For our upcoming class on Car-Human Rituals, we have been researching some of the big challenges facing the human experience of future cars. One problem that emerged was: What if Smart Cars only Exacerbate the Loneliness and Narcissism that we’ve seen emerge with smartphones and social media?

Can we design some experiences and affordances into smarter cars that increase Empathy? Community connection? And a sense of bonding?

We started brainstorming a few, more empathetic and civic designs for new cars. To be continued!