Ford Digital Assistant Exploration

The Ford Digital Assistant Exploration project was a collaborative effort between Hobbes LLC and Ford Motor Company to conceptualize and design a visual and motion identity for Ford’s next-generation in-vehicle digital assistant. The project also explored the technical feasibility of implementing these design concepts within the constraints of the Ford SYNC 4 (FNV2) architecture.

Task:

My primary contribution to this project was to bridge the gap between design vision and technical implementation. This involved:

• 3D to Web Conversion: I leveraged my expertise in Three.js, a powerful JavaScript 3D library, to adapt complex 3D animations and models created in Cinema 4D for seamless integration into the Ford SYNC 4 system.

• SYNC 4 Integration: I spearheaded the exploration of how to effectively display and interact with the digital assistant within the SYNC 4 environment. This included identifying and overcoming technical limitations and discovering innovative solutions, such as the ability to run web content within SYNC 4 – a breakthrough that was recognized by Ford IT.

• Overcoming Technical Hurdles: A key challenge was porting the 3D-animated “Helix” concept into a format that could run efficiently on the vehicle’s media display. I successfully prototyped this using Three.js and a custom plugin, enabling the concept to be brought to life in the 2021 Mustang Mach-E.

• Technical Documentation: I played a key role in creating comprehensive technical handover documentation, outlining the project’s findings, recommended implementation approaches, and considerations for future development phases. This documentation served as a valuable resource for Ford’s internal teams to continue the project.

Key Outcomes:

• Successfully translated complex 3D design concepts into a format compatible with the Ford SYNC 4 architecture.
• Pioneered the use of web content within SYNC 4, opening up new possibilities for in-vehicle digital experiences.
• Contributed to the creation of a compelling visual and motion identity for the Ford Digital Assistant.
• Overcame technical limitations to enable the implementation of the “Helix” concept in the 2021 Mustang Mach-E.
• Delivered comprehensive technical documentation to facilitate future development and implementation.

Highlighting Value:

• This project showcases my problem-solving skills and ability to bridge the gap between design and technology, even in the face of challenging technical constraints.
• My expertise in 3D web technologies like Three.js and my understanding of automotive infotainment systems proved invaluable in overcoming technical challenges.
• The project’s success, including the real-world implementation of the “Helix” concept, underscores my ability to contribute to innovative and impactful projects at the forefront of automotive technology.