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Mormedi, the international design and innovation consultancy, as part of the Future Cabin for the Asian Market (FUCAM) consortium, has won the Excellent Product Design Award in the Aviation, Maritime, and Railway category at the German Design Awards 2019 for the Super Eco Seat.

### __Redefining low-cost flying__

The Super Eco Seat is optimised for a high-density cabin, aimed at Asian low-cost carriers. It was developed as a response to the changing needs of Asian markets where a considerable increase in travel volume and shuttle journeys is expected. The Super Eco Seat is designed as part of a high-density upper cabin, which is complemented by a lower deck Air Lounge and Experience Space, utilizing an interchangeable cargo container system. The lower deck offers services and entertainment options on a pay-per-use basis.

![Super Eco Seat 3_Label](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/11/Super-Eco-Seat-3_Label.jpg)

![Super Eco Seat 4_Label](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/11/Super-Eco-Seat-4_Label.jpg)

![Super Eco Seat 1_Label](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/11/Super-Eco-Seat-1_Label.jpg)

![Super Eco Seat 2_Label](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/11/Super-Eco-Seat-2_Label.jpg)

__Revolutionising concepts__

Jaime Moreno, founder and CEO of Mormedi, said, “We are proud that the Super Eco Seat has been recognized in one of the most prestigious design competitions in the world. This new concept is needed to help make airline travel accessible for a huge new emerging passenger segment in Asia. By combining the Super Eco Seat with new in-cabin spaces, air travel can be not only economically feasible, but more enjoyable from the passenger perspective.”

### __About FUCAM__

FUCAM is a 3-year EU-Japan collaborative project led by Airbus and part-funded via the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant number 690674.&nbsp;The program made use of the significant expertise of 9&nbsp;research and industrial partners from 6&nbsp;European countries and Japan including Mormedi, Airbus Group, Airbus, Cranfield University, Stelia, Jamco, Bertrandt, EASN, and Aalto University.

### __About the German Design Awards__

The German Design awards are an international pacesetter when it comes to current design practice, as well as staying competitive in a globalised economy. The award bestows accolades solely on those projects that are pioneering in the German and international design sphere. This high standard is assured by an international jury consisting of prominent individuals from the whole gamut of design sectors.



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Mormedi wins German Design Award for revolutionary concept in aircraft interiors: the Super Eco Seat

![](https://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/TMS_dc9cc759d0.jpg)

This year the Tokyo Motor Show was focused on the future of Mobility. In 2017, we saw some very futuristic concepts from companies such as Yamaha. However, this year manufacturers such as Hino, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki and Toyota seemed to be showing a consolidation of strategies.

The world’s leading car manufacturers showed what they believe will be the most passenger-centric, innovative, and eco-friendly alternatives to the way we move around cities and even across countries, and Mormedi was in attendance. Over the course of the 12-day tradeshow we saw everything from futuristic technologies to 70s-inspired autonomous vans or cargo vehicles.

Here are five of the biggest showstoppers and our take on some of the most popular automotive trends for this year:

### __Toyota Olympic-based E-Palette and new AV proposals__

Japan’s top-selling auto company, Toyota, introduced the new version of its fleet-type autonomous and electric vehicle; the e-Palette. This new model will serve athletes during the upcoming 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The new e-Palette’s design was based on feedback from athletes and Paralympians. It will autonomously run a shuttle service around the athletes’ villages in order to transport competitors and staff around the area.

Some of the new features added to the e-Palette include:

*   Larger doors
*   Lower floors and electric ramps that allow passengers—particularly wheelchair users—to board easily and quickly
*   Bigger space to fit up to 20 standing athletes or four wheelchairs and seven standing passengers

However, the e-Palette was not Toyota’s only AV offer. The Japanese car manufacturer introduced the LQ concept which is a level 4 autonomous vehicle. This means that the vehicle is capable of functioning without human supervision in specific locations or vehicle modes.

Toyota takes approaches future mobility by looking at the entire ecosystem which is, from our perspective, quite advanced when compared to some competitors.

