Sponsored Project
Sponsored Project
Sponsored Project
Cadillac FluidDrive 2045
Cadillac FluidDrive 2045
My first week started with onboarding. Soon after, I joined the Cadillac 2045 project as the only UI/UX designer. I worked with vehicle, model, building, and product designers. In the beginning, I explored how cars, smart chairs, AI robots, and home devices could connect in the future. The biggest highlight was finding a way to make a “day in 2045” feel like a true Cadillac experience.
Role
Team
Tools
UXUI Lead & Solo Designer
Led end-to-end strategy and built a cohesive 360° experience across Vehicle, Smart Chair, AI Robot, and Home.
Role
Team
Tools
UXUI Lead & Solo Designer
Led end-to-end strategy and built a cohesive 360° experience across Vehicle, Smart Chair, AI Robot, and Home.
Role
Team
Tools
UXUI Lead & Solo Designer
Led end-to-end strategy and built a cohesive 360° experience across Vehicle, Smart Chair, AI Robot, and Home.
Problem
Problem
Problem
Identifying Mobility Challenges in 2045
Through UX research, I learned that Cadillac stands for American luxury, combining classic elegance with future innovation.
To understand what technologies 2045 mobility would need, I looked at lifestyle changes and found that saving time is the most important value for future users.
Through UX research, I learned that Cadillac stands for American luxury, combining classic elegance with future innovation.
To understand what technologies 2045 mobility would need, I looked at lifestyle changes and found that saving time is the most important value for future users.
Through UX research, I discovered that Cadillac represents American luxury, pursuing both traditional sophistication and future-oriented innovation.
To identify the technologies required for 2040 mobility, I studied lifestyle and found that time-saving emerged as the core value for future users.
UX Research Findings
Users recognize Cadillac as a symbol of American luxury, blending traditional sophistication and future innovation
Users recognize Cadillac as a symbol of American luxury, blending traditional sophistication and future innovation
Users recognize Cadillac as a symbol of American luxury, blending traditional sophistication and future innovation
Bold Elegance defines Cadillac’s core design language, shaping its premium identity
Bold Elegance defines Cadillac’s core design language, shaping its premium identity
Bold Elegance defines Cadillac’s core design language, shaping its premium identity
Long commuting times emerged as the most significant frustration impacting productivity and lifestyle
Long commuting times emerged as the most significant frustration impacting productivity and lifestyle
Long commuting times emerged as the most significant frustration impacting productivity and lifestyle
Time-saving is perceived as the new definition of luxury in future mobility experiences
Time-saving is perceived as the new definition of luxury in future mobility experiences
Time-saving is perceived as the new definition of luxury in future mobility experiences
Persona
Persona
Luxury Lifestyle Architect
Going into the next step, we set up a persona to better understand what a day in 2045 might look like. We all became Destiny for a moment, imagining her life in the future. With her car by her side, what advanced technologies and products would she experience every day? Thinking about these ideas was really exciting. We chose Destiny because she felt like the right character to highlight Cadillac’s sense of luxury.
Going into the next step, we set up a persona to better understand what a day in 2045 might look like. We all became Destiny for a moment, imagining her life in the future. With her car by her side, what advanced technologies and products would she experience every day? Thinking about these ideas was really exciting. We chose Destiny because she felt like the right character to highlight Cadillac’s sense of luxury.
Storyboard
Storyboard
Seamless Lifestyle Ecosystem
Destiny is a successful architect. With meetings filling up her schedule nonstop, she needed to cut down as much wasted time as possible. That’s why she chose the Cadillac VTOL, one of the fastest ways to travel. By her side, an assistive robot and a smart chair took care of her well-being, while the Cadillac ecosystem, connected across her car and home, made every experience seamless and effortless for her.
Destiny is a successful architect. With meetings filling up her schedule nonstop, she needed to cut down as much wasted time as possible. That’s why she chose the Cadillac VTOL, one of the fastest ways to travel. By her side, an assistive robot and a smart chair took care of her well-being, while the Cadillac ecosystem, connected across her car and home, made every experience seamless and effortless for her.
