FIRST PRIZE Rollo Dixon
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From his three chosen theme words (NATURE, COMMUNICATION and TECHNOLOGY) Rollo has managed to put together a design which uses these to inspire not only the form language of his vehicle, but also its functionality. By doing this from very early in the conceptual stage he has also ensured that these two things inform each other in a positive way. For example his use of an unusual interior seating layout (allowing the occupants to communicate easily) meant that he was also able to explore new and interesting body shapes and proportions. Both the functionality and the styling therefore working hand in hand. Also, by taking the theme of communication and applying it to how the occupants see and interact with the outside world, he was able to design a large and unusual glass house for the vehicle

It was also apparent when looking at his design development work that he had tried many different shapes and proportions before settling on his final design. In effect his brainstorming was done visually on the paper with sketches, as opposed to merely with words. As pointed out in the brief this was an important consideration when it came to judging. In Rollos work it is easy to look back and see his thought process in the developing design. This also makes it easier for a design director to come and challenge, question and direct your work. Putting only one finished rendering up on the wall will not win you any awards in a design studio.
The judges also felt that he had made good use of various inspirations. Taking the ideas of NATURE, TECHNOLOGY and COMMUNICATION and developing them into a usable coherent theme.

Putting all of this together with the fact this his presentation was well thought out and put together it was decided by the judges to award Rollo first place. His work should serve as a good example to those hoping to be car designers of how to put a design project together.

Congratulations Rollo Dixon.

You will be receiving your prize of a copy of How to Design Cars like a Pro (Tony Lewin) as well as your 150USD Dick Blick gift vouchers very soon.