Automotive Design: Design Elements
Automotive design is name given to the development and enhancement of vehicles. Typically, when considering the design elements of vehicle, there will be three stations appointed to the design team: one responsible for the interior, another for the exterior, and the last in charge of the colour and trim. The interior design team will be responsible for the shapes, proportions, surfaces and placements for the instrument panel, as well as the design of the seating, door trim panels, pillar trims, headliner etc. Designers must understand that the passenger's comfort and ergonomics is what matters most here. Exterior designers follow a similar path to the interior designers as they think up designs for the shape of the exterior, proportions and its surface. Initial designs are executed digitally or manually and then further developed all the while needing stages of approval. Both exterior and interior designs will go through the process of sketches, digital model and clay model. Regarding the design of the colour and trim of the vehicle, this team will be responsible for researching, designing and developing all of the interior and exterior components such as the material and colours. Designers will be working together with both interior and exterior design teams all the while taking into consideration how to marry the colour(s), texture(s) and pattern(s). Often, inspiration will be drawn from other designed advances such as architecture, fashion etc.