Technology & Innovation
XTI Aerospace Partners with IDEO to Enhance TriFan 600 Passenger Experience
XTI Aerospace collaborates with IDEO to improve the TriFan 600 aircraft’s design and user experience, advancing regional air mobility solutions.
XTI Aerospace (NASDAQ: XTIA), a pioneer in cross-vertical takeoff and landing (xVTOL) aviation technologies, has partnered with global design consultancy IDEO to reimagine the aircraft experience through a human-centered lens. This collaboration signifies a strategic shift in the aerospace industry, where engineering precision is increasingly being matched with user experience innovation. As the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector gains traction, companies like XTI are turning to design thinking to differentiate their offerings in a competitive and evolving marketplace.
The partnership aims to integrate IDEO’s renowned design methodologies into the development of XTI’s flagship aircraft, the TriFan 600. This aircraft, which combines the vertical lift of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft, is at the center of XTI’s efforts to redefine regional air travel. By focusing on the passenger journey from booking to post-flight, the collaboration seeks to enhance both form and function, making advanced aircraft not only more capable but also more intuitive and accessible.
In a sector traditionally dominated by performance metrics and safety standards, this initiative highlights a broader industry trend: the convergence of aerospace engineering with customer-centric innovation. With IDEO’s involvement, XTI is positioning itself to lead this transformation, placing human experience at the forefront of technological advancement.
XTI Aerospace emerged as a notable player in the AAM space following its 2024 merger with Inpixon, a real-time location systems (RTLS) provider. This mergers not only brought XTI public via a NASDAQ listing but also expanded its technical capabilities into sensor-based technologies and industrial IoT. The combined entity now operates with a dual focus: developing next-generation aircraft and leveraging data-driven solutions for operational efficiency.
The cornerstone of XTI’s aviation efforts is the TriFan 600, a hybrid-electric xVTOL aircraft that bridges the gap between helicopters and fixed-wing planes. Designed for vertical takeoff and landing, the TriFan 600 is equipped with three ducted fans, two forward-tilting and one rear-facing, and is capable of transitioning to high-speed horizontal flight. It is engineered for a cruising speed of approximately 345 mph and a range of 700 to 850 miles, depending on configuration.
Targeting both civilian and government markets, the TriFan 600 is designed to operate under instrument flight rules (IFR) and in flight into known icing (FIKI) conditions. Its modular cabin can be adapted for various missions, including executive transport, medical evacuation, and cargo delivery. With over 700 conditional pre-orders reported, the aircraft represents a potential revenue pipeline exceeding $7 billion, underscoring its commercial appeal and market readiness.
IDEO, a global design company known for pioneering human-centered design, brings a multidisciplinary approach to the XTI partnership. Their methodology emphasizes empathy, rapid prototyping, and systems thinking. In the context of aerospace, this means not just optimizing the aircraft’s performance, but enhancing every touchpoint a user encounters, from booking a flight to post-landing services.
In this engagement, IDEO is tasked with reimagining the TriFan 600’s passenger experience. This includes redesigning cabin interiors for comfort and usability, streamlining digital interfaces for booking and ownership, and creating cohesive branding strategies. IDEO’s involvement is structured in multiple phases, starting with ethnographic research to identify user pain points, followed by iterative prototyping and validation with real-world stakeholders. Heather Boesch, Partner at IDEO and lead on the project, emphasized the importance of aligning technical excellence with user needs. “XTI’s dedication to engineering excellence is complemented by a clear willingness to embrace bold ideas and integrated design,” she noted, highlighting the synergy between the two organizations.
“XTI’s dedication to engineering excellence is complemented by a clear willingness to embrace bold ideas and integrated design.” — Heather Boesch, Partner at IDEO
The partnership with IDEO is structured around four key deliverables: market validation, aircraft design optimization, digital experience overhaul, and public engagement. In the initial phase, IDEO conducted in-depth interviews and field studies with stakeholders across several verticals including corporate aviation, emergency medical services, and logistics.
These insights are now informing the redesign of the TriFan 600’s cabin environment. IDEO is working to create mission-specific configurations that maximize utility and comfort, whether for executive travelers or medevac teams. Ergonomic seating, adaptive lighting, and modular storage are among the features under development.
