Rethinking transport solutions for the future

Map’s work aims to humanise complex and abstract technologies and the studio has for some time been turning its attention to transport solutions. In 2021, Map spoke to Tamsin Kingswell of MIX Magazine, discussing the studio’s output for Honda, Transport for London (Crossrail) and Beeline - from visionary to macro and micro solutions.

As a studio we feel there is an opportunity to reimagine the way people travel by taking a more empathetic and human-centric approach to finding solutions. In 2017 we collaborated with Morihoro Horano of mori inc. to envisage future vehicles for Honda. Inspired by the human nature to migrate and explore, we prototyped a series of autonomous vehicles meant for crossing the world in one ‘great journey’. On a micro-level, our work for bike computer company BeeLine involved developing a minimal compass that pairs with a smartphone app to point cyclists through the city. By creating a navigation tool that allows users to be in control of their journey, the access to technology incentivises cycling and encourages people to move away from cars and instead find new and interesting routes for travel.

More recently, we were tasked with designing the interiors for London’s new crossrail train that would withstand the test of time both visually and functionally. Through project-based research we discovered that the demand for entertainment and connectivity has increased and is more akin to that of ambient technology. As designers, we are engaged in an evolving study of our networks so that developments can be continuous and organic. Looking to the future, our aspirational goal is to revive London’s tram system to offer commuters speed, reliability and accessibility.