Abstract

AR Bubble Car argues that in L4/L5 autonomous mobility, or high to fully automated driving, the car should be understood not only as a transportation device but also as a visible social interface in public space. As driving becomes less central, the role of the vehicle shifts from control and movement alone toward passenger experience, expression, and communication. In response, AR Bubble Car proposes a transparent visual bubble around compatible vehicles, allowing passengers to share lightweight content through window-based AR. Rather than treating the car as a private entertainment container, the system explores how vehicles might become moving social nodes on the road. This thesis develops that position through research on non-driving activities, passenger behavior, motion sickness, external vehicle communication, and in-vehicle AR, and then critically examines the proposal through questions of feasibility, risk, limitation, and criteria for success.

Publication Date

4-28-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Visual Communication Design (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

Design, School of

College

College of Art and Design

Advisor

Mike Strobert

Advisor/Committee Member

Adam Smith

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Download

Share

COinS