Collaboration Between Italy and Kumamoto
──What were your initial feelings when you first heard the news about the Red Dot Design Award?
Aiello
I first learned about receiving the award when I received a
congratulatory message from a reporter that I know. I was really surprised, and at the
same time, felt very proud. That’s because Red Dot is a very respected design award both
in Europe and in the world.
Urasawa
I also shared my joy immediately with Mr. Aiello when I heard
this news. Before being assigned to our Design office in Italy, I was in charge of this
model at Kumamoto. Every day I worked through the process of commercializing the
product, feeling the difficulties, it poses., so I feel deeply touched that the result
was in the form of recognition through receiving the Red Dot Design Award.
Aiello
At that time, I did not imagine Mr. Urasawa would be coming to
Italy. However, I feel great joy that this collaboration, which spanned locations so far
apart, was recognized in such a way. It also feels like fate that we received this award
at a time when Mr. Urasawa is together with me in the same office in Italy.
──This development involved tight collaboration between the sites in Italy and Kumamoto. How did you go about the development?
Urasawa
I was in Kumamoto and Mr. Aiello was in Italy. We held
regular online meetings about twice each week, carrying out discussions based on the
styling concept and sketches.
Aiello
As the project leader for design, Mr. Urasawa was in charge of
turning the sketches I drew into a form for mass production. A major success factor was
the creation of a clear vision for the targeted style by the two sites—Kumamoto and
Italy—during the stage when we were working on the styling concept. Subsequent
discussions were very intense. Therefore, I don’t think this model was designed by me
alone. Rather, I see it as something accomplished with four hands together with Mr.
Urasawa.
Uniqueness of NC in the Aspects of Styling
──What aspects of styling were emphasized in this NC750X?
Urasawa
The styling concept was broadly categorized into three
aspects: (1) an upright and dynamic silhouette, (2) an iconic look, and (3) a simple and
solid surface composition that did away with waste. We used these three aspects to think
about the shape of the new NC750X.
Aiello
I have been involved with the NC series for many years, and in
the previous model, my strong feelings as a designer led to a somewhat more stylish
direction. Therefore, this time, I kept in mind to bring forward the model’s reliability
as a vehicle. A presence that blends in naturally with the user’s surroundings and gives
a sense of security—I think that is the true essence of the NC series.
Urasawa
It was mentioned earlier, but when Mr. Aiello came to
Kumamoto and saw the clay model, he said, “Let’s give it a better sense of enclosing the
rider.” His words left a strong impression on me. We adjusted the volume of the middle
cowl and the sides of the tank to raise the model’s sense of protection and reliability.
Aiello
The rider feels protected by the motorcycle—to me, that is one
of the uniqueness of a motorcycle. It is not about being fast or light. It has a
presence that encloses the sense of its rider. I wanted to convey such a sense through
the styling.
Urasawa
We wanted to create a look that people can recognize on
sight. We paid attention to an expression that allows users to think, “Ah, that’s an NC”
with a single glance in the streets. In addition, we also designed other parts—such as
the handle upper holder and the screen adjuster designated as an optional part—to give a
tough and powerful impression.
Aiello
And it is not just for the sake of design. The shapes are also
relevant to the functions. This is the essence of Honda’s design.
Paintless Potential Shown by DURABIO™*
──Another major feature this time is the use of the bio-based material DURABIO™.
Urasawa
Yes, we used DURABIO™, a sustainable material, for the body
cowl, and there was the issue of unevenness in color and texture. We couldn’t achieve
the intended color and tried many times before we achieved the level for mass
production.
Aiello
This green color is a perfect match for the model’s character.
It truly symbolizes the NC750X’s concept of shuttling between cities and nature.
──How did you feel when you saw the finished motorcycle?
Urasawa
I thought it was properly completed as per the sketch.
Adjustments are often required in the process of mass production, but this time, our
design was properly achieved, even down to the details. That was what I was most happy
about.
Aiello
I was truly surprised. The image that we developed at the
start had been turned into an actual motorcycle. That is no simple task. When
transitioning from the design sketch to a mass-production model, there are times when
you depart from the original intention. However, Mr. Urasawa stood firm and kept to the
vision. I sincerely respect this attitude.
Reception at EICMA and Way Ahead
──What was the response at EICMA?
Aiello
There were many members of the media who said that they liked
it the most among our NC models so far. Besides the styling, I was happy that the
expanded scope of use—the greater joy from commuting and traveling on this motorcycle
that came with the updates made to its various equipment—resonated with people.
Urasawa
There was also a lot of response regarding DURABIO™. Besides
drawing attention as an initiative for the environment, it was also highly evaluated for
not making any compromises at all in the quality of its appearance. A journalist said,
“I hope this material can be used in more models.” This recognition of Honda achieving
environmental challenges at a high level left a particularly strong impression on me.
Aiello
I felt that our thinking of expressing environmental
friendliness through design was being properly conveyed to users. It was a moment that I
felt truly glad for taking on this challenge.
Profiles
Valerio Aiello
Honda R&D Europe Italia
Designer
Kazunari Urasawa
Honda R&D Europe Italia
Designer
