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Zeekr Transitions

Degree Project 2024

In the megacities of China by 2035, heavy restrictions on car ownership could significantly boost reliance on subscription-based shared vehicles and autonomous driving technology. Urban dwellers would have a variety of vehicle alternatives to navigate the city. Zeekr Transitions is a compact, premium service vehicle designed to offer users a unique space to reset their minds as they move between moments and tasks in their busy lives, aiming to add value and improve quality of life. The concept focuses on two key types of mental transitions: winding down and activation. This project envisions an interior space that seamlessly integrates technology with user-centered experiences. This thesis project is a collaboration with Zeekr Design Gothenburg.

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The project begins with an observation from the COVID-19 pandemic: many people working from home felt overstressed, and some discovered that sitting in an empty car in their driveway helped them feel better. This is due to a psychological process called “transition,” which plays a crucial role in daily well-being by allowing people to reset their minds between tasks or moments. Inspired by this, I realized that urban dwellers face multiple transitions throughout their day. Furthermore, I reflected on the future of megacities in China, where products and services will likely achieve peak convenience and efficiency, suggesting that mobility could enhance quality of life. Lastly, drawing from Zeekr’s brand and design philosophy, I aim to showcase their vision of what the future of the brand and its products could look like through this project.

The creative process combines different approaches, utilizing both analog and digital tools. It starts by creating an authentic user experience and exploring creative concepts based on users’ needs. After selecting a concept, I validated the proportions, scale, and packages through virtual reality. The design primarily focuses on the interior, including considerations of ergonomics, general forms, and appearance. Working with the Zeekr design team has provided valuable insights into the brand’s design philosophy. I also received significant assistance and input from the design team.

Zeekr Transitions is a driverless vehicle designed for urban dwellers in China in 2035, part of a range of vehicle alternatives moving through the city. As the smallest version in the fleet, it features a single seat and a compact footprint, offering users privacy and a space to reset their minds and moods during transit. Whether it’s a relaxing journey to “wind down” or an exciting trip to recharge, the vehicle caters to various emotional states. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies, it provides innovative experiences that could emerge in the future, while also hinting at the next phase of Zeekr’s design aesthetics.