B9575 - CAR DESIGN AND STYLING

Learning outcomes

Learning and understanding the fundamentals of style-oriented design in the automotive field, through the systematic approach for the realization of a complete concept car, from the design approach, defining the technical specifications by means of the IDeS (Industrial Design Structure) method, to the implementation of the stylistic development process, by means of SDE (Stylistic Design Enineering). Developing advanced innovative vehicle projects in working groups, applying multidisciplinary knowledge to the design and physical and virtual prototyping of new vehicle models, using advanced digital technologies such as CAD and VR as well as 3D printing. The students, organized into working groups, will have to apply these technologies to give shape to emerging vehicle concepts. They will therefore develop the ability to work in teams, planning and managing the activities necessary to achieve technically valid design results

Course contents

The course is characterized by the definition of a concept car from the point of view of body definition through the description and application of Methodologies, peculiar to Industrial Engineering, applicable to vehicles such as the automobile and/or similar.


In particular, the main design methodologies such as:


- IDeS Industrial Design Structure, for the organization of an industrial project
- DFSS Design For Six Sigma, for the systematic implementation of design phases
- SDE Stylistic Design Engineering, for style-oriented design
- QFD Quality Function Deloyment, oriented toward market analysis
- Benchmarking, oriented toward competitive analysis
- Top Flop Analysis for defining innovation goals

The activities will find their place within projects that simulate the realization of a product-vehicle as in the corporate environment.


To participate in the course, the following Pre-requisites are required:


1) advanced knowledge of 2D CAD software


2) advanced knowledge of 3D CAD software for solid modeling


3) advanced knowledge of 3D CAD software (CAS) for surface modeling


4) good aptitude for freehand drawing (sketching).


It should be noted that no class hours related to the teaching of 2D and 3D SW modelers will be conducted during the course, which, as mentioned above, should be considered as pre-requisites.

Readings/Bibliography

Freddi A., Imparare a Progettare, Pitagora, 2005

Giacosa, D. Motori Endotermici, Hoepli

Genta, G., L'Autotelaio, ATA

Eissen, K., Sketching: The Basics,Bis Pub

Frizziero, L., Liverani, A., Nannini, L., Design for six sigma (DFSS) applied to a new eco-motorbike, Machines, Volume 7, Issue 3, 2019, nr. 52

Frizziero, L. et al., Application of ides (Industrial design structure) to sustainable mobility: Case study of an innovative bicycl, Inventions, Volume 6, Issue 2, 2021m nr. 22

Frizziero, L. et al., Innovation design driven by QFD and TRIZ to develop new urban transportation means, Australian Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 19(3), pp. 300-316, 2021

Frizziero, L. et al., A new car concept developed with stylistic design engineering (SDE), Inventions, 5(3),30, pp. 1-22

Donnici, G. , Frizziero, L., Liverani, A. Costantini, N., Pedrielli, G., Ides (Industrial design structure) and stylistic design engineering (sde) applied to the mobility of the futur, Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (August), 2020

Further timely references will be given by the Professor during the lectures in the first block.

Teaching methods

The methods used during the course will be:


1) Dividing the participants into working groups of 3-4 students each.


2) Assignment of project themes inherent to the automobile


3) Simulation of an industrial design course with planning, budget and design


4) Application of major design methods such as QFD, IDeS, DFSS, BM, etc.


5) Realization of project concept having as output 3D printed and/or augmented/virtual reality aesthetic prototypes


6) Final project presentation in ppt


During the course there will be an opportunity to attend lectures/workshops on in-depth theory and practice in the field of vehicle design, also given by eminent members of industry.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of evaluating the final car concept project presented in powerpoint and possibly accompanied by digital or physical prototype.


During the course, teams will be required to present the progress of their work in front of the classroom, receiving guidance from the instructor on how to proceed toward the optimal final result.


The final grade will take into account:


- quality of the project


- innovativeness of the project


- individual contribution of the student


- ability to work in a team


- overall professionalism of the working group

Teaching tools

1) Theory Slides and References in Literature.


3) Sketching software, 2D CAD, 3D CAD, Rendering Software


4) Possibly 3D Printing and Augmented Reality.

Office hours

See the website of Leonardo Frizziero