Rivian Was Inspired By Anime And ‘Optimism’ To Transform Car Controls

In-car software seems subpar. Rivian’s latest updates to the 2025 R1S and R1T address this issue in a distinct and even reflective manner.

Even as touchscreens and software become increasingly integral to the modern driving experience, a question is rarely asked: why do automotive interior designs often seem so unsightly.

The consumer experience at many in-car information systems is often lacking in terms of aesthetic appeal and artistic value, similar to a mid-range shopping mall. Their menu layouts and operation controls often appear to be disorganized and lack visual appeal, a problem that persists despite more than 10 years of in-car touchscreen adoption and constant advancements towards over-the-air updates and mobile-like infotainment features.

Set out to revamp its in-car software entirely, the designers challenging the notion that things have to be this way.

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When I questioned Rivian's Chief Design Officer Jeff Hammoud about the reasoning behind his team's design choices, a recurring theme emerged: "optimism."

We wanted to bring some personality to the car through this software update, making it more approachable and user-friendly," Hammoud explained in a recent interview. Reflecting Rivian's overall philosophy, these new interfaces were designed to exude a sense of welcoming warmth. "We aim to create an inviting appearance across all our vehicles," Hammoud noted. "Our brand embodies a positive vibe, driven by our goals of making electric vehicles and protecting the planet for future generations.

This updated approach to software development gives a glimpse into Rivian's capabilities, and it's no surprise a traditional conglomerate like the Volkswagen Group sees such value in the company's expertise. The 2025 R1S, for instance, underwent improvements during my time with it, receiving a software update that enhanced the energy and efficiency gauges, which were repositioned to align with the vehicle's revamped aesthetic, as well as correcting some issues related to the sound system and adding Halloween-themed visuals.

Autonomous models are set to be enhanced, with additional features and improvements planned for existing vehicles via software updates and other adjustments.

We're introducing some exciting new developments on R1 next year, which I'm eager to reveal, but for now, I'll just say that there will be special versions available.

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