Stowable tray table

DCA worked with Jaguar Land Rover to design and develop a removable stowable table for future luxury vehicle interiors. 

The aim was to create a refined and intuitive product that integrates cleanly into the seat architecture while delivering a robust and satisfying user experience. 

Supporting a range of passenger activities, the table needed to feel effortless to use while meeting demanding engineering and packaging constraints.

Integrating a deployable table into a premium automotive seat presents a complex balance of requirements. 

The solution needed to fit within a tightly constrained packaging space, operate reliably under load and feel intuitive for a wide range of users. At the same time, it had to align with evolving seat structures, safety considerations and the visual and tactile standards expected of a luxury interior.

Following a series of concept generation workshops, in vehicle research was carried out using low fidelity mock ups to evaluate a range of ideas. Key questions were explored around usage scenarios, required positioning, size, and feature set requirements. This included how to securely support devices such as tablets and phones at appropriate viewing angles while minimising glare, maintaining sufficient knee clearance and ensuring stability in use. 

Consideration was also given to how the table attaches to the seat back and supporting structure, how it can be intuitively deployed and removed, and how attachment features could be integrated without compromising the aesthetic of the seat back when the table is not installed. 

Development progressed through rapid iteration using low fidelity card and wooden prototypes, tested in context to assess usability and effectiveness. The selected concept was then developed into a resolved mechanical system, focusing on retention, release and controlled deployment.

In parallel with engineering, the visual design was developed to align with Jaguar Land Rover’s interior vision. 

Multiple design routes were explored before refining a cohesive solution that integrates with surrounding materials and forms. CMF proposals focused on key touchpoints, ensuring a premium and consistent user experience in both stowed and deployed states. 

The form and latching strategy were closely linked to the design of the mating seat surfaces. This required detailed consideration of the seat back architecture, including how loads introduced by the table are transferred into the structure, ensuring both visual integration and engineering integrity.

A series of physical prototypes enabled progressive validation of the concept, evolving from simple model board studies through to high resolution 3D printed and machined parts with representative finishes applied. 

Early rigs supported geometry and mechanism evaluation, followed by in vehicle prototypes used for user trials. Final looks like, works like demonstrators provided a realistic representation of the product, allowing detailed assessment of usability, performance and perceived quality. 

In parallel, close engagement with production suppliers informed the design for manufacture strategy. This included detailed discussions with specialists such as veneer manufacturers for the primary rear surface and suppliers of moulded chrome finished components, ensuring the design incorporated appropriate production features from an early stage. 

For the veneer surface, several close to production test components were successfully manufactured and integrated into later stage prototypes, providing confidence in both the feasibility and quality of the proposed solution.

The result is a fully integrated stowable table that combines robust engineering with a refined user experience. 

It delivers intuitive interaction, reliable performance and a premium finish, enhancing the functionality of the vehicle interior while remaining visually discreet when not in use. 

Key stakeholders at Jaguar Land Rover responded very positively to the final product proposal. During a JD Power review of our final prototypes, the stowage tray table was praised for adding a distinctive and valuable enhancement to the second row seating experience. 

Independent research provided many positive comments from target users and industry experts: 

“This is so incredibly clever”

“It transforms the ergonomics of row 2”

“This feature adds huge value to the second row environment”

“This feature is exceptionally well engineered”

“The shelf is incredibly useful”

“This feature has exceeded all of my expectations” 

The project also generated valuable intellectual property, that Jaguar Land Rover have successfully patented.