In-Vehicle Lighting

Description
The research was conducted in collaboration with a car company to explore the influence of on-board ambient lighting on the relaxation experience inside the vehicle.
Based on scientific research, several dynamic lighting environments are reproduced, especially designed for the experience of the passenger in the rear rows.
This was made possible by integrating a digitally controllable lighting system into the simulator.
Tools
Miro, Photoshop, After Effect, TouchDesigner
Collaborators
AXD Lab, Politecnico di Milano

How did I approached the problem?

1 Scientific Research

How can we create lighting scenarios to facilitate users experience in relaxing?

My role: Starting from client research question, conducting desk research on scientific academic papers to understand the effects of light on the perception of environments and the influence on people's experience.

2 Lighting Setting Update

Create the physical prototype for the lighting settings with LED stripes controlled by Touchdesigner.

My role: Supporting the internal team specialized in integration between hardware and software to update the platform with LED lighting.

3 Rough Prototypes

Cronceptualization of different scenarios. Creation of lo-fi prototype to support the discussion with client.

My role: Creating concept design to discuss supported by mockups in Photoshop or AfterEffect. Creating more advanced prototypes on the platform using TouchDesigner.

4 Protocol Definition

24 participants testing eight scenarios (light +sounds), supported by self-assessment surveys and biometrical data collection (GSR).

My role: Supporting in protocol definition especially for the self-assessment surveys and semi-structured interviews. Searching through previous researches to find valid methods.

5 Final Prototyping

Creation of the prototype to be used during the test.

My role: Working on TouchDesigner to create the final designs, structuring the file with control interface for the test.  

6 User Testing

Users experienced eight different lighting scenarios inside the vehicle, as passengers, while thinking aloud and answering to self-assessment surveys on relaxation.

My role:
Controlling lighting control interface and supporting the team in test conduction.

7 Data Analysis and Report

Data from surveys and interviews where crossed with biometrical data to highlight influence of different scenarios.

My role:
Finding insights and patterns from the data analysis and creating comprehensive report for the client highlighting some guidelines for future development and research.

What have I learned?
Personal Thoughts