Samba Experience
Samba Experience
This was a fully conceptual project aimed at inspiring new ideas and creating car concepts and experiences to promote Senai CIMATEC Studio. The studio operates as a design service provider for Ford South America but is also equipped to attract other major clients in Brazil's mobility industry.
The project brought together multiple design teams, divided into exterior shape design, interior shape design, and user experience.
Client
SENAI CIMATEC STUDIO
Year
2024
Category
Product Design



Non-disclosure Agreement
Working for Ford & Senai Cimatec Studio in the automotive industry meant being bound by NDAs. The following references are non-revealing, consented, public information or pertain to completed and discontinued projects. However, I can share insights into my personal experiences, the methodologies employed, and the skills I developed while working on various initiatives. These examples highlight my contributions and professional growth without disclosing any proprietary or confidential information, ensuring full compliance with legal and ethical obligations
Non-disclosure Agreement
Working for Ford & Senai Cimatec Studio in the automotive industry meant being bound by NDAs. The following references are non-revealing, consented, public information or pertain to completed and discontinued projects. However, I can share insights into my personal experiences, the methodologies employed, and the skills I developed while working on various initiatives. These examples highlight my contributions and professional growth without disclosing any proprietary or confidential information, ensuring full compliance with legal and ethical obligations
Non-disclosure Agreement
Working for Ford & Senai Cimatec Studio in the automotive industry meant being bound by NDAs. The following references are non-revealing, consented, public information or pertain to completed and discontinued projects. However, I can share insights into my personal experiences, the methodologies employed, and the skills I developed while working on various initiatives. These examples highlight my contributions and professional growth without disclosing any proprietary or confidential information, ensuring full compliance with legal and ethical obligations
Non-disclosure Agreement
Working for Ford & Senai Cimatec Studio in the automotive industry meant being bound by NDAs. The following references are non-revealing, consented, public information or pertain to completed and discontinued projects. However, I can share insights into my personal experiences, the methodologies employed, and the skills I developed while working on various initiatives. These examples highlight my contributions and professional growth without disclosing any proprietary or confidential information, ensuring full compliance with legal and ethical obligations
My team's goal & Outcomes
My team’s primary objective was to map out both physical and digital experiences and prototype some of these concepts. The ideas needed to align with the vision of an electric SUV designed for adventures on Brazilian beaches and trails, inspired by the diverse landscapes of Bahia, where our office is based.
Outcomes
• Mapping of ideas and opportunities for product development.
• Concepts of physical and digital experiences.
My team’s primary objective was to map out both physical and digital experiences and prototype some of these concepts. The ideas needed to align with the vision of an electric SUV designed for adventures on Brazilian beaches and trails, inspired by the diverse landscapes of Bahia, where our office is based.
Outcomes
• Mapping of ideas and opportunities for product development.
• Concepts of physical and digital experiences.
My team’s primary objective was to map out both physical and digital experiences and prototype some of these concepts. The ideas needed to align with the vision of an electric SUV designed for adventures on Brazilian beaches and trails, inspired by the diverse landscapes of Bahia, where our office is based.
Outcomes
• Mapping of ideas and opportunities for product development.
• Concepts of physical and digital experiences.






Chapter 1 – The challenge: Lots of opportunities, tight schedule
The concept car
The SUV’s standout feature is its expandable drawer-style trunk, designed to comfortably accommodate larger items such as surfboards and bicycles. It’s a versatile, spacious car built for a lifestyle that balances work and outdoor sports.
Opportunities: Mapped Features and Experiences
Our research and ideation process led to countless possibilities, including:
Built-in roof racks; Retractable side steps; Integrated internal rails; Versatile trunk and frunk configurations; Lockable compartments for clothes; Customizable storage solutions; Waterproof seat covers; Hose and water reservoir; Smartglass roof; Thematic ambient lighting;
On the digital side, we envisioned:
Thematic interfaces; A virtual adventure assistant; Integration with other devices, such as cameras, drones (for uploading and watching adventures), e-bikes, smartwatches, and smartphones.
