In today's fast-paced technological landscape, the automotive industry has been undergoing significant changes in how vehicles are designed, operated and experienced by users. This session will explain the lessons learned from the tech industry and how they can be applied to the automotive sector. The session will focus on three key areas: Human-Machine Interface (HMI), User Experience (UX) beyond the car, and the use of data to better understand customer behaviour and preferences.

The coming decade will see the emergence of new “hybrid” automotive forms, their shape and volume determined by new electrified powertrains, a greater focus on aerodynamics and range, autonomous functions, new cabin demands by consumers and evolving safety requirements. This session examines where the opportunities are for designers to define a new aesthetic. It will be a new era with the potential to be one of the most creative in automotive packaging in decades. As we are beginning to see, these changes will draw on established typologies – contemporary takes on shooting brakes and Ute’s are making a comeback. Take the Audi Activesphere concept, which brings the sedan to the off-road with 4x4 capability, Audi luxury, four-place seating, advanced electronics and controls, and truck utility all wrapped up in one very aggressive and luxurious package. The luxury “Ute” of tomorrow? Or the Ferrari Purosangue. Commonly called an SUV by the motoring press (who should know better) this vehicle has more in common with the Ferrari FF and a classic Aston Martin Lagonda saloon than an SUV.

As the world rapidly evolves, so does the role of the designer. No longer limited to aesthetics alone, the modern designer is challenged to consider the entire lifecycle of a product, from materials sourcing to end-of-life disposal. In this session we will explore how designers can embrace sustainable materials, unlock their creative potential, and find inspiration in unconventional sources to create meaningful and environmentally responsible designs. Join us as we discuss the skills, mindset and approaches that designers need to thrive in the future.

The world of car design needs a high-performing and creative culture. This will require constant cultivation from design leadership and managers within studios. Investigating the minds of creative individuals and understanding their unique perspectives, we will uncover strategies and best practices for maximising the creative potential of their design team. From fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment to implementing effective leadership techniques, this panel discussion will provide a roadmap on how to build a culture that fosters creativity in car design.

This session will explore the expectations of design leadership from the C-suite and beyond. What are the key qualities and skills required to effectively manage and lead a design team, as well as the strategies for cultivating a leadership mindset? Through case studies and interactive discussions, we will uncover the challenges and opportunities that come with design leadership and share insights on how to navigate them successfully. Whether you're a seasoned design leader or aspiring to step into a leadership role, this session will provide valuable perspectives and practical tips to help you excel as a design leader.

Closing thoughts and next steps, presented by a special guest and Car Design News editor, James McLachlan

Takeaway: The OEM mindset needs to change to allow space for more creativity rather than just focusing exclusively on a set of deliverables. This workshop will look at how to encourage and implement this culture

Takeaway: What opportunities will the future hold for designers when it comes to trend forecasting? Beyond aesthetics – how can colour serve a function? Breakthroughs by new start-ups are showing how paint and colour can interact or even influence emerging technology such as LiDAR while playing a contributing role in safety. If it is up to these start-ups, the way designers use colours is set to change for good and for the better. Facilitating the platform for open constructive evaluation and sharing thoughts, Car Design News brings together an expert panel to discuss what the future could potentially look like. The role of colour in car design is continually evolving, new products coming to market have the potential to completely revolutionise the way CMF teams work with colour. While technical innovations in paint and finish offer greater choices for customers – such innovations bring its own challenges when it comes to adoption and utilization of the full potentials. Hear from Ink Invent how they envision and shape the next paradigm shift in the industry, how this will shift the landscape into a new era, and how they are on a mission to introduce their revolutionary product portfolio RheoLight to the OEM design departments. Join this workshop and be the first to learn what opportunities the future can offer to designers when it comes to trend forecasting and how colours can serve a broader function beyond aesthetics.

Takeaway: Alternative materials cannot be ignored, but real leather still has a place in the vehicle. This workshop investigates what luxury means in today’s world of sustainability, and whether CMF teams may need to find a balance between authentic and synthetic. You should leave this session with an idea of how your next project could incorporate traditionally luxurious materials like leather and wool, and which materials hitting the market are gaining market share.

Takeaway: Lighting and sound design are new and ever moving frontiers for automotive design. But are car designers fully grasping the potential of lighting and sound in defining their brand. Are there lessons from the world of architecture and music that the industry can learn in modelling new interior landscapes, communicating with the driver and passengers, and creating a holistic soundtrack that covers everything from seatbelt chimes to engine noise. An expert panel from the worlds of architecture, the music industry and automotive design explore the design and application of lighting and sound design, sharing informed opinions, experiences and case studies.

Takeaway: Technology today can connect designers, studios and teams in real time across the world. But how can these tools be best applied? This workshop explores eal-world uses for VR and how to bring global teams together on joint projects.

Takeaway:Technicon is in a rare position to have studios in all key regions for automotive design. And with design carried out by teams across different continents, you need a way to help them collaborate. This workshop will outline how digital tools are accelerating the development process, but also point out how/why designers need to combine those with physical models.

Part 1 Takeaway: The landscape of tools that are used within the automotive environment is changing. Which tools are here to stay, and which ones are the up and comers?

Part 2 Takeaway: Getting the final data has been imperative in the past few years. But how can you convert a 2D idea or sketch into a 3D model in the most efficient way today?

Takeaway: In recent times we have seen various companies question how far an A-Class standard needs to reach. This session investigates whether it is still required and, if so, how hard the industry must push to optimise the process while retaining the same level of quality