In-Vehicle Meeting Mode
While Destiny and her business partner are discussing their terms and Ather (bot) multitasks bu organizing her next schedule, doing her technical drawings, and flying the VTOL
In-Vehicle Meeting Mode
While Destiny and her business partner are discussing their terms and Ather (bot) multitasks bu organizing her next schedule, doing her technical drawings, and flying the VTOL
Docking Pod to Residence
When the VTOL returns to the Cadillac Residence, the pod attaches to the elevator and becomes part of Destiny's residence
Docking Pod to Residence
When the VTOL returns to the Cadillac Residence, the pod attaches to the elevator and becomes part of Destiny's residence
Immersive Work Environment
Destiny continues her work using the immsersive interface and Ather assists her by handiling the technical side
Immersive Work Environment
Destiny continues her work using the immsersive interface and Ather assists her by handiling the technical side
Immersive Work Environment
Destiny continues her work using the immsersive interface and Ather assists her by handiling the technical side
Relaxation Mode Engaged
Destiny is in relaxation mode using her smart chair. Ather can be seen docked away
Relaxation Mode Engaged
Destiny is in relaxation mode using her smart chair. Ather can be seen docked away
Relaxation Mode Engaged
Destiny is in relaxation mode using her smart chair. Ather can be seen docked away
Long-Distance Driving Mode
After resting, Destiny and Ather gets into the pod, whic merges with the vehicle platform and they then bon voyage for Washington DC at a fast pace
In-Vehicle Relaxation Mode
When Destiny decides to rest on the way, Echelon's roof morphs to gain maximum aerodynmics in high speed
Long-Distance Driving Mode
After resting, Destiny and Ather gets into the pod, whic merges with the vehicle platform and they then bon voyage for Washington DC at a fast pace
Long-Distance Driving Mode
After resting, Destiny and Ather gets into the pod, whic merges with the vehicle platform and they then bon voyage for Washington DC at a fast pace
In-Vehicle Relaxation Mode
When Destiny decides to rest on the way, Echelon's roof morphs to gain maximum aerodynmics in high speed
In-Vehicle Relaxation Mode
When Destiny decides to rest on the way, Echelon's roof morphs to gain maximum aerodynmics in high speed
Persona
Persona
Luxury Lifestyle Architect
Destiny, a 37-year-old Principal Designer at a global architecture firm, struggles with time scarcity due to commuting, meetings, and travel, while also facing health challenges from long working hours that cause stress and fatigue.
Design Inspirations
Design Inspirations
Design Inspirations
Flow Like Water
Storyboard
Storyboard
Seamless Lifestyle Ecosystem
Cadillac 2045 Echelon ecosystem enables a seamless lifestyle experience with integrated modes for work, relaxation, travel, and home connectivity.
In-Vehicle Meeting Mode
While Destiny and her business partner are discussing their terms and Ather (bot) multitasks bu organizing her next schedule, doing her technical drawings, and flying the VTOL
In-Vehicle Meeting Mode
While Destiny and her business partner are discussing their terms and Ather (bot) multitasks bu organizing her next schedule, doing her technical drawings, and flying the VTOL
Docking Pod to Residence
When the VTOL returns to the Cadillac Residence, the pod attaches to the elevator and becomes part of Destiny's residence
Docking Pod to Residence
When the VTOL returns to the Cadillac Residence, the pod attaches to the elevator and becomes part of Destiny's residence
Immersive Work Environment
Destiny continues her work using the immsersive interface and Ather assists her by handiling the technical side
Immersive Work Environment
Destiny continues her work using the immsersive interface and Ather assists her by handiling the technical side
Relaxation Mode Engaged
Destiny is in relaxation mode using her smart chair. Ather can be seen docked away
Relaxation Mode Engaged
Destiny is in relaxation mode using her smart chair. Ather can be seen docked away
In-Vehicle Relaxation Mode
When Destiny decides to rest on the way, Echelon's roof morphs to gain maximum aerodynmics in high speed
In-Vehicle Relaxation Mode
When Destiny decides to rest on the way, Echelon's roof morphs to gain maximum aerodynmics in high speed
While other designers began to visualize ideas, I, as the UI/UX designer, had to imagine all the invisible experiences and truly empathize with Destiny. Exploring how to express Cadillac’s bold luxury and seamless experience was exciting, but also one of the hardest challenges. In the end, I decided to introduce the “waterfall” mechanic into the UX/UI design—an idea inspired by the line design chosen by the product and residence designers as the best reflection of Cadillac’s design language. This connected with the larger ecosystem that controls every experience and the spatial user interactions that enable 360° immersion.
