INTERIOR DESIGN
As aerodynamics increasingly drive the design of bodies which, to many eyes, look more and more alike, the realm of the interior design team has taken on new importance. The opportunity for manufacturers to build brand identity and perceived value once a customer sits down has never been greater.
Roll over the links below to learn more about what we saw:
FROM COLOR PALETTES TO MATERIALS,
comfort through quality, Cadillac is designing some of the best interiors in the world. This kind of tone-on-tone subtlety is going to be big in every market for years to come.
IN CONTRAST TO THE INCREASINGLY STANDARD TECH FEATURES,
we're also seeing more pattern and "decoration" on interior surfaces... Note the diamond stitch on Mercedes' S600 dash, which adds the implied authenticity of "craftsmanship" to interiors covered with LCD screens.
A LESSON IN WHAT NOT TO DO...
tacked on wood, stitching that goes nowhere, and a shot of brushed aluminum thrown in for good measure.
THE INCREASED POPULARITY OF DARKER COLORS
outside was matched with a surprisingly lighter palette on many interior surfaces. These light greys, tans and whites imply a certain extravagance and opulence in their impracticality.
REVIEWS ON THE BMW i8 INTERIOR
are mixed... appropriately high-tech or Star Trek Next Generation?
THE CADILLAC ELMIRAJ INTERIOR
makes an interesting comparison to the i8; similarly futuristic, but grounded with a warmth and human quality. Look less like a teenage video game and more like someplace you'd want to spend time.
CADILLAC
MERCEDES
WOOD
INTERIOR PALETTE
BMW i8
CADILLAC ELMIRAJ
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FORM & PROPORTION
BUICK'S FABULOUS AVENIR CONCEPT
extends the trend toward "laid back," trunk-weighted proportions in a balanced, realistic way... this car could roll off the line tomorrow, and we wish it would.
AUDI'S WAGON CONCEPT
clearly shows the brand's new design direction and it's all good... long, lean and muscular with minimal surface detailing to define the form. In ten years these will still look fresh, while we predict BMW's fussier panel folds may seem quite dated
JAGUAR'S F-TYPE COUPE VS. ROADSTER:
making the case that 95% of all cars look better with a roof
TOYOTA'S FT1
is a gorgeous amalgam of racing aerodynamics and sensual roadgoing GT. Note the simple, circular exhausts embedded into the flow-through fenders. Classic front engine / rear drive proportions with wheels that barely fit their wells.
FORD'S MUCH ADMIRED NEW GT
makes an interesting contrast to the Toyota... Where the FT1 is flamboyant and extroverted in most every way, the Ford shows how a focused, almost reserved approach to modern sports car design can be every bit as powerful.
THE GT'S HEADLIGHTS
deserve special recognition, packing world-class high and low beams beneath a nearly horizontal surface. No better example of design enabled through technology.
CADILLAC'S ELMIRAJ COUPE CONCEPT
is restrained yet extravagant at the same time. This is American Auto design that harkens back to the era of '63 Continentals, '65 Rivieras and the like. Big, brash and couldn't come from anywhere else.
BUICK
AUDI
JAGUAR
TOYOTA
FORD
FORD
CADILLAC
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2015 Automotive Trends
DETAILS, DETAILS
Once the design statement has been set through a car's overall shape, it's the wide range of details - inside and out - which give that form its soul. From grills and headlights to door handles and exhaust pipes, these elements must speak clearly as the vocabulary of each brand's design language.
Roll over the links below to learn more about what we saw:
CADILLAC CONTINUES
its "Too much of a good thing is better" boy racer look with the new ATS-V; poor sales (particularly against more restrained Audi and BMW, its stated benchmarks) might encourage a rethink of what buyers are looking for in this segment.
Note use of nickel finish grill vs. polished chrome - an elegant and restrained touch we're seeing more frequently on electronics too.
AUDI'S CHARMING SOLUTION
for where to plug in its A3 e-Tron also makes a lot of sense per placement of most charge stations
EXHAUSTS INTEGRATED INTO THE REAR VALENCE
starting to appear on production vehicles; can look clean and elegant or overdone, depending on the execution
LIGHTING (FRONT & REAR)
continues to be a focus of aesthetic and functional design. Mixtures of texture, clarity and reflection create immense interest on parts which not long ago were generic replacement bulbs.
LEXUS,
more than manufacturers today, takes the old adage "the grill is the face of your brand" to heart. They've defined an aggressive face, carried it across their line, and evolve the look with interesting materials and patterns.
AS TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES
to create a buffer between drivers and their vehicles - there's little direct response between any interface in today's cars and the outcome from that interaction - beautiful tactile details like this become ever more significant to creating a satisfying driving experience.
CADILLAC
AUDI
EXHAUST
FORD
LEXUS
VOLVO
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COLOR & FINISH
The CMF (Color, Material & Finish) teams within auto design studios are renowned for their ability to predict - and set - trends in color palettes for years to come. Their solutions often reflect economic, cultural and political moods, and we think this year's selections are spot on.
Roll over the links below to learn more about what we saw:
ALTERNATE POWER SOURCES
Hybrids and electric vehicles have become so mainstream, we sometimes wonder when gas powered cars will be referred to as "alternative." The big news this year is how these power sources have moved beyond efficiency and Eco into the realm of horsepower, performance and prestige.
Roll over the links below to learn more about what we saw:
NEW CHEVY VOLT
shows how mainstream-priced electrics are increasingly designed to look like gas powered vehicles, no longer a need or desire to "stand out" beyond details like solid grills. "Electric blue" was a cop out on color choice though.
