MINI – Interior Vision & Concept Development
Playful thinking, purposeful design
My Role
Interior Design Intern (Concept Development)
Explored future MINI interiors through concept layout studies and CMF development, collaborating with another intern and the interior design team on early-stage ideation.
Company
BMW
Duration
Jun 2017 – Dec 2017
Location
Onsite Munich Germany
Focus Areas
Early-stage concept development, interior layout, and CMF (Colour, Material & Finish)
Project Overview
MINI – Interior Concept Exploration
Reimagining the future of driving comfort and brand expression
During my internship at MINI, I worked on an early-stage concept development project focused on the future of in-car experiences. Partnering with another interior design intern, I contributed to shaping the interior vision of a concept vehicle—exploring layout, comfort, and expressive material use to align with MINI’s evolving brand narrative.
🎯 Design Challenge
How might we envision a future MINI interior that captures the brand’s playfulness while enhancing comfort, spatial layout, and sensory experience?
This self-directed design challenge stemmed from my interest in future car interiors. I initiated the concept and co-developed it with another interior intern, working alongside the design team for feedback and alignment.
🔍 Research & Insights
• Explored brand DNA, focusing on compactness, fun, and quirky identity
• Investigated future mobility trends and CMF (Colour, Material, Finish) directions in automotive design
• Analysed ergonomic preferences and interior layout shifts influenced by remote work and lifestyle flexibility
🧠 Concept Exploration
• Proposed multiple layout concepts optimised for comfort and personalisation
• Curated CMF combinations reflecting MINI’s playful spirit and future-forward tone
• Regularly refined concepts through collaborative reviews with the interior design intern and supervisor feedback
✨ Outcome & Reflection
This experience taught me how to approach conceptual design without needing to finalise every detail. I learned how to anchor ideas in brand values while allowing freedom to explore futuristic narratives. Collaborating with another intern helped me sharpen communication and ideation skills in a creative setting.
“Working on a concept that may never go into production gave me the freedom to take bold risks, while still staying true to MINI’s charm.”
