Thomas Hank

Final Product - A full scale functioning center console was created complete with ratcheting center console arms able to pivot by locking and unlocking with a turn of the SLA knobs. A DVD player and LCD screen was also integrated to the model; housed in closed compartment separate from the main storage/center stack area. As shown; every item used in the console can be reconfigured or relocated using modular plug-in design. Awarded Most Reconfigurable Console Innovation: Collins and Aikman/Sanyo 2005.

Initial Ideation - In a sponsored 2005 studio; Collins and Aikman and Sanyo commissioned a center console design for a large SUV platform. Shown here are initial ideation and form studies leading into the eventual design.

Initial Ideation - In a sponsored 2005 studio; Collins and Aikman and Sanyo commissioned a center console design for a large SUV platform. Shown here are initial ideation and form studies leading into the eventual design.

Refining Ideation - Through the design process, I thought it best to create a center console that could be repositioned within the vehicle to allow for storage or ergonomic purposes. An added bonus is the simple 'cool factor' that could allow the user to personalize the interior of the vehicle to their own tastes.

Refining Ideation - Through the design process, I thought it best to create a center console that could be repositioned within the vehicle to allow for storage or ergonomic purposes. An added bonus is the simple 'cool factor' that could allow the user to personalize the interior of the vehicle to their own tastes.

Final Ideation - While toying with the idea of a console that could allow the user to change personal configuration within the vehicle; it occurred that a modular center console layout that could be transformed to be used in a multitude of vehicles within the company would give the most benefit to the design process and final product.

Modular Construction - Modular plug-ins within the center console can allow for different variations in personal entertainment, option levels, and storage.

Modular Construction - Modular plug-ins within the center console can allow for different variations in personal entertainment, option levels, and storage.

In-car Features - Ideation continued with the additions of beverage holding and temperature control along with more personal media features. A flip out LCD screen was to be used to double as both a GPS unit and entertainment purposes.

In-car Features - Ideation continued with the additions of beverage holding and temperature control along with more personal media features. A flip out LCD screen was to be used to double as both a GPS unit and entertainment purposes.

Continued Refinement - Additional ideation helped to develop some of the final designs and locations of devices inside the center console. Along with the center stack and features, a track and locking system was developed for both the main console center stack and the armrest. This focused on the actual pivot points within the system. A winged seat track allowed the seats to 'float' above the floor; permitting room for more storage and completing the union with the modular center console design.

Continued Refinement - Additional ideation helped to develop some of the final designs and locations of devices inside the center console. Along with the center stack and features, a track and locking system was developed for both the main console center stack and the armrest. This focused on the actual pivot points within the system. A winged seat track allowed the seats to 'float' above the floor; permitting room for more storage and completing the union with the modular center console design.

Continued Refinement - Additional ideation helped to develop some of the final designs and locations of devices inside the center console. Along with the center stack and features, a track and locking system was developed for both the main console center stack and the armrest. This focused on the actual pivot points within the system. A winged seat track allowed the seats to 'float' above the floor; permitting room for more storage and completing the union with the modular center console design.

Continued Refinement - Additional ideation helped to develop some of the final designs and locations of devices inside the center console. Along with the center stack and features, a track and locking system was developed for both the main console center stack and the armrest. This focused on the actual pivot points within the system. A winged seat track allowed the seats to 'float' above the floor; permitting room for more storage and completing the union with the modular center console design.

Concept Illustration - Shown are both marker sketches and a digital sketch model highlighting the different configurations within the center console design. Using the exact same center console base; the unit can be adapted for use in a sedan platform, suv, or sports car configuration.

Concept Illustration - Shown are both marker sketches and a digital sketch model highlighting the different configurations within the center console design. Using the exact same center console base; the unit can be adapted for use in a sedan platform, suv, or sports car configuration.

Concept Renderings - These final renderings illustrate the three basic configuration layouts without any major changes to center console plug in devices.

Concept Renderings - These final renderings illustrate the three basic configuration layouts without any major changes to center console plug in devices.

Concept Renderings - These final renderings illustrate the three basic configuration layouts without any major changes to center console plug in devices.

Final Model - Capturing the motion within the center console and the ability to create both an 'open' or 'closed' design; these models help to illustrate the essence of the final product. Also shown is the underside ambient lighting within the console.

Final Model - Capturing the motion within the center console and the ability to create both an 'open' or 'closed' design; these models help to illustrate the essence of the final product. Also shown is the underside ambient lighting within the console.

Final Product - A full scale functioning center console was created complete with ratcheting center console arms able to pivot by locking and unlocking with a turn of the SLA knobs. A DVD player and LCD screen was also integrated to the model; housed in closed compartment separate from the main storage/center stack area. As shown; every item used in the console can be reconfigured or relocated using modular plug-in design. Awarded Most Reconfigurable Console Innovation: Collins and Aikman/Sanyo 2005.