The Lotus Theory 1 represents a bold step forward in design, technology and driver engagement, blending digital innovation with natural and analogue sensibilities. Collaborating closely with Lotus marketing, interior, pre-visualisation and concept car manufacturing teams, I contributed to the design and implementation of key UI components. My work fed into the development of creative UI elements for the steering wheel, interior and exterior tech lines, supporting the team in aligning these features with the vehicle’s overall vision and ensuring they worked seamlessly across both the concept and physical prototype.
Ref. Above
This is the final solution we arrived at. The marketing team initially worked with the visualisation team to create the background needles, aiming to enhance internal light projection and the tech line. The proposal was mostly superficial, so we pushed to add logic and meaningful contextual interactions. The needles were used to convey specific information on the exterior, indicating locked, charge and opening states. Internally, lines on the wheel screen and windscreen cluster showed turning forces and speed.
I was closely involved in the steering wheel UI, which was initially envisioned as a wheel with a screen seamlessly integrated behind it. We explored innovative Lumineq glass display technologies for the front layer, which was particularly interesting because the design had to function like a calculator segment display, where elements could be turned on or off but not overlap. This introduced some limitations in terms of line thickness and spacing between elements.
Ultimately, turnaround time and costs for the physical car shaped our direction. We incorporated the concept into pre-visualisation videos and opted for a simpler etched glass solution in the physical concept car. The concept vehicle cycled through a series of linked scenarios within the interior, including Comfort, Sport and Autonomous modes.
This is the final solution we arrived at. The marketing team initially worked with the visualisation team to create the background needles, aiming to enhance internal light projection and the tech line. The proposal was mostly superficial, so we pushed to add logic and meaningful contextual interactions. The needles were used to convey specific information on the exterior, indicating locked, charge and opening states. Internally, lines on the wheel screen and windscreen cluster showed turning forces and speed.
I was closely involved in the steering wheel UI, which was initially envisioned as a wheel with a screen seamlessly integrated behind it. We explored innovative Lumineq glass display technologies for the front layer, which was particularly interesting because the design had to function like a calculator segment display, where elements could be turned on or off but not overlap. This introduced some limitations in terms of line thickness and spacing between elements.
Ultimately, turnaround time and costs for the physical car shaped our direction. We incorporated the concept into pre-visualisation videos and opted for a simpler etched glass solution in the physical concept car. The concept vehicle cycled through a series of linked scenarios within the interior, including Comfort, Sport and Autonomous modes.
Ref. Above
The concepts above come from an earlier stage in the process, before practical considerations and constraints came into play. Although these designs aren’t particularly refined, they show some creative exploration of a more exotic tone, closer to an aircraft cockpit, with richer colours and greater detail on the glass screen. The wheel design, combined with the internal lighting, had a sci-fi tone reminiscent of a Star Wars TIE Fighter, which I was keen to develop further.
Earlier designs leaned heavily into a Designers Republic and Cyberpunk aesthetic. However, this approach didn’t fully align with the tone and branding of Lotus, leading us to refine the vision to better suit the project’s direction.
The concepts above come from an earlier stage in the process, before practical considerations and constraints came into play. Although these designs aren’t particularly refined, they show some creative exploration of a more exotic tone, closer to an aircraft cockpit, with richer colours and greater detail on the glass screen. The wheel design, combined with the internal lighting, had a sci-fi tone reminiscent of a Star Wars TIE Fighter, which I was keen to develop further.
Earlier designs leaned heavily into a Designers Republic and Cyberpunk aesthetic. However, this approach didn’t fully align with the tone and branding of Lotus, leading us to refine the vision to better suit the project’s direction.
Ref. Above
These are some concepts from much earlier in the process, when the interior was still being properly refined, hence the generous use of gold detailing. I’ve kept these in because I like the stripped back slim screen on the steering wheel and the minimal overall design.
These are some concepts from much earlier in the process, when the interior was still being properly refined, hence the generous use of gold detailing. I’ve kept these in because I like the stripped back slim screen on the steering wheel and the minimal overall design.
Ref. Above
This expanded final exploration builds on the needle concept. I introduced the idea of a needle plane, which communicates the environment surrounding the vehicle. This includes surface elevations and road or lane-edge indications. I also developed the concept further to incorporate performance driving lines and braking guides, similar to those seen in AAA video games.
This expanded final exploration builds on the needle concept. I introduced the idea of a needle plane, which communicates the environment surrounding the vehicle. This includes surface elevations and road or lane-edge indications. I also developed the concept further to incorporate performance driving lines and braking guides, similar to those seen in AAA video games.
