A visitor at BMW Welt used artificial intelligence to reimagine the MINI Cooper SE, resulting in a futuristic design with a holographic display on the dashboard and gull-wing doors.
MINI’s AI Contest Ignites Creativity
The MINI Creative AI Contest brought together art and technology, challenging visitors to design their dream MINI Cooper SE using an AI-powered tool. This innovative approach allowed people to express their creativity without requiring extensive artistic or design experience. By letting AI handle the technical aspects, participants could focus on brainstorming unique ideas and shapes.
Daniel Schell, a visitor who submitted a design, explained the process: “I found it fascinating to see how the AI would interpret my input and create a new design based on my preferences. It was like a collaborative process where I provided the inspiration, and the AI brought it to life.” Schell’s design, featuring a sleek, aerodynamic body and a panoramic roof, was among the top submissions.
The Winning Design
After reviewing thousands of submissions, MINI announced the winner: Maximilian Scharf, a 25-year-old design student. Scharf’s design, called “MINI Cooper SE ‘Future Electric’,” envisioned a futuristic take on the classic MINI Cooper SE. His submission featured a holographic display on the dashboard, gull-wing doors, and a distinctive color scheme.
“I was thrilled to see my design selected as the winner,” Scharf said in an interview. “The AI tool was incredibly intuitive, and it allowed me to explore ideas that I wouldn’t have thought possible otherwise.”
What this means
The MINI Creative AI Contest highlights the potential of AI to facilitate creativity and collaboration. By providing an accessible platform for people to express their ideas, MINI demonstrated how AI can be used to bring art and technology together. This approach may inspire other companies to leverage AI in their design processes, resulting in innovative and engaging products that appeal to a wider audience.
As AI continues to advance, we can expect to see more applications of this technology in various industries, from fashion to automotive design. By embracing AI as a tool for creativity, companies may discover new ways to engage their customers and push the boundaries of innovation.



