Layer has developed a concept for an autonomous ride-sharing service based on aeroplane cabins, that avoids the guilt of booking single passenger journeys without compromising on privacy.
The vehicle consists of two rows of eight modular seats set in S-shaped pairs that face opposite directions to maximise each individual's privacy.
Attached to the top of each seat is a curved component with "wings" that can be pushed away from the sitter to open up their field of vision, or back towards them to close their area off.
The Joyn concept was driven by skepticism around the safety and sustainability of ride-sharing services, which saw the recent loss of Uber's license to operate in London.
Layer wanted to design a ride-sharing platform that would address issues of privacy and security in addition to offering the environmental benefits of multiple passengers sharing one vehicle.
"The world is in the midst of an environmental emergency," said Layer founder Benjamin Hubert.
"This near-future concept addresses both the need for a more comfortable ride-share system that people actually want to use as an alternative to private commutes, and a growing need for environmental action and awareness," he continued.
"Passengers using this platform could alleviate the 'eco-guilt' associated with car travel without sacrificing comfort or convenience, and also engage in a community with shared sustainable goals."
The near-future Joyn concept takes its name from the "joining" together of the comfort of business-class and the convenience of road travel, as well as the idea of users being able to "join" onto the same service.
Based on the footprint of the Ford Galaxy people carrier, the eight-seater design aims to provide optimum comfort for short to mid-length journeys of around 30 minutes to an hour.
The exterior is designed to look like a smart glass "bubble", granting passengers expansive views of their surrounding cityscape.
Information specific to each passenger, such as upcoming stops and remaining time to the destination, is displayed via a transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED).
The inside cabin takes cues from residential interiors in a bid to offer "home comforts" in busy cities.
Layer incorporated details such as vegetable leather and plush textile upholstery and pillows to create a "soft" and "human-focused" space that would feel welcoming.
These finishes have also been chosen for their durability and practicality, as the leather is easy to clean and the fabric has a "noisy" pattern designed to disguise any wear-and-tear marks.
The flooring material also has a non-slip grip texture for added safety.
On the back of each seat is a stowable table with smart-tech features such as charging ports and folding tablet stands.
Users would be able to order a Joyn vehicle via the app from anywhere within the service area.
After inputting passenger numbers and the destination, they can select their desired car and seat from a map displaying the estimated journey times of nearby vehicles.
The AI-powered system determines what the best route is for the rider while causing as little disruption as possible to other passengers.
The car's modular design also enables the vehicles to have different configurations based on their purpose. If a Joyn car was focused on airport transport, for example, it may have less seats and more room for luggage.
Riders will be rewarded for choosing Joyn, earning points each time they ride and extra points for rides that are more eco-friendly – such as journeys with more passengers or a more direct route.
These points can be exchanged for goods and services like coffee, or discounts at a particular restaurant. Alternatively, riders can donate their points to charity partners for their cash value.
Joyn users can also use the app as a platform to organise, promote or follow environmental events, and accumulate points by taking part in these events.
Layer is one of many agencies looking to make a mark in the growing ride-sharing industry.
Autonomous vehicle startup Cruise recently revealed its first self-driving, electric Origin car designed for shared ownership, which has done away with any unnecessary features to make room for a spacious cabin.
The car has a symmetrical and blocky exterior, similar to a van or shuttle bus, with seats positioned inwards to face each other.