TURNING AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN INSIDE-OUT

The current procedure for developing a vehicle can be simplistically d escribed as 'outside-in', with the exterior styling being considered f irst 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-o ut'. This approach promotes a clearer focus on the people issues insid e the vehicle. For example, the size, number and age of the future occ upants, together with details of their preferred postures, sight lines and reach envelopes, would help define the volume that they will requ ire 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 succe ssful case study of 'inside-out' design is described: the development of a lightweight sports caret Coventry School of Art and Design.