While other designers began to visualize ideas, I, as the UI/UX designer, had to imagine all the invisible experiences and truly empathize with Destiny. Exploring how to express Cadillac’s bold luxury and seamless experience was exciting, but also one of the hardest challenges. In the end, I decided to introduce the “waterfall” mechanic into the UX/UI design—an idea inspired by the line design chosen by the product and residence designers as the best reflection of Cadillac’s design language. This connected with the larger ecosystem that controls every experience and the spatial user interactions that enable 360° immersion.
While other designers began to visualize ideas, I, as the UI/UX designer, had to imagine all the invisible experiences and truly empathize with Destiny. Exploring how to express Cadillac’s bold luxury and seamless experience was exciting, but also one of the hardest challenges. In the end, I decided to introduce the “waterfall” mechanic into the UX/UI design—an idea inspired by the line design chosen by the product and residence designers as the best reflection of Cadillac’s design language. This connected with the larger ecosystem that controls every experience and the spatial user interactions that enable 360° immersion.
Eco System
Built an integrated system that seamlessly connects AI, mobility, and residential spaces into one unified ecosystem.
Eco System
Built an integrated system that seamlessly connects AI, mobility, and residential spaces into one unified ecosystem.
Eco System
Built an integrated system that seamlessly connects AI, mobility, and residential spaces into one unified ecosystem.
360° INTERFACE
A 360° interface delivers an immersive, seamless experience across vehicles, AI, and residential spaces.
360° INTERFACE
A 360° interface delivers an immersive, seamless experience across vehicles, AI, and residential spaces.
360° INTERFACE
A 360° interface delivers an immersive, seamless experience across vehicles, AI, and residential spaces.
Waterfall Mechanic
Dot, line, and vapor
Waterfall Mechanic
Dot, line, and vapor
Design Enhancement
Design Enhancement
Design Enhancement
Styleguide
The style guide was created by gathering the colors and images used by the product designers. It took a lot of time to build a set of guidelines that could satisfy every designer, but in the end, the most rewarding part was that we delivered a result all designers were truly happy with. Using Dark Navy and Champagne Gold, the design blends Cadillac’s bold elegance with waterfall-inspired motions, creating a luxurious flow experience. The UI was also coded to support precise and dynamic interactions, bringing the vision to life.
The style guide was created by gathering the colors and images used by the product designers. It took a lot of time to build a set of guidelines that could satisfy every designer, but in the end, the most rewarding part was that we delivered a result all designers were truly happy with. Using Dark Navy and Champagne Gold, the design blends Cadillac’s bold elegance with waterfall-inspired motions, creating a luxurious flow experience. The UI was also coded to support precise and dynamic interactions, bringing the vision to life.
The style guide was created by gathering the colors and images used by the product designers. It took a lot of time to build a set of guidelines that could satisfy every designer, but in the end, the most rewarding part was that we delivered a result all designers were truly happy with. Using Dark Navy and Champagne Gold, the design blends Cadillac’s bold elegance with waterfall-inspired motions, creating a luxurious flow experience. The UI was also coded to support precise and dynamic interactions, bringing the vision to life.
Waterfall Mechanic
Dot, line, and vapor
Waterfall Mechanic
Dot, line, and vapor
Solutions
Solutions
Solutions
Fluid Ecosystem: Cadillac 2045
With a 360° immersive interface, Destiny could look around and control her environment in any direction. The AI-driven smart systems worked in the background, smoothly switching contexts for her—from commuting in the VTOL, to relaxing in her smart chair, to navigating the city, and finally to setting up her home workspace. Everything felt connected and effortless.
With a 360° immersive interface, Destiny could look around and control her environment in any direction. The AI-driven smart systems worked in the background, smoothly switching contexts for her—from commuting in the VTOL, to relaxing in her smart chair, to navigating the city, and finally to setting up her home workspace. Everything felt connected and effortless.
With a 360° immersive interface, Destiny could look around and control her environment in any direction. The AI-driven smart systems worked in the background, smoothly switching contexts for her—from commuting in the VTOL, to relaxing in her smart chair, to navigating the city, and finally to setting up her home workspace. Everything felt connected and effortless.
