winner revealed for All-New Nissan MICRA design competition
Following an international, multi-phase contest that began in August 2025, Nissan and designboom reveal Marc-André Fauteux as the winner of the Elevate the All-New Nissan MICRA: The Signature Edition competition. Selected from 11 distinguished finalists, Fauteux’s proposal was lauded for its ability to transform the compact urban vehicle into a moving canvas of ‘organized simplicity’. The international design competition challenged creators to reinterpret the exterior identity of the All-New Nissan MICRA without altering its physical architecture, focusing instead on the evocative power of color, graphics, and material finishes.
Nissan, together with designboom, announce the winner of Elevate All-New Nissan MICRA: The Signature Edition
marc-andre fauteux elevates All-New Nissan MICRA with asymmetric visual language
The winning design for the Elevate All-New Nissan MICRA: The Signature Edition competition, centers on a minimalist yet striking graphic intervention that radiates like a wave from the vehicle’s roof. Fauteux, who brings over a decade of experience in automotive user experience design, utilized asymmetry as a core pillar to reinforce the All-New Nissan MICRA’s audacious personality. Drawing inspiration from the precarious balance of Alexander Calder and the rhythmic abstractions of Sonia Delaunay, the design invites a 360-degree visual dialogue. As the viewer approaches, the initial bold impact gives way to a richness of detail where structured grids meet instinctive splashes of color, effectively complicating simplicity to ensure the vehicle stands out in a uniform urban landscape.
Marc-André Fauteux’s winning design is an expression of boldness and balance
holistic design experience transitions from vibrant exterior to interior
Fauteux’s winning entry extends beyond a mere surface treatment, proposing a comprehensive sensory journey for the driver. This holistic approach integrates the exterior’s rhythmic patterns into the cabin, manifesting in chromatic accents on the pedals, steering wheel, and center console. Upon ignition, a custom animation spreads across the main interface screen, mirroring the colorful waves of the bodywork. The project successfully bridges the gap between abstract art and functional industrial design, ensuring the All-New Nissan MICRA remains a cultural object that carries narrative and emotion through every subtle intervention and bold chromatic decision.
it proposes a comprehensive sensory journey for the driver, from the exterior to interior
holistic design experience transitions from vibrant exterior to interior
As the grand prize winner, Fauteux will see a prototype of his design showcased at the Nissan Automotive Europe headquarters in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France, for a period of one week. This exhibition serves as a physical testament to how a compact urban vehicle can be elevated through thoughtful surface treatment and artistic vision. Furthermore, the collaboration culminates in an exclusive creative exchange where Fauteux will be interviewed by the original designers of the All-New Nissan MICRA. This dialogue between the artist and the engineers highlights the competition’s goal: to push the boundaries of automotive identity and make vibrant, inspiring art accessible in everyday life.
upon ignition, a custom animation spreads across the interface screen, mirroring the colorful waves of the bodywork
Founded in 1933, Nissan is a global automotive brand that connects drivers to bold, innovative design in the most exciting way possible. The company delivers advanced mobility solutions and distinctive vehicles known for their style, performance, and everyday appeal. The company offers easy access to smart, forward-thinking design across a wide range of models, from urban compact cars to electric mobility and beyond, including the All-New Nissan MICRA, the focus of this international design competition.
the exterior’s rhythmic patterns extend as chromatic accents on the pedals, steering wheel, and center console inside
the All-New Nissan MICRA: The Signature Edition
competition info:
contest name: Elevate All-New Nissan MICRA: The Signature Edition
collaborators: Nissan x designboom
contest launch: August 11, 2025
winner: Marc-André Fauteux | @ma.fo.arts
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