Škoda Vision O introduces a proactive AI companion

In short
- Services
- Product design
- Industry
- Automotive
- Capabilities
- AI
- Customer journeys
- Loyalty
- Mobile app
- Omnichannel
- Visit
- www.skoda-auto.com
Context
Škoda Auto is building the future of mobility on more personal relationships with its customers. A testament to this vision is the Vision O — an electric estate concept that paves the way for intelligent and sustainable mobility. For this model, we jointly designed the vision of a next-generation AI experience.
The result is “Laura” — an AI companion powered by Gemini, designed to turn everyday driving into a journey of discovery and delight.
Challenge
The task was to define an innovative, brand-defining in-car experience that would resonate with the “Everyday Explorer” audience and set Škoda apart in the rapidly evolving landscape of intelligent mobility.
Solution
We created the strategic concept for a proactive AI companion that adapts to the driver’s daily rhythm, seamlessly blending routine with moments of surprise and discovery.
Strategic Impact on the Škoda Brand
A Vision of Innovation – A detailed, human-centric roadmap for AI-driven mobility positions Škoda as a leader in automotive experience design.
Emotional Brand Connection – By embedding joy and discovery into daily routines, Škoda strengthens loyalty among “Everyday Explorers.”
Appeal to New Generations – Personalized, intelligent, seamless technology differentiates the brand in a competitive market.
A Blueprint for Tomorrow – The concept now serves as a guiding framework for Škoda’s development teams as they move toward future launches.
The Challenge: Envisioning a Human-Centered Future
The brief wasn’t to fix today’s problems, but to imagine tomorrow’s driving experience. How could in-car AI evolve from a reactive assistant into a proactive companion that genuinely understands and enriches everyday life?
For “Everyday Explorers” — people who value routine yet crave new experiences — the solution needed to merge the predictable with the surprising, making every trip feel personal, seamless, and inspiring.
Our Solution: An AI with a Circadian Rhythm
We built the concept around the idea of a “circadian rhythm,” envisioning Laura as a context-aware companion that evolves with the driver’s day. Integrated between a companion app and the car’s infotainment system, Laura anticipates needs and creates moments of delight.
- Morning Boost – Laura syncs with the driver’s calendar, checks traffic, adjusts climate, ensures charging, and even suggests a coffee stop. She welcomes the driver with a custom playlist, turning the commute into a smooth start.
- Midday Flow – Around lunch, Laura recommends favorite restaurants with live offers, checks parking, and adapts plans based on busyness. Later, she proposes energizing activities — from gym sessions to live events — making it easy to balance work and leisure.
- Evening Wind-Down – At day’s end, Laura suggests nearby charging with the right timing for tomorrow, sets a calming playlist, and ensures the car is prepped for the next morning.
Beyond daily patterns, Laura handles situational needs, like pre-heating the cabin on cold mornings or adjusting seating after a shopping trip.
Our role was to architect this vision — defining Laura’s core behaviors, mapping “exploration scenarios,” and delivering a tangible strategy and app concept showcased at the Vision O launch.
Building on Škoda's estate segment leadership in Europe, the Vision O concept presents the brand’s electrified future and the evolved Modern Solid design language.
I've been collaborating with LB* for four years on a variety of strategic and hands-on projects. Together we successfully navigated the pressures of the automotive industry and created new design directions across multiple digital products. What sets them apart is their willingness to engage deeply with complex briefs and their consistently humble, people-first approach. I'd recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable long-term design partner.

Stefan Vitek
Head of UX & Digital Design, Škoda
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