How can you use trend analysis to create a more user-friendly automotive design?

Trend analysis and trend mining have become oversaturated due to the focus on small location and demographic surveys and collection. As a native Californian, I have lived in Italy, Germany, Japan, China and all over the USA. Why is nobody asking trend questions to these people. I suspect trend watchers and researchers are lazy and assume everything new and fresh comes from California. It's not the case. The most interesting cultural breakthroughs' are coming and will come from Africa, Asia and the Southern hemisphere. I just returned from Qatar, that was unbelievable! What new global trends are undiscovered? Cultural arrogance is toxic!

The target audience is usually defined by data obtained from the marketing department and executives' wishes. Therefore, to effectively define goals, a designer needs to identify and focus on specific trends that are most relevant to design goals and target audiences. What requires consideration and deep analysis are areas such as: Demographics: Consider the age, gender, income, and lifestyle of the potential buyers. Geographical Factors: Trends can vary significantly across different regions. Cultural Influences: Cultural trends can influence design elements like color, form, and functionality.

Control the trend narrative and you can manipulate the appetite for goods and services in the name of a “ New Trend” What trends will dominate 2024? Probably the continuation of “ Better Times” fashion and product lines updated with eco friendly materials. More of the same!

Emphatize +Understand+ love + feel. Forget for a second the requirements or input data and try, hard-try to emphatize with the user about what is he cocerned about, their real necesities and expectations for the way is chosing to travel, then yo could start see all the requirements and data just to fit the the ide on to requirements and then just then starts to define characteristics but any single one must be driven by the feeling of love not like or coolness, love wath do you love to feel what do you love to find, a car is just a car if you are car-eless.

One thing I understand is that it's important to have a Brand Identity / Vision which then needs to align with the trends of the Target markets and Target audience . Target markets & Target audience are variable for each vehicle. The same is the case with Trends which varies with Time. Having a unique identity which blends into trends and all products is the first step. Automotive development is a 5 year process and therefore the trend analysis is a projection over a time line of 5-7 years. A timeless identity /vision embedded into the design allows in mitigating the errors in these design projections. Also this integration of a strong identity, forms a baseline for design modularity & component modularity in later stages.

Trend data provides insights into user preferences, behaviours, and expectations. By understanding current trends in automotive design, designers can align their efforts with what users find appealing and functional, resulting in a design that resonates with the target audience. Trends in automotive design often align with technological advancements. Collecting trend data helps designers stay informed about the latest technologies that can be integrated into the vehicle's interface, controls, and entertainment systems, contributing to a more modern and user-friendly experience. Categorizing trend data can shed light on user preferences regarding the layout, controls, and overall ergonomics of a vehicle's interior which could be beneficial

Understanding trends in user behaviour and preferences enables designers to enhance the overall user experience. This includes factors such as ergonomic design, intuitive controls, and seamless integration of technology. By aligning with current trends, designers can create vehicles that are not only visually appealing but also provide a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Trends related to environmental sustainability are increasingly important in automotive design. Analyzing data on eco-friendly practices and preferences allows designers to incorporate features such as fuel efficiency, lightweight materials, and alternative energy sources, contributing to a more environmentally conscious design.

Employ speculative design to explore unconventional and innovative ideas. Speculative design is a practice that falls at the intersection of design, futurism, and social critique. It's a methodology used primarily to explore and provoke thought about potential futures and the role of technology, society, and ethics in shaping those futures. Unlike traditional design speculative design aims to challenge assumptions and stimulate discussion about what could be, rather than just what is. The goal is not to predict the future but to better understand the present and consider how today’s decisions can shape tomorrow's outcomes.

basic representation starts with a feeling, abour what do yu want to express trough your design, until you have this spirited feeling you could start shoting lines, drawing and expressing, right now there are a lot of tech for generate interpolated designs could look nice and fine but deoes it makes you feel something?. The base of a concept comunication is to inspire in others the same feeling even at a small art that you feel when you design.

A designer should: Provoke Discussion and Debate: By presenting surprising or even unsettling visions of the future, design aims to spark debate and critical thinking about the directions in which technology and society might be heading. Question the Status Quo: ask "What if?" in a way that critiques present choices and directions. Interdisciplinary Approach: involve collaboration across disciplines, incorporate insights from science, technology, philosophy, sociology, and art.