Orbit Vehicle Family
Ford Motor Company
DATE - SUMMER 2024
SCOPE - 12-WEEK INTERN DESIGN PROJECT
ROLES: VEHICLE DESIGN: MATT, NICK, VAUGHN
ENGINEERING: RENEE GRAPHIC DESIGN: ALEXIS,
ART: HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN, RESEARCH, STORY, & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
AWARD - FORD BUSINESS CASE COMPETITION, HIGH ACHIEVER
Three Vehicles, One Shared Platform
Ford’s Human-Centered Design internship provided hands-on experience in design research, concept development, prototyping, and visualization.
The Orbit Vehicle Family is a collaboration between six interns across disciplines to design three adaptable, affordable vehicles for 2040. My contributions focused on research, experience design, and key feature development.
Check Out Full Slide Deck! (Warning: Long)
16 years makes a big difference.
What will vehicles in 16 years look like?
What features will they have?
Orbit Vehicle Family -
Three Vehicles, One Shared Platform for 2040
Orbit-C
The Commuter Coupe
Orbit-U
The Adaptable Utility Vehicle
Orbit-A
The Family Adventure Van
Orbit is a Vehicle Family under the Ford Motor Co. Umbrella (Ex. F-150 Family)
Mood Attributes
Feel: Expressive, Honest, Immersive
Look: Symmetrical, Personalized
Function: Modular, Intuitive
Design Principals
Forge Sustainably
Innovate Affordability
Embrace Identity
Grow from our Roots
Archetype
Integrated Opportunist
Needs: Seamless integration between the digital and physical world
Values: Sustainability, Affordability, Personalization, Tech Integration
Work, relaxation and adventure have never been more accessible.
Core Affordabilities
Same Platform + IP
By using the same parts, the cost of manufacturing decreases
Gigacasting Manufacturing
Gigacasting is casting the frame as one piece, not a welded assembly
Core Materials
Recycled and Reused Materials
Recycled aluminum, plastics, and metals
Anodized Aluminum Exterior
Anodizing reduces cost and hazardous waste of paint
Core Experiences
Shy Technology
Made with a semitransparent fabric over an LCD screen, Shy Tech enables a calm, tidy, and more visually appealing interior
Use Modes + Adaptability
Each vehicle in the Orbit family can enter different Modes to satisfy customer needs. Furniture can adapt to activities
Autonomous Driving + Furniture
Level 3-4 Autonomous Driving & furniture enables customers to take back their time when traveling from point A to point B
Solar Power + Materials
For Orbit, sustainability is affordability
Orbit uses roof solar panels for power, recycled plastic for interior, and recycled aluminum for gigacast framing
Orbit-C
“Quantum Commuter” Cameron
Needs: Work-On-The-Go: Efficiently take back time to work
Enjoy-Off-The-Go: Enjoy driving during free time
Modular Flip Table
The doors’ flip table allows the installation of a keyboard, gaming controller, + more
Work Mode
The windshield can be enabled as a flexible OLED screen, modular flip table, and petals fold down during autonomous driving
Sport Mode
Users can be confident and comfortably drive with the ‘hugging’ seat and communicative lighting
Orbit-U
“Adaptive Utile” Erin
Needs: Modular Upfitting: Engage maximum versatility
Power/Storage Integration: For using and storing tools
Powered Grid
The contact-power floor allows for tool use without clunky wires using vehicle battery
Architect Mode
Railed seating allows space to work quickly in VR and translate physically via 3D printing (using Powered Grid).
Foreman Mode
Versatile work configurations, options to seat 1-5 people, adaptable storage that can be accessed from inside/outside vehicle
Orbit-A
“Family Adventurer” Drew
Needs- Effortless Trekking: Enable journeys into nature
Organized Storage: Compact footprint req. it!
Built-In Overland Tent
This stow-flat tent enables instant adventure
Camp Mode
Comfy and private car sleeping with low power climate control, memory chairs, and electrochromic glass.
Store Mode
Extra Storage comes in at the tailgate and in the overland tent (for on-the-go).
Animation
Lessons Learned
Expanding Human-Centered Design
Gained a deeper understanding of HCD’s full scope, from research and personas to concept development.
Project Leadership & Collaboration
Managed a team of interns, balancing Orbit coordination with individual design projects.
Visualization & Animation
Learned to create GIFs in Rhino and improved visualization techniques for design storytelling.
