Lucid is collaborating with The Academy of Art University School of Industrial Design (AAU) to design a car of the future, according to a press release.

The company’s design team will oversee a 90-day project where students are tasked with creating designs that “transcend traditional notions of mobility.” 

“Students are encouraged to explore everything from tangible enhancements to existing Lucid products to the creation of new, future-focused designs and concepts that reimagine driving,” the release says. 

Lucid, an electric vehicle manufacturer, mandates the concepts use environmentally friendly materials and technologies. 

Representatives of Lucid will visit the academy during multiple key stages of the program, the release says. It says the representatives will provide insights and feedback on developing concepts. 

The design concepts will be demonstrated in clay models and 3D printed prototypes, which will be rated by the Lucid design team. 

“We wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of young, creative minds in pushing the boundaries of creative innovation,” said Derek Jenkins, Lucid SVP of Design and Brand, in the release. “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to harnessing this energy and creativity. By challenging students to reimagine the future of mobility, we can unlock exciting new ideas in vehicle design, functionality, and sustainability, ensuring that we continue to lead in the creation of cutting-edge, luxury electric vehicles.” 

The university has multiple connections to Lucid with several students and a professor now employed by the OEM. Jenny Ha, previously taught at the university while concurrently being a senior member of the design team behind the Lucid Air, the release says. Industrial design graduates Sean Wilson and Roberto Bautista also work as designers for the company. 

“Collaborating with a brand like Lucid offers our students an unparalleled opportunity to apply their creativity and design skills to real-world challenges at the forefront of automotive innovation,” said Antonio Borja, Director of the Academy of Art School of Industrial Design, in the release. “It’s hugely beneficial for future designers to engage directly with industry leaders that are redefining the standards of luxury, technology, and sustainability in auto design. This partnership not only enriches our curriculum but also prepares our students to be industry-ready, imbuing them with a mindset that values innovation, practical problem-solving, and the importance of sustainability.”

Lucid remains competitive in the EV market with shares climbing nearly 8% last month after the announcement of a $1 billion capital injection from an affiliate of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The Saudi government has a 60% stake in the company, according to Reuters. 

Lucid says it will use the funding for corporate purposes and capital expenditures.

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Feature Image: Lucid ‘Car of the Future’ concept design by Academy of Art School of Industrial Design Student Jiachen (Justin) Xu (CNW Group/Academy of Art University)