A Spatial Narrative and Symbiotic Experience Framework Based on Multimodal Sensing and User-State Inference for Autonomous Vehicle Interior Design

Abstract

Autonomous driving is reshaping the vehicle cabin from a driver-centered control compartment into an intelligent experiential space. While previous studies have discussed trust, interface transparency, comfort, and non-driving-related activities, they offer limited methodological guidance on how artificial intelligence can be operationalized within a coherent interior design strategy. This paper proposes an AI-enabled Spatial Narrative and Symbiotic Experience (SNSE) framework for autonomous vehicle interiors. Using a research-through-design approach, the framework structures design activity into three interconnected layers: Narrative, Perceptual, and Responsive. These layers connect scenario meaning, multisensory orchestration, and bounded AI adaptation. The framework is demonstrated through Journey Homeward, a restorative commuting concept for urban knowledge workers. To support future validation, the paper further formulates a concise empirical model encompassing narrative coherence, field meaningfulness, multisensory comfort, symbiotic responsiveness, trust and safety perception, emotional restoration, and use intention. The contribution is methodological as opposed to fully experimental: the study offers a systematic design grammar for meaning-oriented autonomous interiors and clarifies how AI can support sensing, state inference, personalization, and adaptive regulation without compromising user agency.