01. A personalized productivity solution
This solution supports personal productivity in a simple way. It shows your meeting schedule and real-time stress levels, while the AI robot connects with the vehicle system to share visual information. This helps you stay organized, focused, and balanced throughout the day.
01. A personalized productivity solution
This solution supports personal productivity in a simple way. It shows your meeting schedule and real-time stress levels, while the AI robot connects with the vehicle system to share visual information. This helps you stay organized, focused, and balanced throughout the day.
01. A personalized productivity solution
This solution supports personal productivity in a simple way. It shows your meeting schedule and real-time stress levels, while the AI robot connects with the vehicle system to share visual information. This helps you stay organized, focused, and balanced throughout the day.
02. A stress-responsive relaxation solution
A stress-responsive relaxation solution that senses the user’s stress level in the vehicle and automatically switches to rest mode. It helps the user relax and recharge by showing a calming, waterfall-inspired experience.
02. A stress-responsive relaxation solution
A stress-responsive relaxation solution that senses the user’s stress level in the vehicle and automatically switches to rest mode. It helps the user relax and recharge by showing a calming, waterfall-inspired experience.
02. A stress-responsive relaxation solution
A stress-responsive relaxation solution that senses the user’s stress level in the vehicle and automatically switches to rest mode. It helps the user relax and recharge by showing a calming, waterfall-inspired experience.
03. An AI-powered immersive navigation solution
An AI-driven immersive navigation solution that goes beyond basic directions. It provides 360° spatial guidance, overlays contextual information onto the environment, and adapts routes in real time based on traffic, schedule, and user needs. With a seamless mix of voice, visual cues, and AR-style displays, it helps users feel confident, safe, and fully engaged throughout their journey.
03. An AI-powered immersive navigation solution
An AI-driven immersive navigation solution that goes beyond basic directions. It provides 360° spatial guidance, overlays contextual information onto the environment, and adapts routes in real time based on traffic, schedule, and user needs. With a seamless mix of voice, visual cues, and AR-style displays, it helps users feel confident, safe, and fully engaged throughout their journey.
03. An AI-powered immersive navigation solution
An AI-driven immersive navigation solution that goes beyond basic directions. It provides 360° spatial guidance, overlays contextual information onto the environment, and adapts routes in real time based on traffic, schedule, and user needs. With a seamless mix of voice, visual cues, and AR-style displays, it helps users feel confident, safe, and fully engaged throughout their journey.
04. An integrated home experience solution
An integrated home solution where the AI robot and smart chair continue the car’s features, personalized welcome, stress-relief mode, and work support, creating a smooth, connected lifestyle across spaces.
04. An integrated home experience solution
An integrated home solution where the AI robot and smart chair continue the car’s features, personalized welcome, stress-relief mode, and work support, creating a smooth, connected lifestyle across spaces.
04. An integrated home experience solution
An integrated home solution where the AI robot and smart chair continue the car’s features, personalized welcome, stress-relief mode, and work support, creating a smooth, connected lifestyle across spaces.
Closing
Closing
Closing
Lessons Learned
Aligning Ideas Through Visual Exploration
Collaborating with vehicle, home, smart chair, and AI robot designers was challenging because each had different priorities and ways of working.
Instead of relying on long explanations, I created visual storytelling sketches and lo-fi prototypes to share ideas directly. I also introduced concepts like Dot, Line, and Vapor motions to help the team align, and through iterative feedback, we gradually brought our ideas together. During this process, I learned that communicating through visuals is much faster and more accurate than words alone. With these visual references and prototypes, we were able to achieve a unified design vision that everyone could agree on. Below are some of the images I used at that time.
Mid-Project Pivot & Decision Process
At first, we talked about experiences for seniors in 2045. By the time we were building storyboards, vehicle and interior designers joined the team, and the scope expanded into the full journey from car to home. This meant we had to go back to the starting point. In a short time, we redefined the persona, refined the storyboard, and set priorities for our ideas. As a result, we were able to update the flow smoothly without losing speed or focus.
New Skills & Application
I wasn’t very skilled in graphic design, so at first I felt lost about how to show a spatial environment. I even tried learning Unity and went back to studying After Effects. Around that time, vibe coding was a hot topic, and as soon as I discovered it, I realized it could be the way to bring my UI ideas to life. I immediately started learning vibe coding tools, and in this project, all of the UI was built with vibe coding.