Sacha Afghahi

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University of Nottingham > Engineering > Departments > Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering > PDM Exhibitions > 2023 > BEng students > Sacha Afghahi

Enhancing the driving experience and usability of the modern Jeep.

My name is Sacha Afghahi, and I come from Switzerland but have spent most of my life in the city of Dubai. Growing up in such a diverse place has given me a unique perspective on life.

Since I was a child, a huge aspect of my life has been sports and the outdoors, spending countless hours training for and competing in triathlons, cross country races, cycling as well as rugby. I am thankful for this dedication I made from a young age as it has imbedded a sense of discipline in my life.

I developed a real love for offroad driving, camping, and hiking as I got older. Exploring the beautiful landscapes surrounding Dubai, from the vast deserts to the towering mountains, became my ultimate adventure.

During my time at university, I had some exciting opportunities in the working world. I worked on designing soil and waste fittings for mass production in the UAE, which was a great chance to put my skills to the test. I also had the opportunity to get involved in purchasing and procurement at a luxury desert camp experience company during a period of incredible growth. Seeing first-hand how a business expands and evolves was truly inspiring, as well as a glimpse of what it takes to make a business successful.

One thing that has become a big part of my life is martial arts. Muay Thai and other disciplines have captured my attention, and I've dedicated a lot of time to training and competing. It's not just about the physical aspect—it's taught me discipline, focus, and personal growth.

Now that I've wrapped up my university studies, I'm ready to take on a new challenge. I'm planning to dive into full-time training for the time being, allowing me to refine my skills in martial arts while also exploring my own personal journey of growth.

Sacha Afghahi, BEng Product Design and Manufacture

JET Interior Package

The project aimed to incorporate futuristic trends in car interior design into the modern Jeep Wrangler JL, with a focus on enhancing the driving experience and usability of the vehicle. While the aftermarket industry has offered numerous modifications to improve performance and aesthetics, major interior upgrades have been overlooked until now.

Observing design trends in the industry, it became evident that the addition of interactive displays, effective UI/UX design, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) considerations could greatly enhance the versatility and usability of in-car infotainment systems. Through extensive research and exploration of specific technologies and practices applied to car interiors, the project gained viability.

By implementing these emerging design concepts and technologies, the project aimed to transform the interior of the Jeep Wrangler JL into a modern, user-friendly space that seamlessly integrates advanced features and functionalities. The goal was to provide an enhanced driving experience for both the driver and passengers, meeting the growing demands for interactive and intuitive interior designs in the automotive market.

The steering wheel and the external camera module were key components that had a significant impact on the project. The camera module featured a CNC 1006 Aluminium casing and an ABS injection-moulded electronics housing, combining materials that created an appropriate aesthetic for the product. The decision to use CNC parts was influenced by market trends in the aftermarket parts industry and the geometric design language often seen in high-end suspension components. The camera module incorporated rear and front-facing cameras, providing the driver with a view of the terrain surrounding the front wheels, which is typically obscured by the door.

Designing the steering wheel proved to be an enjoyable process, allowing for exploration of complexities and manufacturing techniques. The overall form of the wheel and the integration of shift LEDs into the design were satisfying outcomes of this process.

In conclusion, the project successfully demonstrated how such a product could be brought to market. While there were areas, such as the UI and dashboard, that could have been explored further, the project showcased the potential for creating captivating car interiors. With the automotive industry undergoing significant changes, including the implementation of electric drivetrains and sustainable manufacturing practices, I am excited about the prospects of working in this industry and collaborating with design teams to create innovative car interiors