The focus of interior design for automobiles is very much about offering the best ergonomics from a driver’s viewpoint, so that all the gear needed to operate the vehicle are in the best places. But what happens when autonomous driving becomes standard in most cars? How will it affect the interior design?

California based designer Ray Yu has shown us an interior concept for a near-future Cadillac CTS. It is unfair to call it just an interior relayout, as the concept involves creating new user experiences. In Yu’s example, the driver has an incoming call from his boss during the drive and the call is shown on the dashboard. He then switches to autonomous driving mode and is able work on his meeting preparation. When the presentation is completed he simply chills on the reclining seat and waits for his journey to end.

In terms of deign features, the windshield can be used as a screen for projection during autonomous mode, and an AR experience can be incorporated. At the back of the seats there are more display screen embedded into the wooden frame. The overall flow is smooth and spacious, and it does feel a bit like a business class seat on a flight rather than the interior of a car.