

Client
Ford Motor Company
CAtegory
Digital Experiences
ARTIST
Clay Carpenter
Designing Accessibility Across the Mobility Ecosystem
REIMAGINING EXISTING TECH
By reimagining how existing vehicle features could support deaf and hard-of-hearing drivers, I identified accessibility opportunities already built into the platform. I explored using steering-wheel and seat haptics as navigation cues, giving drivers clear directional feedback without relying on audio. I also considered how the vehicle’s 11 built-in cameras could support clearer American Sign Language communication: by capturing hand movements from multiple angles across the cabin, the system could interpret and translate signing without requiring the driver to twist around or rely on the mirrors to speak the other passengers. That same multi-angle setup could enable quick interactions outside the car—at drive-thrus or during traffic stops—by letting the driver sign while the system maintains a stable, well-framed video feed. Finally, I began testing whether built-in microphones could detect siren frequencies and provide emergency-vehicle awareness through visual and haptic alerts.











