Micro Taxi- Mobilizing India

Mobilizing masses in India

The inspiration behind this design comes from the simplicity and symbolic Indian elements. The designer wanted to create a micro taxi that not only serves basic needs but also solves problems innovatively.

What sets this design apart is its coherence of Indian cultural influence, innovative package to accommodate more passengers, and better traveling standards. The design also focuses on providing innovative solutions at an affordable cost by reducing manufacturing steps.

The Micro Taxi- Mobilizing India is made using a combination of aluminum and composite parts for the vehicle body. The interior features rubber flooring for better grip, Velcro to use maneuverable pouches as ergonomic reach, perforated cloth fabric for ventilation, and silicon for areas with frequent human contact to ensure a better grip.

Technical specifications of the Micro Taxi- Mobilizing India include a length of 2610mm, width of 1440mm, height of 1630mm, and a wheelbase of 1800mm. It can accommodate one driver, four adults, and one child.

This design project was carried out in Pune from early March 2014 to mid-June 2014. Extensive research was conducted, including ethnography studies with drivers and commuters, analysis of the current taxi system in India, and types of taxis. The team designed three pre-concepts before selecting the final direction.

The most challenging aspect of the project was interviewing taxi drivers, commuters, and people involved in the system to gather insights. However, overcoming these challenges and creating honest and justifiable solutions was the most interesting part of the design process.

Rajshekhar Dass led a team of transportation designers Smitesh Chavanke, Kaustubh Shetty, Vinay Raj Somashekar, and digital designer Vipul Mane. The project was divided into three phases over a period of four months.

The Micro Taxi- Mobilizing India design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Vehicle, Mobility, and Transportation Design category in 2015. This award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements.