XTI Aerospace Taps IDEO to Humanize the TriFan 600 Experience

Denver, July 31, 2025 — In a calculated leap beyond propulsion and performance, XTI Aerospace (Nasdaq: XTIA) has partnered with design innovator IDEO to reshape the way customers experience vertical flight. This isn’t just about building a flying machine—it’s about crafting an emotional journey from first glance to life-long ownership

In the world of aviation, engineering has long ruled the day. Now XTI is recognizing that end-user experience matters just as much. IDEO, famous for its ethnographic research, rapid prototyping, and systems-level thinking, is bringing that approach to the sky. The mission? Build more than a vehicle—craft how it’s discovered, used, and remembered.

• Based in Englewood, Colorado
• NASDAQ: XTIA
• Produces Trifan 600 hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft
  • VTOL range of 1000 miles (1,609 km)
  • use 100% SAF compatible turbine engines, (up to 80% decrease in CO2 emissions)

For companies developing the next generation of eVTOL solutions, engineering isn’t enough. XTI is doubling down on experience, signaling a bold pivot from tech-first to human-centered design. With IDEO’s expertise, XTI aims to integrate customer needs into every layer—from cabin lighting and seat ergonomics to intuitive booking flows and post-sale support. 

This follows XTI’s history of pushing traditional aerospace boundaries—like launching their prototyping lab at The HIVE accelerator earlier this year to refine the TriFan 600’s flight control systems and aerodynamics. 

IDEO Brings Human-Centered Innovation to Advanced Air Mobility

Renowned global design and innovation firm IDEO is bringing its human-centered approach to the world of eVTOLs. Known for its pioneering work across industries—from designing the first Apple mouse to reimagining healthcare and mobility experiences—IDEO specializes in solving complex challenges through deep user research, collaboration, and rapid prototyping.

Now, as it partners with leading players in advanced air mobility, IDEO is helping shape not just the aircraft, but the entire customer journey—ensuring that every touchpoint, from design to digital experience, resonates with the needs of tomorrow’s travelers.

IDEO:

• Founded in Palo Alto, California
• Headquartered in San Francisco, California
• IDEO is a global design and innovation company
• Offices in London, Cambridge, Chicago, and Shanghai
• Worked with aerospace companies such as Lufthansa and Boom Supersonic

IDEO’s contribution to the Trifan 600:

• Aesthetic Enhancement of Aircraft Interiors & Exteriors
  • Elevating visual appeal and brand alignment through meticulously refined interior and exterior aircraft design.
• Mission-Specific Cabin Environment Design
  • Creating tailored cabin configurations and environments to support diverse operational needs—from VIP transport to specialized missions.
• Web & Digital Experience Transformation
  • Reimagining digital touchpoints to deliver a seamless, intuitive, and visually compelling online brand experience.
• End-to-end customer journey design
  • from initial brand discovery through ownership and service

What the Designers Say

IDEO’s Heather Boesch, partner leading the project with XTI, says their key strength is “XTI’s dedication to engineering excellence… complemented by a clear willingness to embrace bold ideas and integrated design.”

On XTI’s side, CEO Scott Pomeroy believes that pairing ambition with design discipline can turn flight into an experience rather than just transport.

“We are thrilled to partner with IDEO, one of the most respected names in human-centered design.”…“Our vision has always been bold, but now we’re backing it with the discipline of world-class customer insight and design thinking. IDEO will help us develop the XTI family of aircraft to not only redefine how people fly, but how they feel and interact with that journey from first touch to long-term ownership.” – Scott Pomeroy, CEO of XTI Aerospace

What’s on the Design Runway?

The collaboration is structured as a multi-phase, long‑term engagement and kicks off with deep customer research and co‑creation workshops to validate product‑market fit across segments—from executive travelers to logistics operators.

It’s a clear sign: XTI isn’t just engineering an aircraft—they’re crafting an experience.

Bottom Line: XTI’s collaboration with IDEO marks a bold pivot into immersive, user‑centered aircraft experiences. The TriFan 600 is not just about shifting from point A to B—it’s about transforming what it means to fly in the vertical economy.

How do you feel about this—are we witnessing a new era where aircraft feel as intuitive as our smartphones?

More Info:

XTI official press release: click here

IDEO’s official website: click here