Honda has lifted our spirits this morning by revealing first details of Honda CR-Z Concept but has since crushed them with their second Tokyo Motor Show concept premiere, the PUYO. Ironically Honda states in the press release, “The PUYO was designed based on out-of-box thinking to provide fun for both the vehicle owner and people around them as well.” They had to think “out-of-the-box” to create a box?
It's no stunner, but closer look of the minimalist design has us moving past first impressions as the PUYO shows some interesting ideas for the “cornerless soft box” whose goal was to “create a personable design with the feel of an adorable pet”.
On the outside the PUYO has a gel body as a safety feature which is also luminescent. It can change color to communicate the vehicles condition as well as guide people into the proper operating position. This is important because the PUYO has four-wheel-steering which allows the entire vehicle to pivot 360 degrees.
With the entire upper half of the vehicle made of glass, the PUYO gives a sense of transparency while the interior seeks a “silky feel”. Interior features such as instrument panel monitor, elastic controls which rise up when started, luminous fluid displays and a joystick which replaces the traditional steering wheel all add to the overall mentality of the fun and friendly vehicle.
Detailed content
'PUYO' is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses the sensation of touching the vehicle's soft body. It is meant to convey a warm, friendly impression.
The PUYO represents a new idea in mobility that brings together ‘clean’, ‘safe’ and ‘fun’ functionality in an environmentally responsible, people-friendly minimalist design featuring an ultra-high efficiency, small frame and fuel cell technology to please both users and onlookers alike.
Exterior design
The development theme for the PUYO exterior was to create a cornerless, ‘Seamless Soft Box’ form that is kind to both people and the environment. The goal was to create a personable design with the feel of an adorable pet, while taking advantage of the maximum spaciousness of the box-shaped design. The PUYO’s ‘gel body’ features soft materials to promote greater real-world safety. Moreover, the body has been made luminescent to guide people into the proper operating position and notify them of the vehicle’s condition, facilitating a more intimate relationship between people and their cars.
Interior design
Developed to have a ‘Silky Feel’, the PUYO’s interior is designed to provide a refreshing, people-friendly space imbued with a feeling of transparency. Features such as an instrument panel monitor, controls that take advantage of the elastic qualities of cloth to rise up when the vehicle starts up, luminous fluid meter displays, and a joystick for intuitive operation are all designed to gently support occupants’ senses and sensibilities.