![20191017_01_01](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/20191017_01_01.jpg)

![20191011_01_02](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/20191011_01_02.jpg)

![20191011_01_09](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/20191011_01_09.jpg)

![20191017_01_10](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/20191017_01_10-1.jpg)

### __Suzuki showed an AV concept for the first time__

Suzuki followed the fully-autonomous trend for the first time and introduced the Suzuki Hanare Concept. This model was designed for large families that enjoy traveling in vans but do not want to lose the comfort and family space of their living-room. Some of the most ground-breaking features of the Hanare (Japanese for “detached cottage”) include:

*   No driver’s seat
*   An enormous screen in the center of the van that works as a control panel
*   A symmetrical design with no front or rear as it won’t be necessary in a fully-autonomous future
*   A large gull-wing door that spans from one end of the vehicle to the other in order to reveal a spacious interior with a living-room-like design

![hanare_01](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/hanare_01.jpg)

![hanare_14](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/hanare_14.jpg)

![wakuspo_01](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/wakuspo_01.jpg)

![wakuspo_10](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/wakuspo_10.jpg)

__Honda fast-tracks its “electric-vision” with new sustainable strategy__

Honda announced that its mainstream models will be electrified, not by 2025, but by 2022.&nbsp; _“I’m delighted to announce that all of Honda’s mainstream models here in Europe will be electrified not by 2025, but three years earlier, by the end of 2022, just 36 months from now”,_ Tom Gardner, SVP Honda Motor Europe.

The company also revealed its new “e: Technology” branding, which will unify all of Honda’s electrified products under the same global name. The Honda Fit (aka Jazz overseas) will be the first vehicle to carry the “e:HEV” branding, standing for “Hybrid Electric Vehicle”.

The new, fourth iteration of the Honda Fit will come in five different trims including the Crosstar version which adds a crossover feel with 16-inch aluminum wheels. More of the features of the Honda Fit that were introduced last week in Tokyo include:

*   Body-stabilizing seats
*   On-board communications with Honda Connect system
*   Low and flat instrument panel
*   Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity
*   More cabin storage

![03](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/03-2.jpg)

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__Hino released its new platform concept for AV cargo vehicles__

Hino’s theme during Tokyo’s Motor Show was “Transporting Every Happiness” where it unveiled the Hino FlatFormer, a versatile concept vehicle that will change the idea of cargo transportation forever, according to its creators.

The Flatformer has no driver’s cabin. It consists of an adaptable and fixed low-riding bed to which containers can be swapped out. Hino’s idea was to create a “standardized truck bed” that customers could customise according to the services that they offer.

Hino vision is also quite advanced in terms of their manufacturing outlook, the chassis being 3d printed.

![HINO_FlatFormerfinal](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/HINO_FlatFormerfinal.png)

### __Nissan presented its new EV vehicles__

Nissan is probably one of the most advanced manufacturers in terms of EV &amp; AV technology. They presented two new models – a sedan and an urban vehicle – and are clearly opening a new chapter in terms of future design language &amp; design strategy.

### __Other trends and insights__

Overall, auto makers are showing great interest in developing urban mobility alternatives for senior citizens, especially due to Asia’s rapidly-ageing population. Auto companies such as Toyota and Nissan are betting on smaller, two-passenger EVs that fit Japan’s cramped parking spaces and streets.

In addition, monospace and one-box vehicles were all over this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. From cargo to passenger transportation vehicles, car manufacturers are developing cube-shaped concepts in order to provide more interior space. Some examples are the new Mitsubishi Super Height K-Wagon concept, Suzuki’s Hustler, and Nissan’s NV350.

![Nissan ARIYA Concept_18](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/Nissan-ARIYA-Concept_18.jpg)

![Nissan ARIYA Concept - Design sketch_4](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/Nissan-ARIYA-Concept-Design-sketch_4.jpg)

__Aesthetic trends__

Few concept cars have captured the imagination amongst both petrolheads and non-car buffs in recent years like Honda´s Urban EV concept that debuted in Germany in 2017. Fast forward two years to Tokyo and the production version (the Honda “E”) is edging closer to reality.

