Lildhar called the entire process “an excellent opportunity to combine the skills we have been learning for the past four years at Humber College for Industrial Design and apply them to the APMA design competition.”
But it wasn’t easy.
“Designing a vehicle focused on inclusivity for people with disabilities had its challenges,” Lildhar said. “Our team had gone through multiple iterations in both exterior and interior design and learned Autodesk Alias along the way to model the vehicle.
“We were able to produce a concept that is unique in design with a focus on accessible mobility that is often overlooked in private transportation.”
The vehicle can lower ride height for mobility-impaired users and has side ramp lighting. It also has more inclusive driving controls, such as a steering knob, accelerator ring, brake lever, and standard pedals. Front seats can be stowed to allow room for a wheelchair in the cockpit.
Lildhar said the win brings opportunity.
“As Canadian transportation design students, getting sponsored work or internships during school can be limited, so being able to add [this] to our portfolios will hopefully open up some new doors in the design field,” he said.
Said Volpe: “Imagine having this on your resume?”