3. Main Influences – BMW Designer’s
Richard Kim – i8
Proper Combination of
both Form and Function
Sielaff
‘“I think that the entire decision-making process has shifted from the head to the heart in
the last couple of decades. That is certainly connected to the increasing level of affluence.
Customers can now afford to pay for aesthetics and they're not just looking for a car
which drives them from A to B. And that’s because a customer always makes a statement
about themselves with their choice of car – who they are or how they would like to be.”
4. Why this Design?
A true combination of form and function
Why does that have to prevent it from being aesthetically
pleasing?
Sielaff’s previous point is especially valid for today’s
society. It is not just simply about the car journey itself
anymore. The journey starts upon entering the vehicle and
the interactions with it once inside i.e. the physical journey.
The car has become something which people now feel so
much more connected and affiliated too.
5. Design is Key
Audi – “Design is key, even for ecological cars”
In 2009, households headed by adults ages 55 and
older possessed 42% more median net worth than
households headed by their same-aged counterparts
had in 1984.
Compared to the median net worth of those aged 35 or
younger, they bring in 56x less this amount.
6. Design Thinking
Planning and Research
Identifying the problems:
Automotive companies not taking age into consideration in their
designs and features
Drivers who are more than 183cm simply do not have enough head
room (to compensate they simple recline their chair back more,
allowing them to slide forwards deliberately, putting more strain on
the back by being in a slouched position)
This could be held for a number of hours while driving and have a
terrible strain on the lumbar spine. Over time this will have a
terrible outcome on the drivers back
7. It was decided from the get go that a sunroof in the car was not desired. The reason
for this being, from observations and research; even though many manufacturers put
them on as standard, especially here in the British market, a loss of potential
headroom can result (2-4cm), as they most commonly have a think edge or rim
around it, which is normally located directly above the drivers head.
A vast amount of our lives is actually spent inside a car, whether it’s simply
commuting to work, or stuck in rush hour traffic. Taking those into consideration
who have certain conditions such as Arthritis, long commutes can become
troublesome.
One out of five of the adult population suffer from this condition. This means that
they are limited in their scope to perform everyday tasks and will normally suffer
discomfort and joint pain. Factors such as these have especially been taking into
consideration with the design of the interior.
8. those who might have limited mobility, whether this is permanent or temporary,
could find entering and exiting the vehicle problematic. Especially when taking into
consideration the cars height, due to the road floor’s level, the car seat therefore
traditionally sits a lot lower to the ground than a normal chair would.
The same will have to happen when the person will have to stand up from this chair,
in what will more than likely be, an uncomfortable position for them.
Also to take into consideration is the pavement step. For many people it means no
required special effort. For those again who have limited mobility this can also prove
to be problematic.
When the car is parked alongside the curb, anyone exiting the vehicle will have to
cross this gap, usually by using the force of their arms to help push themselves up.
This creates problems for those with limited mobility.
Most cars will also have some kind of car door step, where the door closes. When a
person with limited movements wants to enter the car, it usually takes a few different
movements alone before being in the correct seating position.
32. Feedback – Audi
“At first glance, this eye-catching futuristic car does nothing but
impress.
It’s muscular contours and arches are striking from every angle.
Some good innovative features such as the extendable rear spoiler to
reduce downdraft and an open-sky sun roof all show a lot of thought has
gone into this vehicle.
The short wheelbase and low ride height should ensure a good feel for
the road especially with the size of the ultra modern wheels.
Visibility to the rear could prove difficult but in a car like this one would
focus more on what is ahead of you.
A well designed car all in all.”
Gary McDonnell
Audi
33. Mclaren
“It would look equally at home on the track as it would on
the streets of Monaco.
I love the aggressive stance the car achieves without using
sharp angular lines. The car would certainly have a
presence on the road.
The delicate sliding roof and Innovative split spoiler design
will certainly help it stand out amongst other vehicles
including the supercar elite.”
Matt Stretton
12c Spyder Project
Mclaren
34. Reference
Michael Lawton. (2010). Audi's chief designer says design is the key, even for
ecological cars. Available: http://www.dw.de/audis-chief-designer-says-design-
is-the-key-even-for-ecological-cars/a-5111660-1. Last accessed 29th Apr 2013.
Fry, R. (2011). The Rising Age Gap in Economic Well-Being The Old Prosper
Relative to the Young. Available: http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2011/11/07/the-
rising-age-gap-in-economic-well-being/. Last accessed 5th May 2013
The Average Body. (2012). Average Height. Available:
http://www.theaveragebody.com/average_height.php. Last accessed 24th Apr
2013.
Burton, A.K. "The future directions of osteopathic research.“
British Osteopathic Journal, vol. 9, no. 1, Summer 1976. pp. 27-34.
Arthritis Care. (2011). General information about arthritis. Available:
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/AboutArthritis/FAQs#Izhb. Last accessed 18th
May 2013.
