Introduction
In a notable shift in design philosophy, Volkswagen (VW) is gearing up to reimagine the interiors of its future car models taking inspiration from the recently unveiled ID 2all concept SUV. This deliberate approach is evidently a response to consumer grievances regarding the new VW models' heavy reliance on touchscreen technology.
Design Philosophy Shift: A Customer-Centric Approach
Darius Watola, the innovative mind behind VW's interior designs, highlights that the ID 2all concept is not just a one-off creation but signifies a comprehensive shift in the design philosophy intended for all forthcoming models. This change is the outcome of careful analysis of recent customer feedback, which reveals a common need for a more haptic and intuitive interior.
Acknowledging Past Mistakes: A Transparent Stance from VW Leadership
Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer openly acknowledges that the touchscreen-centric approach, prevalent in their recent models, has had adverse effects on the brand. This candid admission underscores VW's commitment to continuous improvement, prompting a departure from the touchscreen-heavy design paradigm in favor of a more balanced approach.
New Interior Features: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
The revamped interior design integrates a row of physical buttons, each backlit for clarity, catering to climate control functionalities. Complementing this tactile interface is a rotary controller on the central tunnel, reminiscent of the user-friendly BMW iDrive system. This strategic shift aims to offer drivers and passengers a more intuitive and convenient means of interacting with the car's diverse features.
Focus on Safety and Information: Driver-Centric Display Solutions
Beyond the aesthetics, the new interior layout includes a main central touchscreen for infotainment purposes, accompanied by a dedicated screen for essential driving information. Watola stresses the importance of having a display directly in the driver's line of sight, not only for convenience but, more crucially, for safety considerations. He also highlights the variation in customer preferences, emphasizing distinctions between the European market and other global consumer bases.
Revolution in Materials: Sustainable and Aesthetic Choices
Volkswagen is changing the inside materials in an effort to improve the physical and environmental aspects of driving. The company wants to gradually replace hard plastics, glue, leather, and chrome with softer, more environmentally friendly materials like textiles and Alcantara. Furthermore, a deliberate attempt is made to use minimal amounts of metal and wood, in keeping with VW's dedication to environmentally friendly methods.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Aspirations for Production Models
Watola expresses a forward-looking vision, aiming to incorporate as many features and materials showcased in the ID 2all concept into production cars by 2025. This ambitious timeline sets the stage for a potential transformation of VW's entire lineup, ensuring that the lessons learned from customer feedback and design evolution are seamlessly integrated.
Innovative Practical Features: Balancing Form and Function
Beyond aesthetic and tactile considerations, the ID 2all concept introduces innovative practical features. For example, the rear bench's foldable bottom half makes it possible to put a bike in the rear passenger footwell, demonstrating the considerate approach to suiting a variety of lifestyles. The storage space beneath the trunk floor adds even more value to the design because it can hold three large drink crates. It is anticipated that these creative storage solutions will transform from concept to reality, enhancing customers' perceptions of VW vehicles' daily utility.