Brains and Beauty

BMW MINI- BEAUTY FROM INSIDE OUT

The 2009 MINI hatchback and convertible's four-seat interior has good and bad points. On the plus side, its configurable cabin makes the most of what appears to be a limited amount of space for cargo, plus its cabin materials are among the highest quality in the class. But there are also numerous complaints that its gauges are more fashionable than functional, and even jaded test drivers have trouble figuring the dashboard out. In addition, the MINI Cooper's rear seats are not recommended for normal-sized passengers.

CITED FROM AUTO PRESS:http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/MINI_Cooper/Interior/

From looking at the picture above, it can be argued that the BMW Mini has made a stand point that the impact of the inside of their cars are as equally important as the impact of the outside. The beauty of this model is elevated purely because of the attention to detail. The eye does not have to be artistic to appreciate the aesthetics of the interior design of this car. The cleverness of symmetry, the colour choice, the choice of material, the typographic setting of the dials, the dimensions of the features in the car, coupled with the overall composition of these features- and the list goes on- do well to exist with one another harmoniously. The orchestrated detailing of the interior of the car bodes high expectations for its performance on the road. Although it is a known fact that a book should never be judged by its cover, BMW has gone a step further with their interior designing; indulging you to want to flick ferociously through its pages with the guarantee that we will be proved wrong. 

Maybe you can judge a book by its cover and its pages.

The bigger picture

 In the deep thought about the makings of a great car does the design of the interior have as much emphasis as the design of exterior or is it simply just about the technical practicalities of it?

Looking at the progression of the automotive industry and the consumers availability of choice, it has become the nightmare and the dream of every car manufacturer to achieve the highest quality on ALL the levels mentioned. 

 It can be argued that the aim of these 'avant-garde' cars is to constantly push the boundaries of how car design should be approached.

 In a post modernist era, many would argue the emphasis on synergy has become paramount in every venture. The blurring of boundaries is the state many critics would claim we are in. 

We ourselves as graphics designers are constantly encouraged to blur these boundaries in order to become more original.But in truth, we do not exist in a vacuum. Which is the best part of it all. This is where the inspiration is everything.

Overall impact:

'In 2008, with rapidly rising oil prices, industries such as the automotive industry, are experiencing a combination of pricing pressures from raw material costs and changes in consumer buying habits. The industry is also facing increasing external competition from the public transport sector, as consumers re-evaluate their private vehicle usage. Roughly half of the US's fifty one light vehicle plants are projected to permanently close in the coming years with the loss of another 200,000 jobs in the sector, on top of the 560,000 jobs lost this decade. As a result, in 2009, China became the largest automobile market in the world.' 

CITED FROM WIKIPEDIA - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotive_industry

On reflection, it may be the case that the time to ponder about the makings of a great car is not highest of priorities at the moment for car manufacturers. The struggle to survive the economic climate will prove to be a big hurdle to jump. 

The future of beautifully adapted interior car design can only be something worth looking forward to when we look at cars like the BMW MINI. Such attention to detail is always welcomed as it adds a greater 'value' to the car; even if it is only appreciated by the owner or the passer-by or the envious motorist driving past...

Possible inspiration for final project:

Interior spaces- HOW can graphic design affect interior spaces? (presently and in the future)

What principles can be adopted to achieve a better design?