Design elements
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 dashtop mobile devices, like GPS navigation, satellite radio, HD radio, mobile TV, MP3 players, video playback and smartphone interfaces. Though not all the new vehicular gadgets are to be designated as factory standard items, but some of them may be integral to determining the future course of any specific vehicular models.
Exterior design
The stylist responsible for the design of the exterior of the vehicle develops the proportions, shape, and surfaces of the vehicle. Exterior design is first done by a series of digital or manual drawings. Progressively more detailed drawings are executed and approved. Clay (industrial plasticine) and or digital models are developed from, and along with the drawings. The data from these models are then used to create a full sized mock-up of the final design (body in white). With 3 and 5 axis CNC Milling Machines, the clay model is first designed in a computer program and then "carved" using the machine and large amounts of clay. Even in times of high-class 3d software and virtual models on powerwalls the clay model is still the most important tool to evaluate the design of a car and therefore used throughout the industry.Interior design
The stylist responsible for the design of the vehicle interior develops the proportions, shape, placement, and surfaces for the instrument panel, seats, door trim panels, headliner, pillar trims, etc. Here the emphasis is on ergonomics and the comfort of the passengers. The procedure here is the same as with exterior design (sketch, digital model and clay model).Color and trim design
The color and trim (or color and materials) designer is responsible for the research, design, and development of all interior and exterior colors and materials used on a vehicle. These include paints, plastics, fabric designs, leather, grains, carpet, headliner, wood trim, and so on. 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. The designer then uses this information to develop themes and concepts which are then further refined and tested on the vehicle models.
Graphic design
The design team also develop graphics for items such as: badges, decals, dials, switches, kick or tread strips, liveries.Development process
Includes the following steps:- Concept sketching
- Clay modeling
- Class A surfaces
- Scale model creation
- Prototype development
- Computer-aided design
- Computer modeling
- Powertrain engineering
- Manufacturing process design
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History of automobile design in the U.S.
In the United States, automotive design reached a turning point in 1924 when the American national automobile market began reaching saturation. To maintain unit sales, General Motors head Alfred P. Sloan Jr. suggested annual model-year design changes to convince car owners that they needed to buy a new replacement each year, an idea borrowed from the bicycle industry (though Sloan usually gets the credit, or blame).[1] Critics called his strategy planned obsolescence. Sloan preferred the term "dynamic obsolescence". This strategy had far-reaching effects on the auto business, the field of product design, and eventually the American economy. The smaller players could not maintain the pace and expense of yearly re-styling. Henry Ford did not like the model-year change because he clung to an engineer's notions of simplicity, economics of scale, and design integrity. GM surpassed Ford's sales in 1931 and became the dominant company in the industry thereafter. The frequent design changes also made it necessary to use a body-on-frame rather than the lighter, but less flexible,[clarification needed] monocoque design used by most European automakers.One very well-known American auto stylist is Harley Earl,[2] who brought the tailfin and other aeronautical design references to auto design in the 1950s. He is joined among legendary designers by Gordon Buehrig, responsible for the Auburn 851 and iconic Cord 810 and 812 (hence also the Hupmobile Skylark and the Graham Hollywood). Another notable designer who had a markedly different style was Chrysler group's designer Virgil Exner, an early pioneer of Cab forward (a.k.a.Forward look) design in mid-1950s later adapted by rest of the industry. He is also credited with introducing the pointed tail fins in the 1956 Plymouth Belvedere later adapted by all other Detroit studios. Personal injury litigation had a dramatic effect on the design and appearance of the car in the 20th century.[3] Raymond Loewy was responsible for a number of Studebaker vehicles, including the Starlight (including the iconic bulletnose). Richard A. Teague, who spent most of his career with the American Motor Company, originated the concept of using interchangable body panels so as to create a wide array of different vehicles using the same stampings. He was responsible for such unique automotive designs as the Pacer, Gremlin, Matador coupe, Jeep Cherokee, and the complete interior of the Eagle Premier.
History of automobile design in Europe
France
Great Britain
Great Britain was Europe’s leading manufacturer of automobiles until the late-1960s. During that era there were more British-based automakers than in the rest of Europe combined. The British automobile industry catered to all segments ranging from compact, budget, sports, utility, and luxury-type cars. Car design in Britain was markedly different from other European designs largely because British designers were not influenced by other European art or design movements, as well as the British clay modelers used a different sweep set.British cars until World War II were sold in most of the British colonies. Innovations in vehicle packaging and chassis engineering combined with global familiarity with British designs meant vehicles were acceptable to public tastes at that time. British skilled resources like panel beaters, die machinists, and clay modelers were also available also partly due their involvement with motorsport industry.
Notable contributions to automobile designs were Morris Mini by Alec Issigonis, Several Jaguar Cars by Sir William Lyons, Aston Martin DB Series, and several cars from Triumph and MG. Ford Europe based in Great Britain is notable for Ford Sierra, a creation of Uwe Bahnsen, Robert Lutz, and Patrick le Quément.
Germany
Germany is often considered the birthplace of industrial design with Bauhaus School of Design. However, the Nazi regime closed down the design school. Ferdinand Porsche and his family played a significant role in German design. Mercedes Benz passenger cars were also in luxury segment and played more importance to aesthetics. After the 1980s German design evolved into a distinctive Teutonic style often to compliment their high engineered cars suited to Autobahns. But the early German design clues of present day owes some part to Italian designers like Bruno Sacco and Giorgetto Giugiaro. During Mid and late 20th century the most influential coach builder/designer in Germany was Karmann. German designs started gaining popularity after the 1980s, notable after the formation of Audi. Volkswagen, which was dependent on Giorgetto Giugiaro and Karmann, later formed the contemporary design language along with Audi. BMW’s foray into sports sedan marked a new trend in automobile design as it called for a sporty-looking everyday sedan. Mercedes Benz also set its own benchmark for German Styling.Italy
In Italy, where art is often considered a serious profession since Renaissance period, companies like Fiat and Alfa Romeo played a major role in car design. Many coach builders were dependent on these two major manufacturers. Italian manufacturers had a large presence in Motorsports leading to several sport car manufacturers like Ferrari, Lancia, Lamborghini, Maserati, etc. During late-1950s the elegant Italian designs gained global popularity coinciding with the modern fashion and architecture at that time around the world. Various design and technical schools in Turin turned out designers in large scale. By the late-1960s almost all Italian coach builders transformed into design studios catering to automakers around the world. The trend continued in the 1990s when the Japanese and Korean manufacturers sourced designs from these styling studios. One example is Pininfarina.
Czechoslovakia
See also
Design
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References
- ^ Babaian, Sharon. The Most Benevolent Machine: A Historical Assessment of Cycles in Canada (Ottawa: National Museum of Science and Technology, 1998), p.97.
- ^ www.idavette.net Harley Earl 1893~1969 - accessed 07 March 2010
- ^ Jain, S. Lochlann "’Dangerous Instrumentality’: The Bystander as Subject in Automobility” Cultural Anthropology 19:1 (February, 2004): 61-94. www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120178777/abstract
External links
- Designerspace Interactive space for the automotive designers: portfolios gallery and world contests.
- DesignerTechniques Free resource where you can learn the techniques and skills of auto designers
- Cost analysis of an advanced vehicle design
- Car Design Online Automotive design from concept to production
- conceptcars.cc All concept cars ever made
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