AIRFLOW CONCEPT

This prototype featured seven screens that together told a cohesive story of functionality. The animations across the instrument cluster, head unit, lower control screen, passenger screen, and two rear-seat entertainment screens were powered by a combination of Raspberry Pis and Intel NUC mini pcs connected through a local network. Node.js was used to coordinate the system, creating a seamless, synchronized story experience. The 2022 Airflow Concept vehicle was meant to tour the auto show circuit, but was cut short due to COVID.

-Nate Balcom

Bridging Aesthetic Vision and Technical Reality

When approaching the Airflow concept, my primary responsibility was taking ownership of the entire prototype technology stack and making the physical model work. The core challenge wasn't just visualizing a futuristic cabin experience, but actually engineering the underlying interface architecture so it functioned seamlessly under real-world automotive constraints.

Working side-by-side with the physical modeling groups, I designed and programmed the core technology to link the hardware with the digital displays. Every screen setup, animation curve, transition state, and touch response was rigorously built and optimized to ensure a flawless, real-time user experience.

Architecting Multi-Modal Human-Machine Interfaces

Modern automotive prototypes demand more than static screens. They require a cohesive ecosystem where digital displays, haptic feedback, and spatial audio operate in absolute unison. For this project, I engineered the interactive models that bridged interior design aesthetics with advanced software logic. By setting up the screens and building modular UI components, I created a flexible framework capable of adapting to shifting user contexts. This ensured the hardware and software performed seamlessly whether the vehicle was transitioning through autonomous transit, active manual drive, or parked media-sharing modes.

Prototyping for Production-Ready Precision

Moving from initial concept sketches to a high-fidelity CES presentation model requires a disciplined digital prototyping workflow where the technology has to perform reliably live. This phase involved close cross-functional collaboration with the modeling teams to map out complex user journeys, manage system state transitions, and translate raw design intent into functional, production-ready interaction code. The result is a fully realized human-machine interface that proves how hands-on technical architecture and meticulous programming can bring ambitious automotive concepts to life.

Chrysler Introduces Airflow Concept

Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO, introduces the Chrysler Airflow Concept and previews the iconic automotive brand's transformational electrification plans.

Chrysler Airflow Concept - Running Footage

Running footage and beauty shots of the Chrysler Airflow Concept.

Chrysler Airflow Concept Interior Design

The Chrysler brand revealed the Chrysler Airflow Concept at CES 2022, giving a glimpse at the leading-edge drive-system technology, fully connected customer experiences and advanced mobility features...

Nate Balcom

Technical UX Architect & AEO Developer

20+ Yrs UX & Dev Google HQ Alum Enterprise Architect

Senior UX Designer and Digital Architect specializing in the intersection of User Experience (UX) and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). With over two decades of experience, including global design sprints at Google HQ, Nate engineers high-performance web ecosystems designed for both human engagement and AI-agent indexing.

Nate’s work focuses on "agentic readiness," ensuring that modern brands are accurately parsed and prioritized by LLMs and search engines alike.

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