Approximately 12 years ago, shortly after Tesla commenced delivering the Model S, Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen started contemplating the visual identity of a self-driving vehicle.
As lead designer of Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y, as well as the pioneering Tesla Semi, Franz von Holzhausen played a pivotal role within the company’s design group. As von Holzhausen revealed to TechCrunch during an interview at the UP.Summit last month, he had already started conceptualizing a robotaxi in his mind, with the actual design process having begun even before that.
“He believed it was only a matter of time before they reached their goal, which is why his enthusiasm grew so quickly.”
More than a decade after its inception, Tesla unveiled a robotaxi at an October 10 event in Los Angeles – but was it a conceptual model, a fully fleshed-out prototype, or something entirely different? Years after repeatedly broken promises by CEO Elon Musk to unveil a self-driving car or develop autonomous technology that doesn’t require human oversight,
Von Holzhausen hinted at the unveiling, describing Tesla’s latest offering as “intriguing,” “fascinating,” and “enjoyable.” While he remained tight-lipped on specifics, he did suggest that the company’s existing portfolio of vehicles served as inspiration for what’s to come.
“In a novel manner, we’ve been actively shaping the course of our destiny – in a remarkably transparent and collaborative fashion – to envision what an autonomous future might look like,” he stated. To showcase our expansive interface, we’ve designed it to be highly customizable and easily updatable, incorporating a variety of leisure activities and infusing a dash of humor throughout. Can we truly move forward without first acknowledging and embracing our past?
Tesla’s heritage has consistently featured the notion of imparting expertise to clients through design, with Von Holzhausen highlighting this strategic approach.
“With ease, the self-presenting door navigated its early days, much like a seamless handshake with expertise.” “As we spent more time behind the wheel, the car began to seamlessly integrate itself into our daily routines.”
As Von Holzhausen looks to the horizon, he’s optimistic and well-prepared for a future where autonomous driving becomes the norm.
“I’m desperate for my children to avoid the stress of obtaining a driver’s license, let alone actually driving,” he said.
The designer drew parallels between this era of upheaval and the transformative shift from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles, a analogy his superior had frequently invoked throughout their professional journey.
With a method in place, people had grown accustomed to its continuous use; indeed, one simply had to adopt this approach. While discussing the unconventional living arrangement, he highlighted the often-overlooked reality that horses require proper housing, nutrition, and maintenance to thrive.
“He pointed out that others had accepted his unconventional behavior.” So we’re essentially stuck in a situation where we’re merely putting up with the familiar.
The fear of embracing change and taking control lies at the heart of this dilemma, where the perceived risk of upheaval outweighs the potential benefits of transformation. He noted that it’s also an opportunity. “For me as a designer, it’s truly empowering to shape the way people spend their time, influencing the very fabric of their lives, transportation choices, and overall experiences – all thanks to our newfound ability to craft these possibilities.”
