AW Design Forum: Style remains key as transportation systems evolve

The entire way Americans view transportation is going to change, predicts industry expert David Muyres, and designers will be key in making new methods of mobility desirable.

Speaking at the AW Design Forum on Thursday morning in Detroit, Muyres said transportation needs to be looked at as a complete system, where cars, cities and technologies--such as the electrical grid--all interact.

But for this to work, the cars need to remain exciting, said Muyres.

"Otherwise, you become the world's best manufacturer of stuff nobody wants," he said.

He works with groups called OnGoing Transportation, HuntGreen LLC and New North Center for Design in Business. He also testified before Congress last fall on the future of the industry.

Designers, he argued, make the difference in making transportation still alluring, rather than simply appliances.

"The aspiration of vehicles is just incredible," Muyres said.

By Greg Migliore