The goal of this thesis was to investigate possible ways to improve the current transportation system in regards to sustainability. This paper took a close look at alternative green energy technologies that can be a replacement to fossil fuel along with the AFVs (alternative fueled vehicles) as a part of the literature review.
It concluded that electric cars have the highest potential when compared to all other possibilities with the current technological advancements. However, it was also determined that the resource of the energy is more critical than the type of engine that is used. The only way to achieve a zero emission goal is by replacing the fossil fuel addiction with wind turbines, solar, wave and geothermal plants.
Two stages of design research were executed in this study. Stage-1 was a survey/open ended conversation that was conducted among potential end-users. The purpose of this survey was to understand participants’ opinions on a variety of existing vehicles and to collect ideas for the conceptual design.
The concept vehicle (OSU Car) was designed to visualize suggestions for improving sustainability in urban areas. This design was the outcome of initial design research and literature review.
The second part of the research was interviews with people who were selected from Stage-1 to evaluate the final design and ideas. The main goal of Stage-2 was the evaluation of the OSU Car and to gather data on end-user ideas, suggestions and/or critiques of the product. The secondary objective was the value comparison of information presented in 2D print outs vs. 3D projection in a design research process.
The solution is more complex than just improving the cars. Therefore, a concept called Next Generation Self-Sustaining Transportation Infrastructure was presented to show possible alternatives to eliminate commuting related environmental problems and increase the overall quality of daily transportation.