Design Continental’s next vision for the future of the intermediate vehicle
3 transportation designer & 1 UX
4 months
CONTEXT
In a world where ecology is a growing concern and city centers are changing to make way for soft mobility, intermediate vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. As the AMI shows, there's a real need for them, especially among young people.
Design Continental’s vision for the Intermediate vehicles of the future : combine safety, sustainability and driving experience.
RESEARCH
What is intermediate vehicle ?
THE BIKE
Bicycles are an active means of transport, have no bodywork and can be used by everyone.
LESS THAN 450 KG
Vehicles in this category travel at a maximum speed of 45 km/h and do not require a driver's licence to operate.
LESS THAN 600 KG
These vehicles require a driver's license to operate, generally have more options and can go up to 80 km/h to be used on more roads.
CAR USE IN NUMBERS
1 HOUR
Average use a day
40 min
Difference between car
and public transport
84%
Commute alone
+58%
Use car for
less than 1 km
90%
of the car time
is parked
+ 130
Eco districts
CITY IN 2030
BANNED CAR
From city center
NEW
Public transport line
ONLY
Small vehicle
USER RESEARCH
NOT READY
DON’T LOOK SAFE
Too small
LIKE THE
CAR STATUT
Proudness to have
a nice car such as a SUV
LACK OF
SPACE
Not axed for family
or workers
PERSONA
NEED SPACE
VERSATILITY
NOT LOSE TIME
KIDS SAFETY
LOOK RESISTANT
SANDRINE
SANDRINE
SANDRINE
NEED SPACE
ONE SEATER
STORAGE
WORKSHOP
EFFICIENT
RANGE
VINCENT
VINCENT
VINCENT
Given the context, what does the user think and, above all, what role does the car play in their life? What is their view on intermediate vehicles?
Introducing VOLT!
The idea behind volt is to create a modular vehicle, in particular with its fully modular rear capsule.
There are different preloaded configurations: professional, private, container and without anything that can be changed to CONTI LOCK available in Best Drive garages.
The idea is to have a seamless experience via the app.
In addition to customizing the main components of the capsule, the aim is also to offer a wide range of smaller, personalized touches through a smart modular grid system. This flexible structure allows users to easily add various functional accessories such as a cup holder, lamp shelves, or extra storage compartments. While subtle, these additions significantly enhance the overall user experience by making each capsule more practical, comfortable, and tailored to individual needs.
To save time and stay productive in traffic or while waiting, the passenger seat has been transformed into a mobile workspace. Two panels, discreetly stored in the doors, unfold to create a stable surface. This built-in modularity brings flexibility and functionality directly into the vehicle, supporting a more efficient, on-the-go lifestyle.
What will the city of 2030 look like, and in what context will our vehicle evolve?
In a context where the community-oriented vision of cities is dominant in 2030, how can Continental act through an Intermediate Vehicle to make users' daily commutes more active and maximize vehicle use during their periods of inactivity ?
The experience is designed to be seamless and continuous, extending beyond the physical capsule through a dedicated application that accompanies the user every step of the way. From reserving a personalized configuration to customizing the capsule using the modular grid system, the app acts as a central hub for interaction and control.
More importantly, it fosters a strong sense of community by enabling users to connect, share, and borrow accessories. This feature highlights the shift toward collective use and shared value, which lies at the heart of what community means in 2030.
Regarding private individuals, what can be changed for professionals? How can intermediate vehicles compete with commercial vehicles?
For the creation and design system of the user interfaces, the main objective was to evoke the car itself. The chosen colors directly mirror those used in the vehicle’s interior and bodywork, creating a visual and emotional continuity between the digital and physical experiences. This deliberate alignment reinforces Continental’s brand identity and ensures that the entire ecosystem remains coherent and recognizable across every touchpoint.
The user flow within the application has been carefully designed to provide both flexibility and intuitiveness. Users can seamlessly create their own vehicle configuration, personalize it according to their preferences, and easily share it with others. Once in navigation mode, every element of the interface is optimized to deliver a smooth, reliable, and distraction-free browsing experience. This guarantees not only functional stability but also a sense of trust and comfort that reflects the premium quality of the brand.
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