The Battle Against Dystopian Car Design Trends: Exterior and Interior Perspectives
Gone are the days when car designs were purely functional and focused on improving safety and performance. In recent years, carmakers have veered towards more drastic and often unnecessary design trends. As a passionate car designer, I have observed and analyzed many of these trends, both exterior and interior, and have grown tired of the compromises they impose. This article delves into some of the most egregious design decisions that have led to subpar user experiences and aesthetics on the road.
Exterior Design Trends: Giant Grilles and Arbitrary Sculpting
One of the most prominent and misguided trends in recent car design is the excessive use of enormous front grilles. It is as if the makers of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars decided to counter the absence of necessity with sheer scale, resulting in grilles that dominate the front fascias of modern vehicles. These oversized grilles do not serve any functional purpose beyond aesthetics and, in the case of electric cars, are visually counterproductive. They detract from the overall aesthetic appeal and do not contribute to aerodynamics or any other technical advantage.
Keyword: gigantic front grilles
Interior Design Trends: Touch Screens at the Expense of Functionality
Another notoriously problematic trend in car design is the move towards overly reliant touch screens for controlling various functions in the vehicle. The more features that are moved to screens, the more problematic this becomes for drivers. Modern dashboards often feature screens for climate control, radio, navigation, and even vehicle settings. The problem arises when drivers need to shift their gaze from the road to these screens, significantly reducing the time they can safely focus on driving.
This trend can be particularly dangerous in scenarios where a quick adjustment is necessary, such as maintaining a suitable climate or setting the radio. The reliance on touch screens detracts from the traditional and more intuitive physical controls that have been in place for decades, prioritizing convenience over safety and ergonomics.
Keyword: excessive touch screens in car interiors
Lessons From the Automotive Design World
During my studies at FH Pforzheim, Germany, under notable mentors from Mercedes and Porsche, I learned the importance of designing cars that serve a functional purpose. Every design decision was critically reviewed against principles of ergonomics, safety, aerodynamics, production cost, and structural integrity. Any creative design that did not meet these stringent criteria was often met with harsh criticism, earning the nickname "Bat Mobile" – a designation that was a form of banter turned into a serious critique.
The Bat Mobile was a symbol of the ultimate failure in a design school project, representing a design that was purely artistic without any functional basis. The school environment demanded that designs be logical, rational, and meticulously crafted, drawing inspiration from ships' curves and architectural proportioning systems, such as those related to Fibonacci. This stringent approach to design ensured that the end product served the intended purpose without unnecessary flashy elements.
Keyword: Bat Mobile in car design
The Rise of Excessive Sculpts and Arbitrary Design
Fast forward a few years, and the situation has not improved. Arbitrary sculpting and excessive features without any real necessity have become the norm in the automotive industry. Brands like Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW have created heavily sculpted vehicles where every feature is arbitrary and serves no practical purpose. This trend continues today, baffling many within the industry.
Some speculate that this is a result of lack of direction, loss of corporate integrity, or pressure from marketing teams presenting focus group results. Regardless of the reason, it is a clear deviation from the principles that once guided the design process. As a car enthusiast and designer, I hold a strong disdain for this approach, which prioritizes aesthetics over functionality and comfort.
Keyword: arbitrary car design features
A Continuous Struggle for Rational Design
While the industry continues to deviate from rational design principles, my goal as a designer remains clear. I strive to create cars that are crisply designed according to principles of logic, following the fine art of applying ships' curves and architectural proportioning systems. My designs reflect the balance between form and function, ensuring that every aspect of a car serves a meaningful purpose. From the structure and aerodynamics to the user interface, I aim to deliver a product that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Keyword: functional car design
The automotive industry is at a crossroads, facing the challenge of balancing innovation with rationality. While some carmakers continue to prioritize populist design decisions, others continue to uphold the pursuit of logical, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing designs. As a designer, my role is to advocate for the latter and contribute to a future where car design serves the needs of both drivers and passengers without compromise.