Prioritization
After aligning on the experiences that would combine digital interfaces, exterior shape design, and interior shape design, the project was split into various workstreams with dedicated leaders collaborating closely. My team focused on prototyping the digital experience concept. Since the car's interior, physical interface, steering wheel, and central stack dimensions were still undefined, we prioritized developing the virtual adventure assistant for mobile devices, given to the smartphone’s universality
The concept car
The SUV’s standout feature is its expandable drawer-style trunk, designed to comfortably accommodate larger items such as surfboards and bicycles. It’s a versatile, spacious car built for a lifestyle that balances work and outdoor sports.
Opportunities: Mapped Features and Experiences
Our research and ideation process led to countless possibilities, including:
Built-in roof racks; Retractable side steps; Integrated internal rails; Versatile trunk and frunk configurations; Lockable compartments for clothes; Customizable storage solutions; Waterproof seat covers; Hose and water reservoir; Smartglass roof; Thematic ambient lighting;
On the digital side, we envisioned:
Thematic interfaces; A virtual adventure assistant; Integration with other devices, such as cameras, drones (for uploading and watching adventures), e-bikes, smartwatches, and smartphones.
Prioritization
After aligning on the experiences that would combine digital interfaces, exterior shape design, and interior shape design, the project was split into various workstreams with dedicated leaders collaborating closely. My team focused on prototyping the digital experience concept. Since the car's interior, physical interface, steering wheel, and central stack dimensions were still undefined, we prioritized developing the virtual adventure assistant for mobile devices, given to the smartphone’s universality
The concept car
The SUV’s standout feature is its expandable drawer-style trunk, designed to comfortably accommodate larger items such as surfboards and bicycles. It’s a versatile, spacious car built for a lifestyle that balances work and outdoor sports.
Opportunities: Mapped Features and Experiences
Our research and ideation process led to countless possibilities, including:
Built-in roof racks; Retractable side steps; Integrated internal rails; Versatile trunk and frunk configurations; Lockable compartments for clothes; Customizable storage solutions; Waterproof seat covers; Hose and water reservoir; Smartglass roof; Thematic ambient lighting;
On the digital side, we envisioned:
Thematic interfaces; A virtual adventure assistant; Integration with other devices, such as cameras, drones (for uploading and watching adventures), e-bikes, smartwatches, and smartphones.
Prioritization
After aligning on the experiences that would combine digital interfaces, exterior shape design, and interior shape design, the project was split into various workstreams with dedicated leaders collaborating closely. My team focused on prototyping the digital experience concept. Since the car's interior, physical interface, steering wheel, and central stack dimensions were still undefined, we prioritized developing the virtual adventure assistant for mobile devices, given to the smartphone’s universality
The concept car
The SUV’s standout feature is its expandable drawer-style trunk, designed to comfortably accommodate larger items such as surfboards and bicycles. It’s a versatile, spacious car built for a lifestyle that balances work and outdoor sports.
Opportunities: Mapped Features and Experiences
Our research and ideation process led to countless possibilities, including:
Built-in roof racks; Retractable side steps; Integrated internal rails; Versatile trunk and frunk configurations; Lockable compartments for clothes; Customizable storage solutions; Waterproof seat covers; Hose and water reservoir; Smartglass roof; Thematic ambient lighting;
On the digital side, we envisioned:
Thematic interfaces; A virtual adventure assistant; Integration with other devices, such as cameras, drones (for uploading and watching adventures), e-bikes, smartwatches, and smartphones.
Prioritization
After aligning on the experiences that would combine digital interfaces, exterior shape design, and interior shape design, the project was split into various workstreams with dedicated leaders collaborating closely. My team focused on prototyping the digital experience concept. Since the car's interior, physical interface, steering wheel, and central stack dimensions were still undefined, we prioritized developing the virtual adventure assistant for mobile devices, given to the smartphone’s universality






Chapter 2 – The prototype: Journey Guide
Virtual Assistant
Based on the user’s profile and preferred sport, the app delivers curated information and suggestions for their day.
For example, in a surfing-before-work routine:
• The app wakes the user with sea condition updates.
• It reminds them of necessary items.
• Confirms that the surfboard is securely attached to the car.
• Suggests potential beaches, provides car status updates, and calculates the best traffic route.
• Additionally, the assistant suggests meal stops before and after the activity, tailored to the user’s profile and nearby establishments.
Features
• Connected Entertainment System:
The vehicle includes an integrated entertainment system that connects with the virtual assistant, providing weather updates, surf forecasts, and recommendations for sports locations.
