An innovative backseat for comfortable working and relaxing in a car

Abstract

BMW envisions a future where cars will drive on their own without humans needing to control it. This will change the way people are sitting in their cars, since they are able to use this time for working and relaxing. In preparation to this development, the company is now interested in the design of a back seat where the passengers can relax, play and work as they will do in the front seat of the future. Within this project, a seat was designed for the aforementioned scenario. User research has played an important role during the development of the new seat concept. First, to determine key points for the design during the analysis phase and later in the process to evaluate the proposed design. This report consists of two parts: Analysis and Design. The first part consists of a literature study (evaluating the current situation concerning car seating, activities and comfort) and a report of the user research on behavior while using handheld devices in a car. This literature study and user research provide with key points for design: problems that can be solved and desires that can be met with a new design of a back seat. The second part of the report starts with a framework of the design by focusing on a selection of the key points. Next, a vision for the seat is established. The designed concept seat is explained in a scenario of use and a presentation of the product structure. Finally, the design is evaluated with a second user research and recommendations are developed.