Art Prize 2026 / Pitch Night Winner
Morphosis V2
ADAPTIVE CENTER CONSOLE
Building directly on the human-factors foundation of V1, Morphosis V2 continues the mission to eliminate cognitive load through shape-shifting architecture, hidden interfaces, and tactile controls. Engineered as a high-fidelity, 1:1 scale exhibition prototype, this iteration scales those foundational principles into an authentic automotive environment. By wrapping intuitive interactions in genuine automotive-grade materials and structural durability, V2 brings the future of ergonomic cabin design out of theory and into tangible reality.
TOOLS
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, Rhino 3D, Squareline, KeyShot, C++ and Python
PRODUCT
Physical Center Console
CMF Boards
Posters
PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS
Engineer: Leonardo Segal
CAD: Matthew Schott
TIME
June 2026 - Sept 2026
OVERVIEW
Evolving from the foundational human-factors research of V1, Morphosis V2 bridges the gap between abstract concept and tangible, production-grade reality. By scaling up the architecture into an authentic 1:1 cabin environment, this project translates cognitive-load reduction and tactile ergonomics into a robust, high-fidelity exhibition prototype designed for real-world interaction.
PROBLEM
Translating complex, shape-shifting automotive interfaces from theory into a functional, 1:1 scale reality that maintains structural integrity, cleanability, and genuine automotive material quality.
GOALS
Scale the adaptive console into a complete cabin environment, ensuring physical and mechanical robustness capable of sustaining high-frequency public interaction without sacrificing haptic comfort.
ACTION
Engineer a high-fidelity exhibition prototype utilizing precision CAD modeling, CMF studies, and hand-built structural rigs to bring tactile, low-cognitive-load design to life.
DISCOVER
Research & Validation
After 3 years from the initial research on interior cockpit safety the question became - is this still relevent?
"New research from the University of Washington and the Toyota Research Institute quantifies the hidden price of screen-first interiors, revealing that interacting with layered digital menus reduces pointing accuracy and speed by more than 58 percent while increasing lane deviation by over 40 percent—proving that drivers become worse at driving and worse at using the screen simultaneously."
This data comes primarily from academic and automotive safety research, specifically combining the University of Washington and Toyota Research Institute’s motion-capture human-factors studies.
In January of 2026, the ETSC implimented its button minimum requirement stating that,
"Manufacturers won't be able to achieve the highest safety rating if they don't provide proper, physical switches for certain functions including indicators, hazard lights, sounding the horn, operating windscreen wipers and activating the eCall SOS function.
This data comes primarily from European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) regulatory data on mandatory physical switchgear.
The answer is, Yes.
These findings by institutional safety studies and strict regulatory mandates prove that the automotive industry is undergoing a shift away from screen-first design.
IDEATION
Sketching
Pulling from the concept of a butterfly and its ability to "change" and morph" the design needed to feel like it had "wings" and felt floaty and light - channeling comfort and airiness within the cabin - based on date from previous design.
Simultaneously, form exploration had to account for physical execution. Early ideation sketches mapped out how the console's aesthetic 'wings' and floating architecture would integrate with a structural rail system—solving attachment, connection, and rig-mounting requirements from day one to ensure exhibition readiness.
CAD Modeling
Moving from ideation into precision CAD, the architecture was meticulously modeled and benchmarked directly against the Chevrolet Equinox EV interior packaging dimensions to ensure authentic driver reach, spatial ergonomics, and seamless cabin integration. Simultaneously, the modeling phase mapped out the internal structural framework—integrating custom rig rails and mounting interfaces to guarantee the physical model could securely withstand high-frequency public interaction during the exhibition.
The visual identity of Morphosis V2 is built around three distinct 'Feeling Proposals' inspired by biomimicry and the structural adaptations of butterflies. Rather than treating color and material as a single surface finish
Physical CMF Boards
While the conceptual framework establishes three distinct trim levels, the physical exhibition prototype was engineered around the base trim level. Utilizing a durable dark CMF palette, this choice ensures maximum longevity, scuff resistance, and structural integrity under heavy public interaction during the live exhibit.
* this prototype ran mutiple material tests to ensure it could withstand being pushed against with electronics, and be see through
Benchmarking Button Research
To ensure a seamless transition between physical touch and digital feedback, HMI icon sets were benchmarked against existing automotive standards to minimize driver distraction. Through over 50 iterative cycles, icons were refined for maximum legibility at a glance, mapping directly into the physical console's user flow—from phone detection trigger sequences to active rotary-knob state changes.
Prototype Screen Iterations
* Programs used: Figma, Square line Studio, PixelArt
User Flow
The user flow maps the exact temporal behavior and state transitions of the physical-digital ecosystem. It dictates the precise sequence—from initial phone proximity detection and the automated 5-second structural rise of the console, to active HMI icon illumination, input latching, and timed power-down routines—ensuring zero latency and seamless mechanical-digital synchronization during live exhibition use.
Physical Prototype
The physical realization of Morphosis V2 required meticulous execution—synthesizing complex wiring, embedded code, custom housing fabrication, and motion kinematics. Engineered specifically to withstand the rigors of an 800,000+ visitor exhibition cycle, the completed prototype proves that fluid, biomimetic design can be successfully translated into a robust, interactive, and production-intent reality.
Recognition
Dean's Design Award (2023)
Recognized for innovation and growth as a student emerging into the professional field
ArtPrize Finalist (2026)
Selected as one of the top 5 finalist to get the project funded with a $10,000 grant and showcased
