HONDA The Power of Dreams

Creation of a car starts from knowing the market.

Designers go out to watch the actual conditions of the target market. They meet potential customers and plan a concept so that they would be able to offer products filled with joy to many people.

We do not just determine the shape of the body. We discuss, verify and elaborate interior comfort and usability utilizing real-scale models in order to realize a space that is comfortable and functional for passengers and to fuse this space with design.

Designers always hold discussions a number of times to develop idea sketches that embody their concept, while challenging the issue of determining the shape  and producing a unique structure at the same time.

Based on the sketches, designers narrow down the possible directions and draw a rendering, which serves as a foundation for the final image.

Based on the sketch and rendering, a model is created using a special clay. Through different verifications and aerodynamic tests, we sophisticate the model's design into a more attractive and functional form. We also try new design motifs.

3D modeling using digital technologies also plays a vital role, allowing the product to be checked virtually at various remote regions and locations, acting as a very effective presentation tool in the early stages of development. Depending on the project, 3D digital models are prepared directly from the sketches, requiring 3D modeling skills rivaling those of clay modelers. With digital modeling, movies are often prepared for interior operation and instrument panels, and operating conditions, requiring skills beyond 3D modeling such as effective expression techniques and video editing.

The interface, which acts as a contact point between a driver and a car, is important not only as a function of the car but also as part of the car's charm in terms of its content, visual and entertainment features. This is a frontline area where designers repeat trial and error every day to produce a new type of usability and emotions.

Color designers design body colors, textiles and texture of each part according to the car's personality, customer preference and reginal characteristics of the market to emphasize the car's character and presence.

Feasibility review is a process in which whether the car can actually be manufactured is verified. Designers and developers form a team to determine the specifications of the final product.

After reviewing the car's design and feasibility, 3D data is created to repeatedly verify and refine the appearance. Finally, using the "Class-A Data," base drawings for cutting out the molds of the product are created.

Using a mock-up model that resembles the actual product, we confirm the material feel and systems that cannot be checked with renderings and clay models. After further refining the overall design, final specifications are determined.

Various events are planned when launching newly developed products. Through these events, the product’s design appeal and concepts are effectively conveyed within Honda, and to the world. The development team works with the PR department identifying the design features, collecting and preparing PR material, and writing scripts to promote the new product. At the launch event, the team conducts presentations in front of members of the media, and responds to individual requests from the press regarding the product. The launch event not only presents the new product to the world for the first time, but also spotlights each development team member to the media and to the public.