The Automotive Design Process The progression to quality design Mr. Graves - Automotive Design

Steps 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 Planning Brainstorming before any work begins Market research to be sure the product is needed Factory capacity is available Manufacturing processes Necessary equipment

The Design Brief Guidelines 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 Generation Putting 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 Selection Evaluation 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 Development 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 Evaluation Total 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 Freeze Specifications 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 Development and 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 Launch Formal 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