VOLVO
In 2015 Volvo became the first automotive company to partner with Microsoft to develop a Mixed Reality experience exploring an exciting new, interactive way for consumers to explore their cars and brand in the future. The pilot project was an unprecedented Mixed Reality press reveal for their new XC-90 models, taking place in Redmond WA.
In a custom-designed showroom, automotive journalists were led through an immersive, interactive tour - starting with a look back at Volvo's impressive legacy and how their design traditions are rooted in Swedish culture.
The car's newest technologies for fuel efficiency and road safety were then brought to life, and finally the new XC90 sedan was showcased while inviting visitors to customize their own exterior color and trim package, seeing their personalized car displayed at full-scale in holographic form.
It was a terrific working partnership between our HoloLens development team and Volvo's design leaders. The video and images below highlight the complex MR experience as well as the purpose-built "presentation suite".
IMAGE GALLERY VOLVO
 This was the banner image used for our internal development team on the Volvo project. [thanks to Jason Hastings, Jon Williams, Jon Hanzelka and others] |  Early concept I designed for the presentation set, with each member of the press audience behind a virtual kiosk, and a live host presenting the elaborate holographic reveal on the center platform. [thanks to Eddie Smith, Jon Hanzelka, Gajan Vamatheva, and others] |  An early concept showing a holographic showroom experience, featuring interactive informational hot-spots explaining the various new features of the car. [thanks to Eddie Smith, Gajan Vamatheva and others] |  Another early concept showing a holographic showroom experience, featuring an exploded view of the vehicle to show off various new features of the car. [thanks to Eddie Smith, Gajan Vamatheva and others] |
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 Final concept designs showing the 'lines of light' motif that unified the different beats of the presentation. Echoing Volvo's own automotive design drawings, these lines emerged out of thin air to 'draw' the lines of the car, as well as helping to lead the viewers' gaze from one area to another. |  Final concept renderings of the set, which was built on the Microsoft campus for this event. I originated the visual designs and partnered with Gail & Rice, Inc. on the final scenic design and execution. [Thanks also to Eddie Smith] |  Another final design rendering of the main presentation stage where the full-scale car was shown off. I originated the visual designs and partnered with Gail & Rice, Inc. on the final scenic design and execution. [Thanks also to Eddie Smith and others] |  Final design rendering of the ending beat of the presentation, wherein visitors customize a small-scale model of the XC90 sedan on the small table, then see the full-scale version rotating on the large stage. Final scenic design and execution, Gail & Rice, Inc. [Thanks also to Eddie Smith and others] |
 A selection of final rendered captures from other moments in the presentation. |  Several frames from the marketing video created to showcase this event for the public. |
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