YAMAHA MotoREV - VR Sim Racing Motorbike

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YAMAHA MOTOREV - VR SIM RACING ELECTRIC MOTORBIKE

- This concept bike’s goal is to answer the question, “How to promote YAMAHA powersports to Generation Alpha youth?” The current digital native, screen addicted youth of Generation Alpha will become future consumers once they reach young adulthood, but their interest in seeking real world experiences is declined compared to generations past. YAMAHA MotoREV is a near future Halo Concept Bike for a VR controlled sim racing series that engages Generation Alpha in their digital connected world.

TARGET MARKET RESEARCH - CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT - VISUAL BRANDING

The initial brief called for a proposal to attract generation Alpha youth to the YAMAHA Powersports brand. Initial research was done taking a look at the pyscho-profile and lifestyle of the target audience in their digital connected age. The idea of a VR controlled sim racing league bike was inspired by the various Esports, FPV Drone Racing, and other digital virtual experiences that generation Alpha participate in regularly. A visual mood board was also created to serve as inspiration for a new visual design language representing the YAMAHA brand.

FIRST ROUND 2D SKETCH EXPLORATION

Always keeping the initial design language themes in mind from the early research, three different design language directions are developed based on the target market's tastes and lifestyle values. I begin with some traditional media thumbnail sketches looking for an iconic silhouette and graphic design. Picking a few favorites, I then move on to digital sketches, exploring further the proportions, surfaces, and detailing of the designs at a larger scale. Looking back to the brand values and visual inspirations, the first and third design directions were chosen for their visual expression of the design values for the project - advanced tech, dynamism, and intelligence.

FURTHER EXPLORATION

2 Directions were chosen to explore further. The first theme, "DIGITAL MECHA," emphasizes the mechanical quality of what is essentially a robotic semi intelligent motorcycle, expressed through angular surfaces and lines. The second theme, "ALPHA GLASS," speaks to the digital screen filled world generation Alpha inhabit in their daily lives. A rough 3D model is also made at this point to block in the proportions of the main components.

CHOSEN THEME DEVELOPMENT

With the "ALPHA GLASS" theme from direction 3 chosen, further development was done to refine the design functionally and aesthetically, always keeping in mind the overall visual brand language. Extra attention was given to ensure a coherency between all parts so that the whole bike appears as a single harmonious design composition. Modeling sheets and more 3D development also occured in this phase to start to bring a solidity to the design. Considerations for the hardware engineering housed within the control core unit was also considered more deeply as the first 3D model was refined. Inspiration for the chassis layout and unique front suspension is taken from YAMAHA's heritage being inspired by the GTS 1000 Omega Frame. The final 2D design illustrations are meant to be near final visualizations of the bike before finalizing the 3D model.

DIGITAL MODELING

3D digital modeling was used to create the motorcycle's basic shape, starting with the chassis frame and overall form, then adding details like the wheels, linkage suspension, and electric motor belt drive components. The external fairing panels and gyroscopic control unit are the last to be refined in 3D. Next, materials and decals were applied before setting up the lighting environment and rendering. Finally the images were post-processed to add visual drama and interest.

STORYTELLING SUPPORT FOR INVESTMENT PITCHING

Keyframe concept art digital painting illustrations were created to communicate the story setting and visualize the future racing scenario as an aid to bring the project to life to investors and upper management. The keyframe paintings serve as an added complement to the static product renderings. These final illustrations enhance the emotional appeal of the proposal, as a branded experience designed to grow the YAMAHA powersports brand in the minds' of the mass market consumer.