ClearMotion Suspension Demo
Making Revolutionary Technology Tangible

About the Project

ClearMotion is pioneering the next generation of powered suspension technology, poised to revolutionize vehicle ride dynamics. This project centered on designing an immersive product demonstration experience, allowing OEM partners to directly engage with the technology and understand its transformative potential through firsthand experiences, ultimately showcasing the value and innovation behind the offering.

 

Related Services
Interaction Design
Visual Interface Design
Brand Expression

Role
Interaction Design Direction
Client Relationship Lead

 
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Shaping ClearMotion’s Demonstration Experience

The ClearMotion-powered suspension system offers multiple ride quality modes, each requiring its own distinct visual representation. To support this, the team designed intuitive and expressive visuals for each mode. They also explored a variety of vehicle gestures enabled by the technology, from dynamic start-up animations to a graceful “curtsey” gesture used to acknowledge pedestrians. Because ClearMotion can record and replay suspension data captured during real-world driving, it was possible to simulate and compare different road conditions with and without the system engaged. Additionally, the team envisioned and designed potential mobile touchpoints to enhance user interaction with the system.

Client Perspective

“I believe it’s time for us to reclaim that lost time and make the journey as worthwhile as the destination by leveraging proactive suspension to deliver the world’s safest and most comfortable experience on the road. Our plan is to make ClearMotion ubiquitous for all drivers and passengers— and the in-cabin experience will never be the same.”
— Zack Anderson - Co-Founder & CTO of ClearMotion

Impact

NIO’s production order for three million ClearMotion1 units will be fitted across their next-generation lineup of cars, starting with ET9, their new flagship car. ClearMotion’s production deliveries are set to begin in Q4 2024.

Related News

ClearMotion’s production deliveries are set to begin in Q4 2024. NIO’s production order for three million ClearMotion1 units will be fitted across their next-generation lineup of cars, starting with ET9, their new flagship car. The company’s technology can reduce interior cabin movement and vibrations by up to 75 percent, dramatically improving the overall mobility experience.

- Designbivouac is proud to have worked with ClearMotion on its active suspension vehicle demonstrator and wishes all at ClearMotion the very best.

The ClearMotion1 active suspension will debut on NIO’s ET9.

ClearMotion is built on a software-centric, electro-hydraulic core called the Activalve.

The ClearMotion1 system is powerful yet compact.

Demonstration Experience Summary Video

Exploring Brand in Mobile Context

Suspension Modes

In addition to the familiar eco, comfort, sport, and sport+ modes, several new ride modes were conceptualized and designed, each with its own distinct visual identity. These visuals provided an intuitive way for users to understand and select their preferred driving experience. To further enhance the demonstration, the system’s performance was visualized through a real-time display of suspension data, offering immediate feedback on how the vehicle responded under various conditions and settings.

Vehicle Gestures

A wide range of expressive vehicle gestures was explored to showcase the system's dynamic capabilities. These included playful animations that made the vehicle appear to wave, engaging start-up sequences that added a sense of personality, and even a practical “snow shake” gesture designed to help dislodge accumulated snow from the vehicle’s surfaces. Each gesture highlighted the system’s potential to bring both functional and emotional intelligence to vehicle movement.

 

Personalization

Features can be customized to suit individual preferences through the ClearMotion demonstration user interface, providing users with a hands-on experience of the system’s capabilities. This interactive platform not only showcases the flexibility and adaptability of the ClearMotion technology but also highlights its value in delivering personalized ride comfort and control. By allowing users to adjust ride modes, preview gesture animations, and simulate different road conditions, the interface serves as a compelling demonstration of how the system enhances both performance and user satisfaction.

Street Surface Simulation

The demonstration allowed vehicle occupants to select from a variety of road surface types and then experience a corresponding trip simulation. As they watched a video clip of a recorded drive session, the ClearMotion system replicated how the vehicle would respond to that specific terrain in real time. This immersive experience provided users with a tangible sense of the system’s capabilities, highlighting the dramatic difference in ride quality and control across various driving conditions.

ClearMotion Gallery