Automobiles are a big part of the global economy and global infrastructure. How big? In 2021 it was valued at $2.86 TRILLION, and in 2023 it was valued at $3.56 TRILLION. That’s Trillions with a capital T – and certainly an industry that is future-focused.
In the 1960s there were station wagons, which were replaced in the 1980s with mini-vans. Then, in 2000s, the Sport Utility Vehicle took over the mini-van market. According to Edmunds automotive research company, the SUV accounts for 60% of the U.S. market. However, with the rise of new car prices to an average of $50,000, the industry needs to re-think the products that consumers want.
What comes next after the SUV? Does it have:
- Batteries.
- Different driving modes.
- Dashboards and steering wheels.
- Voice controls.
- Emotions.
- Form and shape.
- Storage.
- Speed.
- Environment concerns.
After all, the increasing use of AI along with autonomous driving options makes this an amazing age of technology and innovation. And of course, challenges abound as well.
Take a few minutes and think about it. What are the problems with today’s cars? Then think about solutions – crazy ideas are welcome. What would your car of the future look like?
Let’s go for a ride.
Group Activities and Discussion Questions:
- Discuss the framework for innovation.
- Show the IDEO video about innovation for a shopping cart: https://youtu.be/izjhx17NuSE?si=gy8a-Mcpi6xMnoy7
- The original design was from 1999. Why do students think it never caught on?
- Have the class execute the IDEO process for car design: problems, ideas, crazy ideas, etc… Use large white poster paper for this exercise.
- Describe the final future car based on student ideas.
- Show video of possible future cars: https://youtu.be/D-f0yVjYBRQ?si=5lpHH2VxGYMGc38p
Source: Berk, B. (8 June 2024). The auto world’s next obsession: What comes after the SUV? Wall Street Journal.