Mercedes-Benz Vans | Role: Interaction Design Director, Client Relationship lead
Inspired by the Future of Automobility project, the Mercedes-Benz Vans division wanted to explore the future of moving goods and build a culture that embraced design thinking and rapid prototyping. This collaboration led to Mercedes Vans leveling up its innovation skills and influencing future goods delivery work.
Prototyping a Systemic Future Solution for Moving Goods
This project vetted concepts and informed the Mercedes-Benz adVANce ideas through applying design thinking, research, and tangible, experiential prototyping. The collaboration was vital in helping the Van group establish a research lab in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Client Perspective
“I cannot stress enough the fact that we learned a lot of methodology and cultural aspects through the fruitful and enjoyable cooperation with you and your team. You helped us lay the foundations to what we have achieved so far. Thank you very much again for that support. ”
Exploring Future Cargo Delivery Van Features
The project informed many of the features that appeared in the Mercedes-Benz Van of the Future concept. One-shot loading, driver prompting systems, and smart bins were tested and proven as viable solutions at lower fidelity levels before the company produced the final concept vehicle.
Video: Mercedes-Benz
Creative Culture and Process Transfer
A specific ask from the Mercedes-Benz Vans team was to aid them in learning the process of rough, rapid, and right prototyping to enable the company to move faster. A year after the project was completed, this video, capturing a creative culture of prototyping in Silicon Valley in their newly established Mercedes Vans lab, was released.
Video: Mercedes-Benz
Backend and Warehouse Integration
Increases in efficiency come from integrating loading stations with warehouse logistics systems. Contents can be staged while vehicles are making deliveries.
One-Shot Loading
Once items are placed into staging racks in a manner that facilitates efficient delivery, they slide into vehicles from the rear for easy loading.
Delivery Package Guidance
Connected smart bins with e-ink displays make it easy for drivers to identify which packages are associated with a delivery stop. Bins rotate down and out for easy access.
Connected Delivery App
Delivery drivers are supported by a digital app showing navigation, which stops and bin is next, and location-specific access information such as gate codes.
Rough, Rapid, and Right Experiential Prototyping
A series of low to mid-fidelity experience prototypes were quickly created to allow teams and users to understand how the system would work for multiple stakeholders.
Integrated Collaboration
The Mercedes-Benz Vans team participated in the project, conducting field research and ideation and demonstrating the experience prototypes to leadership at Mercedes-Benz.
Design Iteration and Refinement
Mercedes-Benz Vans refined the initial concept based on proven field research and created a high-fidelity proof-of-concept.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Easy Access Solutions Across the Line
Solutions for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and mid-sized Metris vans were developed, bringing flexible goods delivery solutions to potential partners.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
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