Automotive design
Overview
Automotive design is the process of developing the appearance, and to some extent the ergonomics, of motor vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, buses, coaches, and vans. The functional design and development of a modern motor vehicle is typically done by a large team from many different disciplines included within automotive engineering. Automotive design in this context is primarily concerned with developing the visual appearance or aesthetics of the vehicle, though it is also involved in the creation of the product concept. Automotive design as a professional vocation is practiced by designers who may have an art background and a degree in industrial design or transportation design.
History
The task of the design team is usually split into three main aspects: exterior design, interior design, and color and trim design. Graphic design is also an aspect of automotive design; this is generally shared amongst the design team as the lead designer sees fit. Design focuses not only on the isolated outer shape of automobile parts, but concentrates on the combination of form and function, starting from the vehicle package.
The aesthetic value will need to correspond to ergonomic functionality and utility features as well. In particular, vehicular electronic components and parts will give more challenges to automotive designers who are required to update on the latest information and knowledge associated with emerging vehicular gadgetry, particularly Telematics.
Design Elements
Automotive design is practiced by designers who usually have an art background and a degree in industrial design or transportation design. The design process happens concurrently with other product Engineers who will be engineering the styling data for meeting performance, manufacturing and safety regulations. From mid-phase, back and forth interactions between the designers and product engineers culminates into a finished product be manufacturing ready.
The design process occurs concurrently with other product engineers who will be engineering the styling data for meeting performance, manufacturing and safety regulations. From mid-phase, back and forth interactions between the designers and product engineers culminate into a finished product be manufacturing ready.
Exterior Design
The styling team for a specific model consists of a chief designer and an Exterior as well as interior designer. In some cases, all three roles are done by one designer. Several junior designers are involved in the development process as well who make specific contributions all overseen by the chief designer. Apart from this, the Color and trim designer works closely with other designers. The Chief designer is responsible for the team, and has final say about the direction of design.
Interior Design
The design team(s) responsible for the exterior of the vehicles consists of a chief designer and an Exterior as well as interior designer. In some cases all three roles are done by one designer. Several junior designers are involved in the development process as well who make specific contributions all overseen by the chief designer. Apart from this the Color and trim designer works closely with other designers. The Chief designer is responsible for the team, and has final say about the direction of design.
Color and Trim Design
Color, contrast, texture, and pattern must be carefully combined to give the vehicle a unique interior environment experience. Designers work closely with the exterior and interior designers. Designers draw inspiration from other design disciplines such as: industrial design, fashion, home furnishing, architecture, and sometimes product design. Specific research is done into global trends to design for projects two to three model years in the future. Trend boards are created from this research in order to keep track of design influences as they relate to the automotive industry.
Graphic Design
The design team also develops graphics for items such as: badges, decals, dials, switches, kick or tread strips, liveries.
Design Methods
Design methods such as Rapid prototyping, Computer-aided design (CAD), and Clay modeling are used extensively in the industry.
Design Schools
There are many schools that offer automotive design programs such as: Art Center College of Design, Indian School of Design, Umeå Institute of Design, Royal College of Art, and Instituto Europeo di Design.