Surface Driven Design (2024)

Surface Driven Design – Contextual Application of Emotive Texture (2024)

Marsha McQueen

The surface of a product plays a crucial role as it’s the first thing users interact with, both visually and physically. When we look at or touch a product, the surface provides us with important information, such as what the product is for, how to use it, and even how valuable it might be. Additionally, surfaces can stir emotions simply through the way they feel or look. This study builds on previous research by diving deeper into how the specific shapes and patterns of surfaces—especially those that are created using parametric design—can influence how we feel and how these designs can be incorporated to improve user experiences.

The study focuses on how surface characteristics, such as texture and geometry, affect not only the physical aspect of a product but also how users perceive and emotionally respond to it. These surface features are more than just decoration—they communicate a product’s purpose and identity, helping to set expectations for how it should be used. In industrial design, surface textures are essential because they influence both form and function, and they have the power to evoke strong emotional reactions from users.

One of the unique aspects of this research is its focus on autonomous vehicle interiors. As autonomous vehicles represent the future of transportation, their design offers a fascinating space to explore how textures can be used to create new types of interactions between passengers and their surroundings. The research envisions a future where vehicle interiors are not just functional spaces but also designed to address passengers’ emotional needs. The textures that passengers touch and see inside an autonomous vehicle can greatly affect their comfort and overall experience. To explore this, the study developed a variety of digital and physical models, specifically tailored to reflect what people might interact with inside an autonomous vehicle. The textures were created using parametric design, which allows for intricate and customizable surface patterns based on hypothetical user interactions: work, alert, entertainment, and relaxation.