The guiding principle must always be what the customer wants, weather they have expressed it or not. If there are several competing solutions that satisfy the functional expectations of the customer, then the design choice, I feel, is a matter of taste and personality of the founder or lead designer. The best designers have sometimes had some quirky ideas that were not immediately clear to the rest of the staff. People like Steve Jobs, Adrian Newey, Gordon Murray, Christian von Koenigsegg (I dare say not because of bio but having worked with/for), they have a feel for what it takes to build a great product, and few can argue that the functionality has suffered in any meaningful way, seeing the legions of buyers and fans their products have.

Para equilibrar estética e funcionalidade em um carro-conceito, comece entendendo claramente os requisitos de desempenho e os desejos estéticos. Use protótipos e simulações para testar como as soluções visuais afetam a funcionalidade. Realize sessões de feedback com stakeholders para ajustar o design de forma colaborativa, garantindo que a forma não comprometa a função e vice-versa. Finalmente, priorize a inovação dentro dos limites práticos e técnicos, integrando beleza e eficiência.

The leading automakers keep a common styling in all of their products across the range so the consumer can relate their products to their brands. This common theme is better known as the design brand DNA. However, when this DNA is over-defined beyond the overall styling theme there comes a compromise to the desired functionality. A typical example would be if the rear styling of the car is too curved for a visual appeal the aerodynamic performance gets impacted and so does the efficiency. Therefore the design DNA should be restricted to a minimum baseline enabling the functionality flexible & high to enhance customer experience and longevity. This balance should deliver a functional and practical design yet keep the design DNA intact.

Concept cars don’t have conflicting opinions. Why is there an assumption that aesthetics and function need to be balanced? Who says that balance is up to the designer? -powered by a human.

Balancing aesthetics and functionality in concept car design is a fascinating challenge that requires careful consideration of various factors. -Define Core Objectives : Understanding the target audience's needs and preferences will help prioritize the features -Iterative Design Process : Creating multiple prototypes with regular feedback from stakeholders—engineers, designers, and potential users—can guide refinements, ensuring that both aesthetics and functionality are addressed. -Balance Through Compromise : Some aesthetic elements may need to be toned down for practicality. Finding compromises that satisfy both sides is crucial Every design choice should tell a story about the car’s purpose and identity.

Na realidade tem dois pontos de vista, pela ótica do cliente o interessante é realmente o que agrega valor, a estética não altera a funcionalidade, já por outro lado o nome da marca está em jogo, marcas consolidadas jamais vai arriscar a sua reputação.

To harmonize aesthetics and functionality in a concept vehicle with conflicting opinions, an iterative and collaborative design process is key. Using Design Thinking helps understand different perspectives and integrate them into the design. Modular design allows customization, addressing varied preferences. "Form follows function" ensures functionality with aesthetic refinement. Advanced materials like adaptive surfaces and smart glass offer both technical and visual benefits. Interdisciplinary collaboration between designers and engineers ensures seamless integration of ideas. Prototyping and feedback loops refine the design, while a minimalist approach can balance competing ideas, merging elegance with practicality.