MG, a British manufacturer that manages to have that royal premium feel and innovate for the future at the same time, comes out with a new concept car. Called the MAZE, apparently it is indeed quite interesting, and is all about play and games.
MAZE Concept
The MAZE concept is a positive reaction to our lives during recent years, where we have been met with restrictions and limitations on our ability to move around and interact freely. Exploring the idea of next-generation mobile gaming’, MAZE is a platform for people to get out and rediscover their environment in a new and relevant way, opening up new experiences with their once familiar environment. We are living in more stressful situations after the global pandemic that continues to bring about new challenges.
MAZE’s transparent body helps the passengers to feel more appreciative of their surroundings, offering a new open perspective on the world around them. Forecasting the continued development of auto-pilot technology, the seats are now more multi-purpose than simply holding the driver in a single driving position. The adaptable design of the seats offers various modes, from gaming to zero gravity, in order to enhance the experience both physically and mentally. If these things don’t excite you and don’t show MG’s commitment to customer requirements, then I don’t know what will.
Augmented Reality
Moving on, MAZE uses Augmented Reality technology to bring a completely new user experience. The design of the interface appears as a three-dimensional layout floating throughout the panorama of the passenger’s view. Menus and maps are overlaid onto the physical landscape, where digital artwork appears over the architecture and landmarks of the city. A truly outdoor life is more difficult for a generation that is growing during the pandemic. Familiarity and comfort through digital interfaces encourage a less physically adventurous spirit, but we all understand the importance of the great outdoors and the discovery of new experiences.
Through MAZE we hope to link the physical and digital worlds in a more engaging and seamless way to encourage the younger generation to find their own links to the city, its history, and its future. These virtual creative artworks are embedded around the city, hidden from the view of most people. When the users of MAZE discover the correct landmark from the clues provided, the artwork is unlocked as a reward for accepting their mission. The number and variation of digital ‘easter-eggs’ are limitless and can be renewed continuously to maintain interest and engagement in the game.
What you can expect
The playful scenario of MAZE connects to a desire for challenge, discovery, and achievement, which is delivered via a points-based reward system. The concept is conceived around the user experience, rewarding users for their time spent with the vehicle and the MG brand. The personalities and status of the ‘players’ are displayed on the side and front corners of the car in order to elevate their peer-to-peer credentials and to add friendly competition to the process.
A virtual map is projected onto the ground immediately in front of the car and is viewable through the large open panel at the front of the exterior. Fundamental to the core exploration experience, the map marks out landmarks in apparent 3D and indicates routes in a strikingly visual way. Mobility isn’t just about the mundane A to B, and should not be a stressful or unpleasant experience. With congested transport, the idea of driving for fun is slowly disappearing, and the new generation of users wants a fresh, engaging, and relevant experience. MAZE is created to provide a journey that is both entertaining, inspirational, creative, and adventurous. The MAZE concept indeed does give us a glimpse into the future, and looking at it, we should be looking forward to the future, which is going to be quite exciting, thanks to cars like the MAZE.