The Kikai concept, brought to you by Japanese automaker Toyota, is just one of three incredible concept cars being shown off by Toyota in Tokyo. This particular vehicle looks an awful lot like an adult version of the Camatte toy car project. The Camatte models were designed to give children an appreciation for the workings of automobiles, and in a way the Kikai seems to be doing the same for adults -- after all, its peeled-off body work reveals all the inner parts at work.
Toyota says that the Kikai concept vehicle was ultimately designed to "explore and emphasize the fundamental appeal of machines: their fine craftsmanship, their beauty, simplicity, and their fascinating motion," going on to point out that this is one vehicle that "reminds us of the appeal of the physical and tactile in a digital age."
Revealing Concept Cars
The Toyota Kikai Concept Car's Inner Workings Are Clearly Visible
Trend Themes
1. Visible Mechanics - The trend towards creating concept cars with visibly exposed mechanical components presents opportunities for companies creating products that highlight precision and innovation.
2. Adult Play - Another trend is the creation of concept cars that encourage interaction and exploration, offering potential opportunities for companies focusing on experiential design or interactive displays.
3. Designing for Emotion - A trend towards design that elicits emotional response is emerging in the automotive industry, offering opportunities for companies creating products that evoke strong feelings of excitement or nostalgia.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Industry - The automotive industry can capitalize on the trend of creating concept cars with visually exposed machinery, potentially sparking consumer interest in the craftsmanship and precision of their vehicles.
2. Consumer Electronics - Consumer electronics companies can take advantage of the trend towards creating interactive and experiential concept cars to provide innovative products that offer a new level of engagement for customers.
3. Design Industry - The trend towards designing concept cars with emotionally evocative features offers opportunities for companies in the design industry to provide innovative products that connect with their customers on a deeper level.