The journey from concept to market has seen some of the more outlandish features hit the cutting room floor, but what remains is still a well-proportioned, charming, retro-inspired city vehicle with some neat futuristic touches that is sure to make heads turn when it hits the roads later this year.

Japan does retro well, and Suzuki were another of the major manufacturers to present a concept that combines cutting edge internals with nostalgic styling. The Waku SPO is an homage to the 1960s “Fronte 360” and features a power-operated folding top and LEDs integrated into the wheels. It also has the ability to change its “face” at the flick of a switch. __A clear reaction to the buzz that the Honda created, this somehow feels a little more cliched, and lacking in some of the sophistication of its rival.__

When Japanese design isn’t looking to the past for inspiration, it is positioning itself way into the future. __The Lexus LF30 does it very successfully, mixing organic surfaces with hard edges to great effect.__ Less successful in our opinion was the aforementioned Toyota LQ: a strange combination of styles that results in a confused exterior aesthetic. But the onus is very much on the interior, which is designed to “create an emotional bond” between man and machine.

And finally, there are the cars that don’t look like cars. As well as the Hanare mentioned above, Daihatsu\`s Ico Ico takes “one-box” to the extreme, maximizing headroom for the “mobile living room” effect. However, the all-white interior makes for a very clinical, impersonal environment, relying instead on an anthropomorphized robot assistant named Nipote to add character. It is envisioned as a “first-mile” or “last-mile” form of transport that is more likely to be owned by a public authority than individuals.

__It is clear that the emergence of fully autonomous vehicles is bringing with it a revolution in how the public see cars, and Japanese manufacturers are hedging their bets as to how to approach this new outlook.__ Whilst they seem to be braver than their global counterparts in terms of proposing radically-proportioned “living space” vehicles, their move toward retro as a trend suggests they are not entirely sure the buying public are ready to redefine the automobile just yet.

![191023aa](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2019/10/191023aa.jpg)

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Mormedi's insights from Tokyo Motor Show 2019

CES 2020 was the 50th anniversary of the tradeshow where companies showcase the products that will define the market for the coming the year. 

Here is our take on the trends and topics that made headlines this year.

### 1. Health and wellbeing for all

Due to health system costs and accessibility, it makes sense that consumers are empowered to be better able to manage their own health. Companies are getting closer to being able to transfer the healthcare experience from the doctor’s office to the home via AI-assisted technology. For example, Heart Hero&nbsp;is a portable defibrillator that can be used at home. It uses AI technology to alert emergency services and detects irregular heart rhythm. In addition, fertility and sexual health were also trending topics. ProovTest&nbsp;is the first in-home progesterone kit that uses a urine test to check for high or low progesterone levels. The company plans to launch an app soon to make the testing process seamless and tell people more about their hormones and ovulation periods.

__Mormedi’s take__

Hospitals, pharma companies, and even doctors need to think about the way that healthcare can—and should—be democratized. Big changes are coming to make wellness and healthcare more integrated into our lifestyles (and devices), which will change the patient experience. The healthcare industry needs to stay one step ahead in the new patient-centric world.

![HEART HERo](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2020/01/HEART-HERo.png)

![PROOV TEST](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2020/01/PROOV-TEST.jpg)

### 2. Smarter and smarter-er

At CES we saw the usual smart lights, smart speakers, and smart TVs… and even smart robots designed to fetch you a roll&nbsp;of&nbsp;toilet paper when you need it most!

Home security also played a leading role at this year’s show. Devices such as the Arlo Pro 3 security camera are even more autonomous, with the ability to turn on the lights to tilting, zooming, and panning to keep subjects in frame. Also, LG has taken homefront security to another level with the new ThinQ Smart Door. This new door includes biometric security features, palm scanning, and facial recognition.

__Mormedi’s take__

Even though companies have made it clear that they intend to create smart or connected versions of every possible device, we believe the next generation of the smart home leaders will be defined by the platforms that are able to stitch those devices together in order to create valuable services and experiences. Telcos or even power companies, for example, may be the ones who have the power to provide the platforms that will successfully integrate smart home devices that will drive adoption.

