Turning automotive design 'inside-out' Online publication date: Thu, 29-May-2014
by J. Mark Porter, C. Samantha Porter
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 19, No. 4, 1998
Abstract: The current procedure for developing a vehicle can be simplistically described as 'outside-in', with the exterior styling being considered first followed by fitting the engineering and people within this volume. The issues associated with this method are discussed. An alternative method to design a new vehicle can be simplistically termed 'inside-out'. This approach promotes a clearer focus on the people issues inside the vehicle. For example, the size, number and age of the future occupants, together with details of their preferred postures, sight lines and reach envelopes, would help define the volume that they will require in the vehicle. The aesthetic of the vehicle can then be developed including the future occupants. This approach reduces the likelihood of conflicts arising between styling, engineering and ergonomics at a later, and more expensive, stage in the vehicle's development. A successful case study of 'inside-out' design is described: the development of a lightweight sports car at Coventry School of Art and Design.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com