The Automotive The Automotive Design ProcessDesign Process

The progression to quality design

Mr. Graves - Automotive Design

Steps of the ProcessSteps of the Process Product Planning The Design Brief Concept Generation Theme Selection 3D and Computer Model

Generation Design Evaluation Styling Freeze Prototype Development /

Product Testing Product Launch

Product PlanningProduct PlanningBrainstorming before any work beginsBrainstorming before any work begins

Market research to be sure the product is needed

Factory capacity is available– Manufacturing

processes – Necessary equipment

The Design BriefThe Design BriefGuidelines on the vehicle being designedGuidelines on the vehicle being designed

Identifies who the car is designed for

What type of a car it should be

How much it is expected to cost

How it fits into the “Brand Family Portfolio”

Concept GenerationConcept GenerationPutting ideas on paperPutting ideas on paper

• Basic thumbnail sketches to start

• Followed by more detailed drawings

• Usually the exterior is designed first, but occasionally the interior design affects th4e exterior shape

Theme SelectionTheme SelectionEvaluation of sketchesEvaluation of sketches

Designer sketches are reviewed and a theme selection is made on which design best meets the following:

• Matching the design brief• Most interesting look

Now designers have a more detailed design direction to steer future development of ideas of the new vehicle

3-D Model Development3-D Model DevelopmentHelping see the new vehicle “in the round”Helping see the new vehicle “in the round”

Models are constructed out of clay to help visualize the designs• Scale models are developed first• Full size models are developed as the project moves forward

Design EvaluationDesign EvaluationTotal evaluation of the projectTotal evaluation of the project

Full size models and drawings are reviewed

Appearance is evaluated Ergonomics is evaluated The new vehicle is

compared to competitors cars

Potential customers are tested for reactions

Styling FreezeStyling FreezeSpecifications are finalizedSpecifications are finalized

Body style and mechanical specifications are finalized

Financial viability is reassessed

Changes beyond this point would be very expensive and result in production delays

Prototype DevelopmentPrototype Developmentand Product Testingand Product Testing

Hand-built prototypes are made and tested under normal and extreme driving conditions

Crash testing is also performed and will continue on production cars at a later date

Product LaunchProduct LaunchFormal introduction to the general publicFormal introduction to the general public

The new vehicle is unveiled at a major auto show in a blaze of well organized publicity The ultimate success of the vehicle is based on the strength of sales and the return on

investment over the vehicles lifespan