Automotive Design: Love, Hate, and Blandness

cazalea · 2015-10-01T11:51:53Z

Explore design philosophy in watches and cars. Cazalea discusses polarizing aesthetics, from BMW's Bangle-butt to the Pontiac Aztek.

cazalea

WPS member · Automotive forum

4 replies856 views5 photos

cazalea initiates a thought-provoking discussion on design philosophy, drawing from a quote by a watch brand executive who aimed for polarizing designs. This post explores the fine line between pushing design boundaries and creating universally appealing products, using examples from both the automotive and watch industries.

In his recent post on the Chronometer Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1 watch, MTF said

"An infamous watch brand executive once told me that his goal was to ensure that 33% of people hate his designs, 33% of people love his watches, with 33% of people that are unsure and 1% of people who just don't care!"

MTF went on to say,

"Once you have recovered from the audacity of that assertion, it begins to make sense. There is nothing worse for a designer than universal acclaim because they know that they failed to push the design envelope to the limits. A bland design is a sad design indeed."

I shared the "infamous brand executive" quote with a friend who taught industrial design for many years - automotive mostly - and I must have woken him from a peaceful nap, for he gave me an atypical rant in response:

"Meaningless!

Doesn’t make sense without a definition of “people”.

Does he mean the entire population (however that might be defined) are his potential market?

Presumably his market would be people looking for a product which “pushed the design envelope.”

To abandon 67% of the market would be as stupid as similarly overlooking most of the market who actually wanted a “bland” design, or couldn’t care less about it. It’s kind of the early Mac vs pc argument!

Do people actually “hate” designs anyway? or are they simply not to their taste?

For example an OTT Omega watch might not be stylistically to my taste, I might prefer the simplicity (and cost) of a Swatch (which cannot be considered bland). They both probably do the same basic job.

I certainly wouldn’t “hate” the Omega though as it is exactly what that market sector (not “people”) demand!

I guess a lot of people could say they “hate” the product for what it represents rather than what it is though (e.g. me and BMWs!!!!! )

Guess I don’t agree with him then.

We can all think of designs that have caused people to react in violent ways. The Bangle-Butt BMW 7 series is one that comes to mind. Another is the Pontiac Aztek, aka Gag-Tek

So to provoke my design-educator friend, I sent him this picture of a car that is coming up for sale nearby.

His reaction?

I do like it as the epitome of bad taste and a good example of what happens when someone who knows nothing about 3d form has a go at a car! But this is maybe not what you meant?

What is your reaction to this car?

Do you prefer BLAND or POLARIZING design?

Just wondering ...

Mike

This message has been edited by cazalea on 2015-10-01 11:53:18

Key Points from the Discussion

The concept of 'timeless' design is contrasted with 'bland' design, arguing that timelessness is about achieving a 'golden number' rather than being unmemorable.
The discussion highlights that some car designs are timeless, while others quickly become dated, with environmental factors like desert sun and sand also impacting a vehicle's appearance over time.
A contributor expresses a preference for watches that evoke strong emotions (love or hate) over 'chamallow' (bland) designs, as strong reactions are more memorable.
The Bangle-era BMW 7 Series is cited as a polarizing design that, despite initial controversy, was instrumental in BMW becoming the largest luxury carmaker, suggesting that controversial designs can ultimately be successful.

The Discussion

amanico

Oct 1, 2015

Not sure we can say that the Lotus is a bland design. How can you guess, if you know nothing about cars, that this Lotus is what? 50 years old? Timeless is not bland. It is just the " golden number ". On another side, the " Chamallow " design is not a good thing, in my opinion. I much prefer watches you strongly love or hate. After all, you remember strong loves and hates, never chamallow designed things. Best, Nicolas

KMII

Oct 1, 2015

I\'m not sure if more people feel this way but I would have a hard time deciding on one. It is a classic case of \'it depends\'. So while the Aztec is a monstrosity for me, the Bangle 7 series is not - in fact it was instrumental in making BMW the largest luxury car maker it the world. Not saying I instantly liked it but it grew on me...

cazalea

Oct 1, 2015

Yes, some cars are timeless and others are immediately or very quickly dated. Of course the desert sun and sand are a harsh environment for any vehicle. How about this Jeep - lots of people laughed, but I rather liked it -- this is the car that WENT in order to make room for the LOTUS ELAN to enter our garage. Power top (hood) and everything

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Automotive Design: Love, Hate, and Blandness

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