Mercedes Aura:
A tactile adventure 2046
Creating a unique in-car experience in collaboration with the Mercedes UX department.
Problem
In 2026 children's uncontrollable screentime gets into the way of creating real memories and experiences. Even in a road trip settings when it should be about the family bonding.
On the other hand humans are getting distanced from nature which plays an essential part in the development of human brain activity.
Solution
We created a multisensoral experience for the whole family based on childrens natural behaviour of touching and collecting things.
How was it when we were children?
We rummaged the forest, riverside and fields for little trinkets: pinecones, sticks, little rocks. Touching these tactile surfaces created essential neural networks in our brain. (Kolb,2012)
Research and ideation
safari - dealership visit
future forecasting
mind mapping
ideation workshop
Car acts as a magnifying glass,
amplifying all found textures
collect natural trinkets
take them back to the car
scan them
interior adopts that objects texture
A transformation that is happening both on screen and in the environment
Collecting and revisiting objects
Having digital storage for all the items was necessary so children can hold onto them without physically filling the car up.
Alternative library view (vibecoded)
We played with different gallery view modes aswell.
One was a vibecoded infinite field with all the gathered objects, which could be dragged around and played with by the children.
This could open the possibility of changing with environment or seasons.
Prototyping
challenges
We had to come up with a smart workaround due to our unique screen shape.
Using projection mapping controlled by a hidden iPad we managed to create a seamless experience for our testers.
To sync the controls and the visuals we used a special vibe coded software.
Live demo and testing
Our consultants from MOME and Mercedes AG tried out our demo and reached a point of immersion which we considered a great success.
We were invited to showcase our project at Stuttgart Mercedes HQ in August, 2026.
