TerraX

Off-road racing vehicle for 2040

Overview

Designed for the year 2040, this off-road racing vehicle features adaptive suspension and real-time terrain scanning. It has self-adjusting tire pressure, delivering an optimized and intuitive driving experience across unpredictable terrain. The region we selected was Baja California.

Where it all began

Reasons why off-road driving would exist in 2040

Through my research, I found that automation won’t replace off-road racing, but it will redefine and amplify it. As daily transportation becomes safer and more predictable through AI, the raw, hands-on thrill of off-roading will become even more desirable. Off-road experiences in 2040 will be enhanced by technology, not dominated by it - transforming into extreme, immersive, and competitive adventures that blend human instinct with intelligent systems, sustainable innovation, and a deep desire to escape automation’s monotony.

Incentives to drive off-road in 2040

As a UX designer, I conducted future-focused research to uncover emerging motivations for off-road driving in 2040, anticipating shifts in technology, culture, and entertainment. I explored how AI automation in urban areas could spark interest in off-road adventure, eco-conscious travel, and even space exploration simulations. These insights informed a set of diverse incentives - from thrill-seeking sports and sustainable tourism to competitive racing leagues and lunar driving experiences - that align with evolving user desires and technological trends.

User Persona

I created Alex Ridge’s persona by synthesizing insights from our off-roading research, focusing on future user needs in a highly automated world. Alex represents a thrill-seeking, purpose-driven user who blends adventure, content creation, and emerging tech, highlighting how off-road experiences in 2040 will serve both professional and personal ambitions.

Focus areas of UX

In 2040, off-roaders will rely on advanced suspension and terrain-adaptive systems to navigate unpredictable environments, extreme conditions, and high-speed challenges. Based on my research, I identified four key UX focus areas where technology can meaningfully evolve to support these future needs:

Design Elements

Infotainment Screen

The infotainment screen acts as the primary interface between the driver and the vehicle, and its compact size is intentional, designed to minimize the risk of damage from the constant motion and impact of rough terrain.

Voice Assistant

Interaction occurs mainly through voice commands to Oro the voice assistant, as the driver is consistently occupied during high-speed off-road racing.

Real-time Holographic Terrain Scan

A live holographic terrain scan is presented to the driver, enabling anticipation of jumps, slopes, and potential hazards, while also assisting the vehicle in automatically adjusting its suspension.

Holographic Cues: Signs, Alerts & Reminders for Mixed Reality Navigation

Holographic rally signs, reminders, and alerts are projected above the infotainment screen and viewed through the driver’s helmet, which integrates VR and mixed reality for seamless, heads-up interaction during off-road navigation.

Head-up Display

The head-up display is a holographic projection that appears in the driver’s line of sight, showing essential information such as the speedometer, blinking shift lights, race countdowns, and other real-time driving data.

Speedometer

The speedometer is designed with a minimalistic layout and integrated directly into the steering wheel, displaying essential data for off-road racing such as speed, tachometer readings, and fuel levels.

Virtual Co-driver

In this concept, an AI-powered virtual co-driver acts as a real-time trainer, offering driving strategy tips, optimal gear shifts, and route choices to enhance off-road performance. It also supports content creators by identifying key moments for automated footage capture, enabling seamless storytelling without distracting from the drive.