When Idea Becomes Reality

Right after the research and development department sets the proportions and technical properties of the new vehicle, the designers are called in. They have to connect emotionally with the target audience and sketch the first lines of what the new car could look like.

Usually, it is through a creative contest between company designers that the future look of the interior and exterior of the car is chosen. The task is extremely difficult. Not only must designers perfectly understand the customer, they must also predict what the world will consider of value in the distant future – up to three years could pass until their vision actually reaches production lines. In this competition amongst equals, four to six concepts are initially selected for further development. Then, designers work on the details and small-scale models of the future car are made and evaluated until one vision wins. It's all an intensive, top-secret process.

This way, eventual changes in design and their impact on the aerodynamics, comfort and safety of the vehicle can be examined and elaborated on in a matter of clicks.

Only this way can the observers of the silhouette of the future car most accurately see how light will reflect on its surface and easily enhance imperfections.

When a car’s looks are radical, taking it to production poses too much of a financial risk to the car maker. Therefore, the design needs to be adapted so that it meets the expectations of as wide an audience as possible. But, even if changes to design are made, maintaining the emotional appeal of the car is crucial.

No matter how good a car is, 80 percent of the time it will not sell if it doesn’t look good. Nevertheless, even when feedback on the looks of a concept car is great, the manufacturer must still question whether its solution as a whole is actually functioning. It could be that the roof of the car is too low, the field of vision too impaired, or the car may not be aerodynamic enough… Those and similar challenges need solutions and these often lead to a change in the design.

A design that you are in love with now could actually not age all that well. Usually, a new model has to be attractive for as long as three to seven years – it is only then that a new version of the model will replace it. Therefore, a lot of effort is put into achieving timeless aesthetics, while still maintaining the emotionality of the car. Achieving this goal could bring about some compromise.

In conceptual studies, the costs of making a certain type of car are not really considered. Room is left for imagination to take its course unrestrained. But when it comes to manufacturing a car for actual customers, their incomes have to be taken into consideration as well. Thus, changes in the design are often made in order to lower the cost of production and, consequently, its price for the consumer. This way, the quality of the build is left uncompromised, while the car becomes available to as many car-lovers as possible. It’s a win-win.

Always on full alert

“Our eyes are always our scouts, forever looking about for something new – be it a bread roll, a piece of furniture, a person or a car.” 

Ideas may spring from sources unknown even to the designers themselves. Essential is that they must always be attentive observers.

Keep it crystal clear

“If someone would ask me to describe ŠKODA design in one word, I would say ‘crystalline’.”

Bohemian crystal is what most inspired the looks of the new models. Keeping their design true to the brand legacy and its Czech roots ensures that ŠKODA models perfectly combine function and style.

Do you want to read more about ŠKODA concept cars? Click here!