University of Huddersfield Degree Show 2004

With 19 graduating students from the BA(Hons) Transport Design course, the range of design projects reflects the broad nature of the discipline; with projects ranging from automotive exteriors and interiors, motorcycles, bridges and urban transportation interfaces.

All final year projects have a strong design research element where a student's detailed knowledge and understanding of future market, social and environmental trends validates the project and the core design concept.

Oliver Raine presented a minimalist and dramatic roadster: "In today's politically correct world, the Nissan Seeker sets out to break the rules, defy social conventions, and be inherently un-politically correct". Inspired by past iconic rebellious figures such as James Dean, and Jim Morrison of the Doors, the Seeker aims to evoke feelings of shock, anger and disbelief for those who wish to sanitize this world, and create feelings of passion, freedom and for people who don't want to conform to the establishment.

"The Seeker sticks two fingers up at today's vehicles which aim to be as safe, versatile, and environmentally friendly as possible, and is intent on delivering the pure driving experience". Designed and realized in collaboration with Nissan Design Europe in London, the Seeker incorporates influences from cyber-culture, hot rods, and industrial architecture; the Seeker exposes parts other cars fear to show. Not for the faint hearted.

Simon Greaves proposed a modular vehicle to deal with different life-stages of the customer: "The structure of lifestages is changing due to social trends such as the reduction of traditional families, an increase in divorce and single people, plus an ageing demographic. This suggests that within established lifestages there will be greatest variation between users creating a need for greater flexibility in our vehicles. Inspiration for the adaptability needed came from the theory of evolution and the changes in DNA strand links that can create a different person or animal each time, adapting to new situations or environments. The vehicle consists of a mechanical base on which a selection of pods can be placed, which allows it to evolve with each lifestage... Single: Image, socialising, holidays.
Family: Space, children, DIY and garden, shopping. Couples: fitness, going out together, image.
Post Family: mobility, accessibility, ease of use

Peter Aston's Roadfire concept is a vehicle designed to help escape the stressful climate of the modern world - to allow the owner to forget about deadlines, meetings and mortgages, to immerse the owner in a world of their own, just man and machine. To really escape the modern world the Roadfire concept is in essence retro inspired. It draws its inspiration from the World War 2 era. Inspiration is taken from the Supermarine Spitfire in particular, a machine that stands for agility, beauty, and freedom. The Roadfire concept is a rear engined single seater and boasts a tilting suspension feature, which gives it the ability to lean into corners like a motorcycle. It achieves this by the use of electronic, hydraulic and mechanical systems working together.

Rob Slade presented an entry-level motorcycle designed for a first time rider with an emphasis on developing a user confidence in being able to perform simple maintenance tasks. A crankcase window visually displays the engine oil level while the rider can view the petrol level by looking between the body fairings into a transparent tank.

By