Rivian recently unveiled major updates for its R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck, including a completely new aesthetic for the user interface (UI). The new UI design, known as cel-shading, replaces the glossy-photorealistic style with a high-contrast, cartoony look. This change is applied to every Rivian vehicle on the road through over-the-air updates, showcasing the power of constant connectivity.
The new UI design has received praise for its cool and distinctive appearance. The cel-shading style is trendy and offers a fresh take on automotive interfaces. It also potentially requires less processing power than photorealistic rendering, making it more efficient. The UI features subtle animations that bring the menus to life without being distracting.
Rivian’s UI displays the car in various contexts related to its drive modes and settings. It offers both a cute drive-mode screen and an info-rich gauge screen, giving drivers options based on their preferences. The designers spent considerable time ensuring that the screens provide informative information without overwhelming users.
Notably, Rivian used Epic Games’ Unreal Engine to create its digital environment. Unreal Engine is a well-known tool used to design apps and games, offering a graphical interface for creating interactive digital worlds. It allowed Rivian to accurately represent every physical part of the vehicles, including tires, wheels, cladding, paint, windows, and trim. Custom shaders were used to bring the UI to life, resulting in a visually stunning experience.
However, while the new UI design is impressive, it raises concerns about automakers significantly changing the look of a car without the owner’s consent. Unlike software updates on smartphones or computers, where virtual aesthetics are less significant, cars hold a personal and emotional connection for many people. Car enthusiasts take pride in customizing and personalizing their vehicles, and the idea of someone dictating changes to the gauges can be stressful.
This forced-change strategy is a growing trend in the auto industry, and it may not sit well with car enthusiasts who value the unique appearance of their vehicles. While Rivian’s update showcases the company’s creativity and design choices, it also highlights the potential challenges of mandatory updates in the future.
In conclusion, Rivian’s new UI design offers a fresh and distinctive look for its vehicles. The cel-shading style, powered by Unreal Engine, provides an interactive and visually appealing experience. However, the mandatory nature of the updates raises concerns about automakers altering the appearance of cars without owner consent. While some may appreciate the convenience and innovation, car enthusiasts who take pride in their vehicle’s aesthetics may find it unsettling. As the auto industry continues to embrace constant connectivity and over-the-air updates, finding a balance between innovation and personalization will be crucial.