AN ELECTRIC MOTOR
that's only there to boost performance... The LaFerrari redefines high performance sports cars, redefines electric vehicles, and leads a historical evolution of the Ferrari Brand. An electric motor that's only there to boost performance.
AND CHEVY'S BOLT CONCEPT SHOWS
the appropriately conservative and practical approach we can expect more of in mainstream electric transport
THE OTHER BIG TREND IN ELECTRICS IS THE MOVE UPMARKET...
Porsche, Audi, Ferrari, BMW and others have all introduced Electrics and Hybrids which flaunt power and performance first, ecological benefits are merely a bonus
CHEVY VOLT
LaFERRARI
CHEVY BOLT
BMW i8
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PERSONALIZATION
From sneakers to SUVs, mass production now offers an incredible level of customization to each customer's needs. While manufacturers maintain control of key foundation elements, most everything else is up for grabs so long as the customer is willing to pay for the privilege.
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UPGRADES, PERSONALIZATION AND CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS
are increasingly something customers can order directly through the dealership. Manufacturers are incorporating well-known aftermarket brands into showroom offerings as a way to increased perceived value and build credibility with enthusiasts
INTERESTING TO SEE
how the option of incorporating "home" audio brands into a vehicle has expanded to lifestyle-oriented brand partnerships
DESIGN STATEMENTS WHICH STARTED ON CONCEPT CARS
reach mainstream each year... Color trim rims and tires with sidewall "grip" have become clichés for "rugged"
BREMBO BREAKS
FENDER GUITAR AUDIO
WHEELS & TIRES
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EXPERIENCE DESIGN
Offering customers experiences which go beyond the mere product or service has become the hot button in product and service design. From driving classes which add credibility to performance claims to off-road courses that sell customers on the "utility" of SUVs destined for the rigors of suburban commuting, today's design solutions often start from these intangible needs.
Roll over the links below to learn more about what we saw:
BRANDS IN ALL MARKETS
are increasingly selling the experience, a unique lifestyle that comes along with ownership of that car. When that’s what people are buying, you can’t just sell it with a poster.
CHINESE MANUFACTURER GAC GROUP
focuses on passenger experience by channeling 70's shag carpet with "captain chairs" and a fish tank. Not sure that's the experience most buyers (or fish) are looking for.
JEEP
GAC GROUP
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TECHNOLOGY
While voice recognition and touch screens are the first things many think of with respect to "automotive tech," the industry is frequently at the cutting edge of many areas people take for granted. This year the "self-driving car" made all the headlines, but from a practical standpoint there are probably other areas we'll first see technology influencing how we drive.
Roll over the links below to learn more about what we saw:
The auto industry drives design direction in markets ranging from consumer electronics to medical devices, and PDT's team closely monitors the latest and greatest trends on wheels throughout the year. Following manufacturers' announcements and attending the influential LA, Chicago, Detroit and London shows, we gather the most critical observations into our much-anticipated annual trend report. We hope you find inspiration and insight in the pages which follow.
No market emphasizes development of the external shape like the auto industry. While car designers are guided by the demands of aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, art still dominates science as you wander through a sea of sensual curves and chiseled edges.
Roll over the links below to learn more about what we saw:
RUGGED GMC COLOR PALETTE
shows a return to warmer, deep tones. Keep an eye out for that Cypress green, "honest" earthy shades are going to be popular over the next few years.
IS AN END FINALLY NEAR
for the popularity of white and silver? Not sure five different shades of black is much of an improvement though.
Shouldn't #drones look friendly and harmless? Looking more intimidating each year
DEEP METALLIC GREEN ON A CORVETTE?
Very fresh.
SOLID TREND OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS
has been the use of extremely bright, non-metallic colors - sometimes in a matte finish. We are starting to see this flow over into housewares and other markets.
QUITE A LOT OF THESE QUIET / BOLD COLOR COMBOS
on SUV Concepts, trying to convey a "Ruggedized Fun" look. Not sure it works.
MOST SMILE-INDUCING USE OF COLOR
at the Chicago show: Return of classic American Candy Apple Red, on Acura's new NSX.
GENUINE BRITISH RACING GREEN
finally available for the first time from Mini (despite what they called their green in prior years)
SEVERAL CARS WERE SHOWN THIS YEAR IN WHAT USED TO BE
considered "retro" shades of gold. Maybe we're getting old, but seems a very current look on everything from Jeeps to Bentleys.
GMC
SHADES OF BLACK
CORVETTE
BRIGHT COLORS
RUGGEDIZED FUN
ACURA
MINI COOPER
GOLD
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NOT YET READY FOR PRIME TIME PERHAPS,
but the Local Motors Strati is the world's first 3D printed car... Will be interesting to see where this technology takes hold first in the automotive market
WHEN IT COMES TO 3D PRINTING,
our money isn't on entire cars, but rather 3D printed parts and accessories. Jay Leno already uses the tech to create hard-to-find ocmponents for his vast collection of vintage wheels
MERCEDES' UNUSUAL TAKE ON THE SELF-DRIVING CAR.
No windows... Makes a bold statement that's appropriate for the technology, but we're not seeing much Mercedes DNA in the design.
ILLUMINATION IS TAKEN FOR GRANTED BY BUYERS,
but remains a primary focus for technological advancement (in addition to bold design). Brighter, safer, we often forget that it's the primary means of communication between vehicles on the road.
LOCAL MOTORS STRATI
JAY LENO
MERCEDES
ILLUMINATION
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PDT is a global, award-winning product design and development firm. Our team is experienced in industries ranging from medical to defense, consumer electronics and aerospace.
