Automobile design is a niche area within the automotive industry. It is largely concerned with the design of automobiles including cars, trucks, public transportation, boats, vans, motorcycles and alternative sources of mobility. Automotive designers are responsible for the aesthetic appeal of vehicles and for developing concepts in the form of sketches and drawings leading to accurate full-size drawings and models. They are a part of multi-disciplinary team that defines the interior and exterior forms, materials, textures and colors applied in the shaping of an automobile.
Primarily, automotive designers take care of everything that gives us pleasure when we look at an automobile: style, function, quality, safety etc. Design is more than just aesthetics. It is about innovation. A good design is a well thought-out combination and balance of form, fit and function. Ten years ago, companies competed on price. Then it was quality. Today it is design, thus placing a premium on automobile designers.
Scope:
Globally, the automotive industry employs one in ten people. According to a report by Automotive Mission Plan 2006-2016, the automotive industry is expected to require an additional 25 million workforce by 2016 in manufacturing and downstream/ upstream activities. Based on the current employment pattern, it is estimated that automotive industry would require at least seven million trained managers in all disciplines.
In India, automobile designing is still in its infancy and cannot draw on local talent or experience. Consequently the demand for qualified designers is enormous. This creates a situation of more demand, but less supply.
Word of advice:
The world is entering a creating-economy phase and design as an activity can never ever be commoditized as opposed to other types of economies. For example, the knowledge economy as we know it is already being commoditized by emerging world powers. Also it is said that future CEOs will be from the design community as they have a vision and the ability to presage the future as well as think multi-dimensionally. In India as well, the relevance of being a designer as a career option is therefore a great story.
Where to study?
Having made your choice for a career in Automotive Designing, the next question is where should you study? Should you continue in India or study abroad? India is fast catching up with quality courses in automotives. But then, Indian institutes are relatively new in the field and lack the expertise and experience. For those of you who can afford it (and those who can’t can always apply for scholarships) and want a head start, UK qualifications provide some benefits. First of all, it is well recognized by most employers’ world over. Secondly, the independence, creativity and self reliance that you get from your study abroad are highly valued by potential recruiters. UK institutes follow the highest quality standards and thus can guarantee to make you a better professional. You also cannot ignore the prestigious tag of a degree from abroad that may give you an unimaginable starting salary!
Some Engineering Universities in UK offering courses in the field of Automotive are:
University of Bath
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
Coventry University
Brunel University, West London
University of Loughborough
University of Leeds