The Academy of Art University School of Industrial Design (AAU) has announced a collaboration with luxury electric car manufacturer Lucid to inspire the next generation of designers in shaping the future of mobility. Led by senior members of Lucid’s design team, students at AAU will embark on a 90-day project to explore innovative designs that go beyond conventional ideas of mobility.
The project challenges students to think creatively, whether it’s enhancing existing Lucid products or envisioning entirely new designs that reimagine the driving experience. Sustainability is a key consideration in the program, with students tasked with incorporating environmentally friendly materials and technologies into their designs.
“We wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of young, creative minds in pushing the boundaries of creative innovation,” said Derek Jenkins, SVP of design and brand at Lucid.
“By challenging students to reimagine the future of mobility, we can unlock exciting new ideas in vehicle design, functionality and sustainability, ensuring that we continue to lead in the creation of cutting-edge, luxury electric vehicles.”
Through this ongoing collaboration, former AAU faculty members and graduates have gone on to careers at Lucid, which the companies say highlights the quality of education and training provided by the School of Industrial Design. Car designer Jenny Ha previously taught at the University while concurrently being a senior member of the design team behind the Lucid Air, and designers Sean Wilson and Roberto Bautista are graduates of the industrial design program.
“Collaborating with a brand like Lucid offers our students an unparalleled opportunity to apply their creativity and design skills to real-world challenges at the forefront of automotive innovation,” added Antonio Borja, director of the Academy of Art School of Industrial Design.
“This partnership not only enriches our curriculum but also prepares our students to be industry-ready, imbuing them with a mindset that values innovation, practical problem-solving and the importance of sustainability.”
Lucid representatives will visit the Academy of Art during several key stages of the program, engaging directly with students and providing valuable insights and feedback on developing concepts.
End-of-semester presentations will include design concepts demonstrated in clay models and 3D-printed prototypes, all of which will be evaluated and rated by members of the Lucid design team.
