Girard

John Girard

Debra Jizi

UWRT 1104

3/28/17

Topic: Automotive Design

"The Design Process at Mercedes-Benz." The Design Process at Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz, n.d.

Web. 28 Mar. 2017.

This article provides a look at the design process used by Mercedes Benz to manufacture their

modern cars. This process is broken down into ten distinct steps beginning with the initial drawing and

progressing to 3d computer and small scale clay modeling to full scale models to interior design and

finally its approval from management.

This article confirmed most of what I believed to be true about the process used to design modern day

cars but raises questions about the final manufacturing of the product. While this is a good starting point

for looking into the design process it is very broad and points out questions regarding specific aspects of

the design process such as the timescale and the tools used.

I believe this to be a reputable source as it is written by Mercedes-Benz, an extremely well established,

reputable car manufacturer. Their extensive knowledge of cars and designing them isnt debatable but the

information released is likely vague to avoid revealing their entire process to competing manufacturers.

05/05/2009, Updated: "Improving Aerodynamics to Boost Fuel Economy." Improving Aerodynamics to

Boost Fuel Economy. Edmunds, 05 May 2009. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.

Car manufacturers are designing cars with aerodynamic properties more in mind than ever before

thanks to advancing technology and the need for better fuel economy. Streamlining vehicles is being used

to increase fuel economy because it is relatively low cost when compared to developing other ways of
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increasing economy. Panel gaps are shrinking, diffusers and lip spoilers are being added and many other

small design features are used to eek every last mile per gallon out of an existing vehicle.

This article provides insight into the mentality of automotive manufacturers in their design

process by analyzing one of their main goals in the design of new cars. While this article provides

relatively little specific detail about the process of designing a new car it gives a unique perspective of the

design process.

This article is proven credible by its publishers close relationship with many different major auto

manufacturers and dealers and its reputation as being an unbiased resource for information on new and

used cars. Additionally, specific quotes from Toyotas product communications administrator and from

the manager of Fords aerodynamics department.

Abstract: The Art of Design. Dir. Brian Oakes. Perf. Ralph Gilles. Netflix, n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2017.

This documentary series follows designers of various types and backgrounds and provides insight

into the process they follow to make their work. In episode 5 they look into Ralph Gilles work for

Chrysler on their latest concept car. Additionally, his background in cars is looked into and he speaks

about when he first became interested in cars and how he ended up in an automotive design career. Some

of Chryslers landmark vehicles such as the 300, Jeep Cherokee, and Dodge Caravan design features are

talked on as well.

This documentary further confirms that a career in automotive design is right for me by looking

into what it is that designers do on a day to day basis and by presenting the mindset that designers have.

This film provides information on the process to become an automotive designer, gives a unique look into

the development of a new concept vehicle, and shows what the job that I am researching entails.

Ralph Gilles is qualified to speak on the topic of automotive design because of his degree in

design from Michigan State and his standing as CEO of Chryslers SRT brand. Additionally, other experts

on cars such as Jay Leno are consulted throughout the 48 minute long film.
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Bearing, Pawl. "A Day in the Life of an Automotive Design Engineer." Engineering. N.p., 24 Sept. 2010.

Web. 09 Apr. 2017

This article provides the slightly humorous first person perspective of an automotive design

engineers daily work life. Most of the article is about the everyday minutia of replacing circuit boards

and negotiating prices with suppliers of parts but also speaks on starting as an automotive design engineer

and the work that it comes with.

After reading this article I question whether any job can truly be enjoyable, the depiction of a day

in the office is stressful, dull, and really reflects negatively on the whole field. This article pertains to the

topic of automotive design because it provides a firsthand look at the real tasks and responsibilities that

are part of the job. It provides a perspective that is unique to the writer and his job specifically but is

relatively universal to those working in the field.

This is a reputable source as the author is an automotive design engineer who has written other

articles for engineering.com and has published a blog since 2009 about his experience at work and this

outlook and opinion on issues such as the layoffs that were common in 2009. Engineering.com is a

reputable website for providing unbiased information on engineering and other related fields.

Ramsey, Mike. "Design Revolution Sweeps the Auto Industry." The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones &

Company, 20 Oct. 2013. Web. 09 Apr. 2017.

Mike Ramsay writes about his interview with Kevin Tallio of Ford who talks about the

advancements that have changed the industry in recent years. Three dimensional modeling software that

is readily available and easy to use has allowed the time spent prototyping and designing can be cut down

drastically. Additionally, he speaks about computer simulations that allow the vehicle to be tested without

ever being built in real life.

This relates to my topic of automotive design through its explanation of new tools used in the

field and the methods being used to design vehicles by major manufacturers today. Despite its positive
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tone this article reflects negatively on the idea of working in that field as it is described as becoming more

and more digital which to me removes an important aspect of the car which is its presence.

While this article was published by the Wall Street Journal a publisher sometimes associated with

the Fake News epidemic its author Mike Ramsay has been with the Wall Street Journal since 2010 and

his record for writing quality has remained clean. Additionally, Mike Ramsay specializes in covering the

future of automotive technology.