Theories


 * Design Theories**

__Ergonomic__ Ergonomic designs are incorporated into our product. For example, the indicator switch for left and right turn signals on the left side of the steering wheel is designed according to human factors. According to research, when we place our hands on the steering wheel, we often use our middle finger to lift the switch. Similarly, the indicator switch to switch from solar power to electricity will be placed on the right side of the steering wheel for ergonomic purposes. Another ergonomic design is the seats. They are designed so that stress from long distance travels is minimized.

__Gibson’s Affordance Theory__ The car can run on both electricity and solar power depending on the time of day and location. For outdoor parking, the car will be able to receive sunlight and automatically store solar energy to generate electricity. However, for indoor parking, the car has the function of charging AC power so the car will still be able to run properly even though there is no sunlight at the moment. There will be a indicator switch inside the car near the steering wheel to switch from using electricity or solar power depending on which type of energy the person wants to use, in addition there will also be an automatic function on the lever, so the car switches from running on solar power during the day, and electricity during the night.

__Gestalt Laws of Pattern Perception__ Some of Gestalts principles are incorporated into our design. Proximity is used through the placement of the indicator switch, which are designed according to human factors. Similarity is used through the look of the car. Even though the car runs on solar power and electricity, it still looks like average cars out in the market so it is still practical and economical. Symmetry is used to balance the front and back of the car.

__Aesthetic View__ The car comes in different packages which are targeted at different age groups such as basic, sport, and luxury packages. The basic package includes standard equipment inside the vehicle. The sport package includes enlarged rim sizes, stiffened suspension, upgraded air intake, carbon fiber panels, and exterior add-ons. The luxury package includes a wine fridge, Italian leather seats, teak wood interior panels, panorama roof, heated seats, and etc.

__3D Computer Visualization__ The detailed exterior of the car and other angles can be shown using 3D computer visualization. The 3D image will help viewers visualizes the car and its functions.

__Economic__ Many biologists predicts that we will one day run out of natural resources and “Billions of internal combustion engines in vehicles all over the world will have to be redesigned. By 2017, there will be no oil left on the face of this earth to generate energy, which is why solar powered cars will replace petroleum and diesel engine cars.