One consequence of self-driving technology has always been clear: the nature of car journeys, and the supporting functionality of their interiors, is likely to change dramatically. Futuristic concepts featuring living room designs and families enjoying quality time surfaced as early as the 1950s. In recent years these bold solutions have appeared in concepts such as the Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI) XiM18, which takes advantage of the space created by a collapsible steering wheel with rotating seats and a flexible floor console.

But with full autonomy many years away, how might the evolution of the vehicle interior look, and what challenges await the companies who will enable what was once the stuff of science fiction? Dominique Taffin is Senior Manager, Industrial Design, at YFAI, and as he points out…