Unseen design gems from 2023
We complete our review of 2023's releases with our top 'Did-You-Notice' details from our Design Trend Reports.
Some of the smaller new details of car design that may have passed you by, are rather clever, or might make you smile - here are ten of our favourite ‘did-you-notice’ design details that have been complied by reviewing the Design Trend Reports we produce through out the year (presented to the design groups of many car brands globally) — for a lighthearted share during the festive season…
Let us know your favourite — or share a novel new car design detail from 2023 that we’ve missed!
1. Slide and kickback - Using a four finger gesture, the central screen in the Zeekr X slides from left to right along the dash, and with the push of a button the ‘Zero gravity’ seats recline back, with the rear seats folding up to make space - demo’d to CDR at Auto Shanghai by Zeekr Head of Advanced Design, Javier Gallardo.
2. Chewing on that truck design - The Tacoma Tough And Rough Dogs (TRD) is a toy for your dog made out of natural rubber, inspired by the development clay model. Image © Toyota.
3. Don’t forget your hat - the Fisker Alaska pickup concept asserts the brands national origin with ceiling mounted storage for a Stetson. Image © Fisher
4. Clever Duster - ‘YouClip lets you easily attach any accessory to various spots in your vehicle.’ Image © Dacia.
5. Solar inspired - The Polestar 4 features a planet themed ambient lighting, demo’d to CDR at Auto Shanghai by Polestar Head of Design, Maximilian Missoni.
6. A switch to reach the heart - the Mini SE feature mode switch is an elevated physical touchpoint with a die cast heart symbol (and don’t forget about Spike, the new personal assistant, inset). Image © Mini.
7. Air in your face, music to your ears - Fiat Topolino recessed powered mount sits on the IP behind the instrument binnacle — shown here powering either a bluetooth speaker or fan (potentially obscuring forward vision?) Image © Fiat.
8. VW’s Tape deck - The ID.2all concept teased a retro inspired HMI theme (and to which physical switch elements, including the centre console mounted dial, speak to). Video © VW.
9. Immediate luxury - The Avatr 12 - a handsome and well resolved design - features an automatic angle adjusting wireless charge mat, this unexpected ‘ceremony’ evidencing an understanding of the customer and their needs. Video © Auto 4K.
10. Moose on the loose - Volvo have turned national identity into wider story-telling and impacting design elements - the reindeer illustrated storage drawers on the EX30 are premium design details. Image © Volvo.