Our Universal Design Approach in Automotive Design

In a world where mobility is synonymous with freedom and independence, our startup studio has set out to revolutionize the automotive industry by placing universal design at the heart of our design process. Our goal? To create vehicles that are perfectly designed for wheelchair users and redefine accessibility standards for all.

What is universal design?

Universal design is an approach that aims to create products and environments usable by everyone, without requiring adaptation or specialized design.

In the automotive context, this means creating vehicles that are inherently designed to be accessible: comfortable, safe, and easy to use for people of all abilities, including those in wheelchairs.

Our design philosophy

At NEWAV, we believe that accessibility should not be an afterthought, but the starting point of every design. Our team of designers and engineers works by placing the needs of people with reduced mobility at the heart of all its challenges to understand their specific expectations and integrate them from the earliest stages of design.

The main aspects of our approach

1. Accessibility: It may seem obvious to say, but for us, an accessible vehicle must be accessible, meaning it must be the right size to accommodate more than 98% of the wheelchair-using population, which is far from being the case for most vehicles currently in circulation. Entry and exit from the vehicle are redesigned to be smooth and effortless, with integrated ramps and wide-opening doors.

2. Inclusion: We are convinced that people with reduced mobility should be able to travel wherever they want in the vehicle, not just in the back. Our interiors are designed to be versatile, extremely modular, and easily reconfigurable, allowing for quick adaptation to different types of wheelchairs or assistance equipment.

3. Family Caregiver: More than just a car, our vehicle is designed to make life easier for people with reduced mobility and their companions. We have identified several features that combine technological innovation with practical utility.

4. Safety and reliability: We integrate advanced safety systems specifically designed to offer wheelchair users an unprecedented level of comfort and reliability.

Benefits for all

By adopting the principles of universal design, we are not only creating more accessible vehicles for people with disabilities. We are offering an extremely modular and ergonomic car for everyone. For example, our access solutions are appreciated by the elderly, parents with young children, or those who frequently transport bulky objects.

The future of automotive design

We are convinced that universal design is the future of the automotive industry. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of accessibility, we are paving the way for a new era of inclusive mobility. Our goal is not only to adapt to the existing market but to create a new standard that will redefine consumer expectations in terms of comfort, functionality, and inclusivity.