![ARLO PRO 3](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2020/01/ARLO-PRO-3.jpg)

![thinQ LG](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2020/01/thinQ-LG.jpg)

### 3. The City as a Platform

We saw plenty of companies and start-ups focusing on designing the next city of the future, with a focus on security and inclusion. However, Toyota’s future city vision was the most ambitious. The Japanese company unveiled the Woven City, a prototype community of the future that will be built near Mount Fuji in Japan. The core idea of the city is that it is built around more sustainable transportation, hence there will be no human-driven or emission-producing vehicles. The city will also include connected homes, robots, and new forms of personal mobility.

__Mormedi’s take__

Plenty of companies and start-ups have tried to figure out what will the city of the future look like, but the scale of Toyota’s real-life project is impressive. Toyota’s Woven City living lab will provide plenty of data and insights that will help the company develop human-centric solutions and experiences. The most interesting upshot of all this will be Toyota’s ownership of the “city as a platform”. With the e-Palette, Toyota already teased that it was aiming to be mobility service platform provider. The Woven City might just lead to a more holistic urban connectivity in which all community-based services and products, even home devices, will be connected under one platform.

![Woven City 2](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2020/01/Woven-City-2.jpg)

![Woven City](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2020/01/Woven-City.jpg)

![Woven City 3](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2020/01/Woven-City-3.jpg)

### 4. Playing with new displays

Lenovo introduced the ThinkPad X1 Fold, the first foldable Windows tablet. Meanwhile, Dell displayed new concept devices such as the dual-screened laptop,&nbsp;Duet,&nbsp;and a foldable tablet, called Ori, and Royole showed off the FlexPai, the world’s first commercially available foldable phone. This year Hisense introduced a new prototype smartphone with a color e-ink screen. The new display features improved contrast, reduced eyestrain, and excellent legibility.

__Mormedi’s take__

The incremental improvements in displays are still somewhat underwhelming. The first generation of foldable devices are expensive and have had plenty of technical issues. While prices will fall and build quality has improved, there is still room for improvement. Expect this segment of the market to keep getting bigger, but companies still have work to do to ensure that both software and hardware match customer expectations and bring real added value. The same goes for the e-ink displays. Even though Hisense has not revealed much of the details of the new e-ink screen, a slow refresh rate remains a concern. Even though this does not represent an issue for an e-reader, it is very limiting when it comes to a smartphone UI.

![Lenovo ThinkPad](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2020/01/Lenovo-ThinkPad.jpg)

![Duell Dell](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2020/01/Duell-Dell.jpg)

### 5. I can’t believe it is plant-based!

As CES was taking place in Las Vegas, Australia was on fire. It is impossible to ignore climate change or the need to create solutions that enable consumers to have more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyles. We saw new types of foods to replace the most eaten animal in the world, pork. Burger King has partnered with Impossible Burger to introduce Impossible Pork to its breakfast menu. Meanwhile, other plant-based foods include things such as sustainable ice cream. Eclipse Foods is working with big brands and top NYC restaurants to recreate ice cream without dairy, gum, gels, and stabilizers.

__Mormedi’s take__

More sustainable concepts and products are always welcome. However, from our work, we’ve seen how important it is that sustainability be embedded across organizations. If a sustainable culture is not created (with holistic outputs measured), and a company does not look at the entire value chain, sustainability efforts are often doomed to fail.


![Impossible Burger](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2020/01/Impossible-Burger.jpg)

![Eclipe Foods Ice Cream](https://www.mormedi.com/wp-contenthttps://cms.mormedi.com/uploads/2020/01/Eclipe-Foods-Ice-Cream.jpg)



Mormedi wins German Design Award for revolutionary concept in aircraft interiors: the Super Eco Seat

Sara Cesin

Marketing Representative

Redefining low-cost flying

About FUCAM

About the German Design Awards

5 key takeaways from CES 2020: From health and home, to food and foldables

Mormedi's insights from Tokyo Motor Show 2019