VW ID Buzz-y - The ID Buzz-y resulted from a training seminar Felipe attended with Gravity Sketch while he was an intern at the company. From the beginning, the project's goal was to simply develop their skills and gain experience using the new tools available with virtual reality.

Design

The design concept for the interior and exterior came from the 3D exploration itself. It was fascinating to observe how quickly the creative process in VR came to life, rather than creating a particular Key Sketch Illustration, he tried all the options directly on the model before deciding which one was best for the brief time project required. But that was kind of the point: embracing VR and experimenting with the new tools that Gravity brought to the table.

He began by using some ID buzz's package references. After that, he added sloppy doodles until he found a motif he liked. Being able to experience the sketch in real-time 3D was incredibly fulfilling, it felt much more natural that way. With this project, the aim was to test a combination of a traditional 3D model and a sketch in order to be able to add sketch aspects to the 3D model to give it much more emotion and feeling. He already had expertise with the software from personal projects. As a result, the final product resembled a 3D drawing more so than a 3D model, allowing the viewer to experience an emotional design as opposed to a simple static mesh.

Unique Experience

These exploration projects are always a unique experience because we are still determining the outcome and how it will affect his current workflow. However, from what he has learned over the past few years, it is always a good idea to step outside of your comfort zone to learn new things that might enhance your workflow. For the interior and exterior of the Gravity Sketch, the project was completed with the assistance of automotive consultants. They provided early support, shared insider information, and provided technical support based on their in-depth understanding of the software.

The ID Buzz-y project showcases the potential of virtual reality tools in the design process and how combining traditional and new techniques can create unique and emotional design experiences. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and stepping out of one’s comfort zone to learn and grow professionally.

About Designer

Industrial designer Felipe Rojas Otero is a Colombian living in Germany. He is a working student with Volkswagen as an interior designer while pursuing his master's degree in engineering design at the Hochschule Magdeburg Stendal. Before this, he completed his internship and bachelor's thesis at Volkswagen, which both explored the usage of virtual reality in the automobile industry. He used mostly artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Midjourney and VR modelling tools like Gravity Sketch and Unreal Engine in his creative process, empathizing with automotive idea design.