also I designed the Cube, so I think you can make the link!” he adds.

As well as exploring how the next generation of users might interact with their cars, this is also a marker of intent from Nissan that it is investigating bringing the design of its Kei cars back in-house, rather than rebadging other companies’ products. Margins may be tight in this segment but it still accounts for a huge 50 percent of Japanese sales.

More from CDNLive Tokyo 2015>