Earlier this week, GM brought to life a new blog called “the lab,” that’s questioning consumers on what creature comforts they’re willing to trade for a bump in fuel economy.

The concept stems from the automaker’s ECOinitiative project and currently features two future vehicles dubbed “Bare Necessity Car” (above), and “Bare Necessity Truck, (below).”

Just like it sounds, the blog is taking a back-to-basics approach to vehicle design, asking what add-ons consumers need to have, might like to have, or would scratch completely when buying a ride. The result so far seems to be in favor of vehicles that can be up-contented or down-contented as needs change, since a “people’s car” means something different to everyone. And for those folks who need a hauler, well, they’ve got input too. They’re lighting up the comments section on the Bare Necessity Truck.

I like the approach, which offers the everyday driver a chance to speak one-on-one with GM’s designers. Have you heard of the blog or checked it out? Commented? Most importantly, do you think first-hand customer feedback will make a real difference?