Times have changed since Art Center’s Transportation Design Department was founded just after World War II. For one thing, what was once the Automotive Design Department is now called Transportation Design, a name-change that reflects an exciting expansion of opportunities. For another, the very nature of transportation design is undergoing significant change right now, with fuel-efficiency taking top billing over every other concern.
Since the early days of the automobile, Art Center alumni have made essential contributions to the future of transportation design, and they continue to do so during this period of radical change. As Art Center’s Transportation Department celebrates its 60th anniversary and looks ahead to the next 60, what better time for Outer Circle to ask alumni to weigh in on their experiences and their thoughts on the role of transportation design going forward? Below, Transportation Design alumni from the past six decades share their insights on the challenges and opportunities facing this dynamic industry.