In parallel, IDEO is revamping XTI’s digital presence, including its website, booking systems, and ownership portals. By streamlining these platforms, the goal is to create a seamless user journey that reflects the aircraft’s advanced capabilities and premium positioning.
In a separate but complementary initiative, XTI entered into a collaboration with MagLev Aero, a company developing magnetically levitated electric propulsion systems. This partnership explores the integration of MagLev’s HyperDrive™ technology into future iterations of XTI’s aircraft, potentially enhancing efficiency and reducing noise.
MagLev’s propulsion system uses magnetic levitation to eliminate mechanical friction, offering quieter and more efficient operation—features highly desirable for urban air mobility. XTI has signed a non-binding agreement for up to 100 units of this propulsion system, pending successful technical validation.
This collaboration aligns with XTI’s broader strategy to future-proof its aircraft by incorporating cutting-edge propulsion technologies. If successful, it could position the company as a leader in sustainable, long-range AAM solutions.
To support rapid development and testing, XTI established a Prototyping and Innovation Lab at The HIVE in Grand Forks, North Dakota. This facility is focused on building and evaluating subscale models of the TriFan 600, including the “Sparrow” and “Kestrel” prototypes. Led by Professor Robert Lunnie, the lab is currently testing flight control systems, refining aerodynamic profiles, and validating design assumptions. These efforts are critical for de-risking full-scale development and accelerating the path to certification.
The lab also serves as a hub for collaboration with academic and industry partners, fostering innovation in areas such as materials science, avionics, and systems integration.
The global Advanced Air Mobility market is expected to grow significantly, driven by urbanization, environmental concerns, and technological advancements. According to Grand View Research, the market is projected to expand from $11.75 billion in 2024 to over $137 billion by 2035.
Within this landscape, XTI faces competition from companies like Joby Aviation, Lilium, and Archer, all of which are developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air taxi services. However, XTI’s hybrid-electric approach and longer range differentiate it from these players, positioning it for regional rather than intra-city missions.
Regulatory hurdles remain a significant challenge. Aircraft like the TriFan 600 must undergo rigorous certification processes with agencies like the FAA and EASA. In addition, the lack of established infrastructure, such as vertiports and charging stations, poses logistical barriers to widespread adoption.
“Magnetic levitation has not been used in operational aircraft propulsion before, and we believe MagLev and XTI are the right partners to push the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace.” — Ian Randall, CEO of MagLev Aero
XTI Aerospace’s partnership with IDEO marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of advanced air mobility. By integrating human-centered design into the DNA of its aircraft development process, XTI is not only enhancing the user experience but also addressing critical market adoption challenges. This strategic move reflects a broader trend in aerospace: the need to balance technical innovation with empathetic design.
Looking ahead, XTI’s ability to execute on its vision will depend on its success in achieving certification, scaling production, and building the necessary ecosystem of partners and infrastructure. If it can navigate these challenges, the company stands to play a significant role in shaping the future of regional air mobility.
What is the TriFan 600? What is IDEO’s role in the project? How does the MagLev Aero partnership fit into XTI’s strategy? What makes XTI different from other eVTOL companies? When will the TriFan 600 be available?
XTI Aerospace Engages IDEO to Drive Customer-Centric Innovation Across Aircraft Design and Experience
Background: XTI Aerospace and the TriFan 600
IDEO’s Design Philosophy and Role
Key Developments and Strategic Collaborations
IDEO Partnership Rollout
MagLev Aero Collaboration
Prototyping and Innovation Lab
Market Context and Industry Outlook
Conclusion
FAQ
The TriFan 600 is a hybrid-electric xVTOL aircraft developed by XTI Aerospace, designed for regional air travel with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
IDEO is collaborating with XTI to redesign the aircraft and customer experience using human-centered design principles, including cabin design, digital interfaces, and service models.
XTI is exploring the use of MagLev Aero’s magnetic propulsion systems to enhance efficiency and noise reduction in future aircraft models.
XTI’s aircraft are hybrid-electric with longer range capabilities, targeting regional travel rather than short urban hops, and are designed to operate in various weather conditions.
XTI has not announced a specific launch date, as the aircraft is still undergoing development and certification.
Sources
Photo Credit: XTI Aerospace