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Zakaria Lahroussi

Hi, my name is Zakaria Lahroussi but you can call me Zak, and I am a bilingual (English/French) Industrial Design student based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I have a deep passion for creative design and an interest in the mechanics behind everyday products, I am committed to using my skills to develop innovative products that both look great and can help make the world a better place. From an early age, I have had a keen interest in cars and motorcycles and have enjoyed tinkering with various products and figuring out how they work. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong mechanical understanding that I believe will be valuable in my future industrial design work. As an Industrial Design student, I recognize the importance of balancing creativity with technical expertise. With this in mind, I am dedicated to continuing to refine my skills in areas such as sketching, prototyping, and CAD modelling to develop practical solutions that address real-world needs. I am excited to continue learning and growing as an industrial designer and look forward to contributing to the field with my unique perspective and skill set.

The Four Essential Pillars for Design Excellence

The four essential pillars encompass human-centric design approach and the understanding of full-bodied, three dimensional physical interaction of user, product and environment. The projects generate innovative solutions using research-driven, evidence-based designs which focus on the user experience.

Enhancement of Human Lifestyle

One significant way the X-caliber enhances human lifestyle is by providing a stress-free and efficient mode of transportation. With its compact size, the X-caliber is easy to maneuver in traffic, making it a practical choice for those commuting to work or running errands in busy urban areas.

Moreover, its 350 km city range eliminates the range anxiety that electric vehicle owners commonly have. Another way the X-caliber enhances human lifestyle is through its sustainability features. Its zero-emissions engine reduces air pollution, providing a cleaner and healthier environment for city dwellers. This feature can help improve the quality of life for urban residents, reducing respiratory problems and other negative health effects caused by air pollution. For users coming from motorcycles, the X-caliber offers additional advantages that make the transition to a sustainable vehicle even smoother. One of these benefits is the increase in storage capacity, which provides more space to carry personal belongings, groceries, or even small furniture. This feature makes it a more practical option for those who rely on their vehicle for daily commuting or errands. Furthermore, the X-caliber offers enhanced safety features, such as airbags and a reinforced frame, which can provide peace of mind and protection in the event of an accident. This feature can be especially valuable for those who are used to riding motorcycles, which offer less protection in the event of a collision.

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Human-Interaction & User-Centric Design

The X-caliber not only addresses the challenges of urban commuting but also prioritizes human interaction and user-centric design. Its minimalist cockpit design offers a sleek and intuitive interface, making it easy and enjoyable to drive.

Additionally, the vehicle's enhanced storage capacity and safety features cater to the needs of users, particularly those coming from a motorcycle background. In designing the X-caliber, the user experience was at the forefront of the design process. The vehicle's compact size and electric-powered engine were chosen with user convenience and environmental sustainability in mind. Moreover, the X-caliber was designed to cater to the specific needs of urban commuters, with an emphasis on enhancing their overall quality of life. Its intuitive interface and efficient performance are intended to make commuting stress-free, while its environmentally friendly design aligns with users' growing concerns about sustainability.

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Ergonomics & Human Factors Design

In terms of ergonomics, the X-caliber design prioritizes the user's physical well-being.

The vehicle's adjustable seating, Steering wheel, and pedals are designed to accommodate users of different sizes and body types, minimizing the risk of fatigue or discomfort during extended periods of driving. The vehicle's air suspension system also ensures a smooth ride, reducing the impact of bumps and potholes on the user's body.

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Sustainability & Social Responsibility

The X-caliber is a sustainable urban vehicle that offers an eco-friendly solution to transportation. Its small footprint and fully electric-powered engine make it an ideal choice for navigating busy city streets without compromising on sustainability.

One of the key benefits of the X-caliber is its compact size, which allows it to take up minimal space on the road and reduce traffic congestion. This feature also makes it easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces, making it a practical option for urban dwellers who often face limited parking options. In addition to its small size, the X-caliber is fully electric-powered, meaning it emits zero emissions while in use. This feature not only helps to reduce air pollution but also reduces noise pollution, making it a quieter alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles.

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X-CALIBER - The Ultimate Urban Commuter

Project Summary

The average commute time in North America has been steadily increasing, with major cities like Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles seeing commutes of over an hour. However, what many people may not realize is that the amount of time spent commuting to and from work can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health, as well as work performance. Daily commuter stress and physical strain can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and other health issues. To address these problems and enhance the urban commuting experience, the X-caliber was designed to adapt to growing traffic and urban development. Its compact size and electric powerplant makes it ideal for navigating through congested roads and densely populated areas. The vehicle's small footprint allows for easy maneuvering through traffic and parking in tight spaces, reducing the stress and frustration of daily commuting. With its innovative design, the X-caliber offers a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation for urban commuters. Its electric-powered engine not only reduces carbon emissions and fuel costs but also provides a smoother and quieter ride. Additionally, the vehicle's enhanced safety features, such as airbags, blind spot detection mirrors, forward collision avoidance and a reinforced frame, ensure a secure and protected ride.

Thesis Summary Motion Presentation

X-CALIBER - The Ultimate Urban Commuter

The X-Caliber is a unique three-wheeled vehicle that combines the maneuverability, agility, and efficiency of a motorcycle with the comfort and safety of a car. Its minimalist cockpit design provides extra storage space compared to commuting on a motorcycle or scooter, making it a convenient and enjoyable option for urban commuters.

Thesis Development Process

Banner presentation of X-Caliber vehicle design development

Click the image to enlarge.

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