Wheel X: A Revolution in Steering Wheel Design

Zijie Liu's Award-Winning Design Transforms Driving Experience

What sets Wheel X apart from other steering wheel designs is its ability to automatically extend and rotate the grip, switching between three modes: unmanned driving, natural driving, and sports driving. The inner surface of the grip transforms into a bump texture when in motion, while the outer side features dynamic lighting, enhancing the user's interaction with the vehicle.

The design realization of Wheel X involves a blend of materials and production techniques. The skeleton is made of zinc alloy, produced by die casting, while the shell comprises PU and TPEE, produced in a foaming machine. The grip is composed of silica and woven fabric, offering a comfortable and firm hold.

Wheel X operates in two states: "Natural" and "Sport". In the "Natural" state, the steering wheel presents a round and smooth shape. Upon pressing a button, it transforms into the "Sport" state, rotating the grip from an "O" shape to a "W" shape. This transformation mimics the grip of a racing car, enhancing the roughness of the grip and introducing a lighting effect to match the user's mood.

The design of Wheel X is the result of extensive research on the interactive experience of car driving, with a focus on meeting the user's emotional needs through the redefinition of the steering wheel. The research employed methods such as SWOT analysis and the double diamond design process to improve the human-computer interaction of the product. The findings revealed that the user's mood alternates between relaxation and tension during each driving process, and the steering wheel's shape, tactile, and visual changes can adapt to this psychological state, making it more intelligent.

Wheel X is not just a concept; it is a recognized innovation in automobile design. It was awarded Silver in the A' Vehicle Parts, Auto Accessories and Care Products Design Award in 2022, a testament to its creative and professional design that showcases outstanding expertise and innovation. This accolade is reserved for top-of-the-line designs that introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.