A Visual Design Analysis of Urban Air Mobility for Indian Users

Abstract

The research aims to experiment with the visual aspect of designing and develo** Urban Air Mobility (UAM). UAM is being developed in India and across the world as a new beginning in human transport, in the form of eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft. Acceptance of technology as a safe mode of transport is very critical. According to research, visual safety is a vital factor that plays an important role. Researchers use the study of cognitive pragmatics to define the visual composition of UAM. Human factors influencing the exterior design elements of the UAM are mapped and identified for further study using the process of brainstorming and user-centered design. The scope of the study is limited to Indian commuters traveling in urban environments. A survey was conducted using images and illustrations of different UAM designs to identify design elements and their visual impact on the urban commuter. The questionnaire was built on understanding their views on visual comfort and exterior design elements like wings, rotors, and doors. The study reveals that tangible aspects like rotors, their placement, the inclusion of wings, and their composition induce an intangible sense of safety in the mind of future users. These will also be vital aspects of the exterior design of UAM. The paper further proposes the preferred design elements for future UAMs, which will contribute to the visual perception of safety for Indian commuters.

Appendix A

• 1. What age group do you belong to? [Multiple choice answers: 18–30, 31–50, 51 years and above]

• 2. How do you travel every day to your workplace? [Multiple choice answers: Personal Self Driven Car, Personal Chauffeur Driven Car, Shared Vehicle (Ola/ Uber/ Pool), Public Transport, Bike/ Cycle/ Walk]

• 3. Which of the following air mobility you have traveled with before? [Multiple choice answers: Airplane, Helicopter, Both, None of the above]

• 4. Are you aware of autonomous aerial vehicles (Air Taxis), which will be used as human transport (to commute) in near future? [Answers: Yes/No]

• 5. If given a choice from below autonomous aerial vehicles, which of the following do you prefer for safe intracity travel? [Every individual option was supported with illustration]

  • Option A: Wings above cabin with covered propellers on wings [Rate on a scale of 1 to 10, (1: Least Preferred, 10: Most Preferred]

  • Option B: Wings above cabin with covered propellers on wings [Rate on a scale of 1 to 10, (1: Least Preferred, 10: Most Preferred]

  • Option C: Wings above cabin with covered propellers on wings [Rate on a scale of 1 to 10, (1: Least Preferred, 10: Most Preferred]

  • Option D: Wings above cabin with covered propellers on wings [Rate on a scale of 1 to 10, (1: Least Preferred, 10: Most Preferred]

  • Option E: Wings above cabin with covered propellers on wings [Rate on a scale of 1 to 10, (1: Least Preferred, 10: Most Preferred]

• 6. What were the reasons for selecting your most preferred design to feel safe? [Text]

• 7. What were the reasons for selecting your least preferred design to feel safe? [Text]

• 8. If given a choice from the below door types for autonomous aerial vehicles, which of the following do you prefer for safe entry and exit? [Every individual option was supported with illustration]

  • Option F: Gull-wing door [Rate on a scale of 1 to 10, (1: Least Preferred, 10: Most Preferred]

  • Option G: Sliding door [Rate on a scale of 1 to 10, (1: Least Preferred, 10: Most Preferred]

  • Option H: Hinge door [Rate on a scale of 1 to 10, (1: Least Preferred, 10: Most Preferred]

• 9. Explain the reasons for selecting your most preferred design. [Text]

• 10. Explain the reasons for selecting your least preferred design. [Text]