• Device Integration:
The guide connects with external devices, like e-bikes, smartwatches, and phones, offering real-time sports metrics and relevant data.
• Personalized Greetings:
The virtual assistant greets the vehicle owner with weather updates and activity suggestions, syncing with their smartwatch and phone.
• Interior Environment Adjustments:
It can adjust interior settings, such as lighting and music, to create a mood that matches the planned activity, enhancing the overall experience.
• Space Organization Guidance:
The guide offers tips on configuring the trunk and interior space to accommodate sports gear like surfboards, bicycles, skateboards, and drones, maximizing the car’s versatility
Virtual Assistant
Based on the user’s profile and preferred sport, the app delivers curated information and suggestions for their day.
For example, in a surfing-before-work routine:
• The app wakes the user with sea condition updates.
• It reminds them of necessary items.
• Confirms that the surfboard is securely attached to the car.
• Suggests potential beaches, provides car status updates, and calculates the best traffic route.
• Additionally, the assistant suggests meal stops before and after the activity, tailored to the user’s profile and nearby establishments.
Features
• Connected Entertainment System:
The vehicle includes an integrated entertainment system that connects with the virtual assistant, providing weather updates, surf forecasts, and recommendations for sports locations.
• Device Integration:
The guide connects with external devices, like e-bikes, smartwatches, and phones, offering real-time sports metrics and relevant data.
• Personalized Greetings:
The virtual assistant greets the vehicle owner with weather updates and activity suggestions, syncing with their smartwatch and phone.
• Interior Environment Adjustments:
It can adjust interior settings, such as lighting and music, to create a mood that matches the planned activity, enhancing the overall experience.
• Space Organization Guidance:
The guide offers tips on configuring the trunk and interior space to accommodate sports gear like surfboards, bicycles, skateboards, and drones, maximizing the car’s versatility
Virtual Assistant
Based on the user’s profile and preferred sport, the app delivers curated information and suggestions for their day.
For example, in a surfing-before-work routine:
• The app wakes the user with sea condition updates.
• It reminds them of necessary items.
• Confirms that the surfboard is securely attached to the car.
• Suggests potential beaches, provides car status updates, and calculates the best traffic route.
• Additionally, the assistant suggests meal stops before and after the activity, tailored to the user’s profile and nearby establishments.
Features
• Connected Entertainment System:
The vehicle includes an integrated entertainment system that connects with the virtual assistant, providing weather updates, surf forecasts, and recommendations for sports locations.
• Device Integration:
The guide connects with external devices, like e-bikes, smartwatches, and phones, offering real-time sports metrics and relevant data.
• Personalized Greetings:
The virtual assistant greets the vehicle owner with weather updates and activity suggestions, syncing with their smartwatch and phone.
• Interior Environment Adjustments:
It can adjust interior settings, such as lighting and music, to create a mood that matches the planned activity, enhancing the overall experience.
• Space Organization Guidance:
The guide offers tips on configuring the trunk and interior space to accommodate sports gear like surfboards, bicycles, skateboards, and drones, maximizing the car’s versatility
Virtual Assistant
Based on the user’s profile and preferred sport, the app delivers curated information and suggestions for their day.
For example, in a surfing-before-work routine:
• The app wakes the user with sea condition updates.
• It reminds them of necessary items.
• Confirms that the surfboard is securely attached to the car.
• Suggests potential beaches, provides car status updates, and calculates the best traffic route.
• Additionally, the assistant suggests meal stops before and after the activity, tailored to the user’s profile and nearby establishments.
Features
• Connected Entertainment System:
The vehicle includes an integrated entertainment system that connects with the virtual assistant, providing weather updates, surf forecasts, and recommendations for sports locations.
• Device Integration:
The guide connects with external devices, like e-bikes, smartwatches, and phones, offering real-time sports metrics and relevant data.
• Personalized Greetings:
The virtual assistant greets the vehicle owner with weather updates and activity suggestions, syncing with their smartwatch and phone.
• Interior Environment Adjustments:
It can adjust interior settings, such as lighting and music, to create a mood that matches the planned activity, enhancing the overall experience.
• Space Organization Guidance:
The guide offers tips on configuring the trunk and interior space to accommodate sports gear like surfboards, bicycles, skateboards, and drones, maximizing the car’s versatility
More Works More Works
More Works More Works
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©2025 SAAL DESIGN
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