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

2. 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

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

4. 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”

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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