Section Contents:- Specific research is done into global trends to design for projects two to three model years in the future.(More...)
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.
[1] 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.
[1] 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.
[1] Designers work closely with the exterior and interior designers. Designers draw inspiration from other design disciplines such as: industrial design, fashion, home furnishing, and architecture.
[1] The stylist responsible for the design of the exterior of the vehicle develops the proportions, shape, and surfaces of the vehicle.
[1] The most famous American auto stylist is probably Harley Earl, 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).
[1] 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.
[1] 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 ).
[1] 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.
[1] The procedure here is the same as with exterior design (sketch, digital model and clay model).
[1] The design team also develop graphics for items such as: badges, decals, dials, switches, kick or tread strips, liveries, flames, racing stripes, etc. The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article or discuss the issue on the talk page.
[1] 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.
[1] The functional design and development of a modern motor vehicle is typically done by a large team from many different disciplines included in automotive engineers. 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.
[1] Automotive design is practiced by designers who usually have an art background and a degree in industrial design or transportation design.
[1] Design Council Automotive Design Design Council UK's one stop shop information resource on Automotive Design by Chris Clements.
[1] Mark Fields of Ford talks about the Edge, a new crossover, and the Reflex, a design study.
[2] Bertone, one of Italy's great coachbuilders, is facing hard times, but the company recently displayed a design study that recalls its fantastical B.A.T. cars of the 1950s.
[2] 
