The Academy of Art University School of Industrial Design (AAU) announces a collaboration with electric car maker Lucid aimed at encouraging the next generation of designers to reimagine the future of mobility.
The 90-day project, overseen by senior members of Lucid's design team, challenges Academy of Art students to conceive designs that transcend traditional notions of mobility. Students are encouraged to explore everything from tangible enhancements to existing Lucid products to the creation of new, future-focused designs and concepts that reimagine driving.
As part of their work, students are challenged to create unique shapes or service functions that set their creations apart while considering the environmental impact of these decisions. Sustainability is a core criterion, with a mandate to use environmentally friendly materials and technologies, aligning with Lucid's strong commitment to sustainable practices within all areas of its car design and manufacturing process.
Through this strong ongoing collaboration, former Academy of Art University faculty members and graduates have gone on to careers at Lucid, underscoring the quality of education and real-world training provided by the School of Industrial Design. Career designer, Jenny Ha, previously taught at the University while concurrently being a senior member of the design team behind the award-winning Lucid Air, as well as designers Sean Wilson and Roberto Bautista who are graduates of the industrial design program.
Academy of Art University maintains a strong commitment to hiring industry professionals able to impart real-world industry insight to students. The University is dedicated to building local talent in the Bay area and, through fostering collaborative relationships with leading organizations like Lucid, continuing to grow the pool of skilled professionals within the community.
Lucid representatives will visit the Academy of Art during several key stages of the program, engaging directly with students and providing valuable insights and feedback on developing concepts. Final end-of-semester presentations will include design concepts demonstrated in clay models and 3D printed prototypes, all of which will be evaluated and rated by members of the Lucid design team.
