Building on your existing design knowledge, this module deepens your understanding of the art and science of car design. You will critically explore how aesthetic principles and design decisions influence the visual impact, proportion, and emotional character of vehicles, strengthening your ability to analyse and apply professional automotive design language.

You will further develop the technical, creative, and reflective skills used within contemporary vehicle design studios. You will be expected to work with increasing independence, engaging in iterative design development and refining ideas through sketching, physical modelling, and digital processes. This will enable you to articulate and justify your design decisions with confidence.

This module will introduce, support, and develop your understanding of:

- Advanced application of proportion, scale, direction, and visual weight in vehicle design.
- Contemporary automotive design processes, from concept generation to refined form development.
- Concept-driven sketching as a tool for exploration, communication, and design iteration.
- Research and visual analysis to inform and strengthen design intent.
- Clay modelling as a professional method of 3D exploration, evaluation, and communication.
- The integration of 2D, 3D, and digital workflows to support design development.
- Working with industry and responding to client feedback.

The module follows a structured three-part journey examining how contemporary vehicles are designed, sculpted, and refined. You will explore conceptual forms through advanced sketching techniques, drawing on research and inspiration to inform your design direction. You will then translate these concepts into clay, allowing you to critically evaluate and refine form, surface, and proportion. Through sustained engagement with clay modelling, you will develop a more sophisticated understanding of 3D form, enhancing your visual communication and digital modelling capabilities. By synthesising 2D and 3D processes, you will produce a professional-quality digital representation of your vehicle design, demonstrating independence, critical judgement, and design maturity expected as aspiring professional designers and modelmakers.

Assessment 1: Extended Practical Project

Creative portfolio of project work and professional development. Typically including:
- Brand research investigation
- Design and development sketch book
- Clay models with 3D printed components
- Tape drawing
- Presentation Banner
- Digital Presentation

Assessment 2: Professional Development Presentation

A professional development presentation, typically in the form of a visual multi-media presentation delivered verbally, that reflects on your development as a designer and outlines your career aspirations.

The presentation will include a question and answer component, where you will respond to questions from assessors to demonstrate your understanding, reflection, and ability to articulate your work and professional direction.

Formative Assessment:

Midway formative feedback will be embedded within practical sessions, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support student development and progression.

- Supervised 'technical' instruction from qualified model-making staff
- Experimenting with 2D, 3D and computer visualisation techniques.
- Working independently, in the studio and workshops.
- Taking part in discussions and presenting your work to other students and staff.
- Evaluation of modelling techniques.
- Production of physical model for industry aligned brief.
- Engaging with demonstrations of design and modelling techniques.
- Perform analytical research around your chosen subject to enhance deeper understanding.

1. Produce an extended practical project that demonstrates growing independence and professional awareness.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Apply critical reasoning to address a complex challenge by demonstrating how you have used academic, technical, or professional feedback to enhance your project

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

3. Communicate project intentions, process, and outcomes effectively using appropriate disciplinary formats for both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Communication

4. Reflect on your professional identity and aspirations within creative industries and identify lifelong learning opportunities to support your development within Automotive and Transport Design.

Personal Development & Entrepreneurship Reflection

- Student Life: https://www.youtube.com/@uniofstaffsstudentlife/videos
- University Careers: https://staffs.careercentre.me/Members
- University Library: https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/library
- Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant
- Specialist Spaces and Workshops
- Smart Zone
- CAD Labs
- Print Bureau
- Betty Smithers Design collection
- Access to relevant software (to include: Alias, Blender, Unreal Engine, VRED, Adobe CC, Microsoft Office)

Interior Motives Magazine
http://www.claysculptors.com/
www.conceptcar.co.uk
www.drawthrough.com
www.haraldbelker.com
www.cardesignnews.com
www.netcarshow.com
felixgodarddesign
Daniel Simon ®

Heinel, J. (2024) Clay secrets: From concept to perfect form: The art of clay modelling.

Macey, S. and Wardle, G. (2017) H-point: The fundamentals of car design & packaging. Croydon: Design Studio Press.

Simon, D. (2010) Cosmic motors. London: Titan Books.

Where older texts are included, they are retained as foundational texts within the discipline, remaining relevant where no more recent equivalent texts are available.

This module builds on your existing design skills and takes your car design work further. You’ll explore how proportion, form, and visual language shape the look and feel of cars on an exciting industry aligned brief. Through sketching, research, clay modelling, and digital workflows, you’ll develop ideas from early concepts through to refined forms. Working with greater independence, you’ll learn to communicate and justify your design decisions clearly. This module supports your overall course by strengthening the creative, technical, and professional skills needed for future roles in automotive design.