A look into Transportation & Automobile Design

Transportation and automobile design is the field which revolves around developing the appearance, the aesthetic and the ergonomics of the vehicles. Transportation and automobile design is truly integrative - in terms of technology and creative. With a basic understanding of automobiles (exterior/interior aspects, aesthetics, controls, display, vehicle packaging), the designers are ready to face broader aspects and complex situations.

NID has collaborated with Domus Academy, Milan, to offer a postgraduate integrated course. The program aims to train creative individuals to face future challenges and obstacles in the field. Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a six month programme in transportation and automobile. For undergraduate students,  DSK Pune offers the course - video game design (120 seats). The students are exposed to concepts like - game mechanisms, rules, emotions sought, interactivity, game play etc.

In today’s world, automobile designers are faced with many challenges especially in terms of environmental consequences. Being a transportation and automobile designer is no piece of cake - it requires strong visualization skills, constant prototyping and the right skills to tackle the complexities. Professionals keep in mind the socio-cultural, cultural, economical, ecological and environmental contexts of transportation design and other responsibilities.

The Jaguar design team won the car concept award in 2017 for its I-Pace project, Cadillac for the Escala, Renault for the Trezor. The Land Rover team won the Brand Design Language award followed by the Mercedes-Benz and Citroën.

Companies like General Motors, TVS, Tata and Maruti hire transportation and automobile design graduates.