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The Art and Science of Design | Frank Stephenson | TEDxEton


Wow let me ask first a very interesting

Wow let me ask first a very interesting question do you really really think we

question do you really really think we

question do you really really think we can predict the future I have to it’s my

can predict the future I have to it’s my

can predict the future I have to it’s my job I’m a car designer I get to draw

job I’m a car designer I get to draw

job I’m a car designer I get to draw cars for a living

cars for a living

cars for a living and every day I ask myself is that

and every day I ask myself is that

and every day I ask myself is that really true how crazy cool is this they

really true how crazy cool is this they

really true how crazy cool is this they pay me to do it it’s something I’m

pay me to do it it’s something I’m

pay me to do it it’s something I’m extremely passionate about I could

extremely passionate about I could

extremely passionate about I could probably tell you pretty accurately what

probably tell you pretty accurately what

probably tell you pretty accurately what kind of cars are going to be on the road

kind of cars are going to be on the road

kind of cars are going to be on the road in 2025 slight problem if I did I

in 2025 slight problem if I did I

in 2025 slight problem if I did I probably lose my job not a good thing so

probably lose my job not a good thing so

probably lose my job not a good thing so my pretty much daily job passion is to

my pretty much daily job passion is to

my pretty much daily job passion is to work at least five years to ten years

work at least five years to ten years

work at least five years to ten years ahead of what’s on the road today so

ahead of what’s on the road today so

ahead of what’s on the road today so what you see on the road today is pretty

what you see on the road today is pretty

what you see on the road today is pretty ancient for me from my point of view and

ancient for me from my point of view and

ancient for me from my point of view and you’ll notice I said I’m very passionate

you’ll notice I said I’m very passionate

you’ll notice I said I’m very passionate about design it’s not designing that I’m

about design it’s not designing that I’m

about design it’s not designing that I’m so passionate about it’s about design in

so passionate about it’s about design in

so passionate about it’s about design in general I’m literally obsessed with

general I’m literally obsessed with

general I’m literally obsessed with anything to do with design why because I

anything to do with design why because I

anything to do with design why because I get to envision something in my mind I

get to envision something in my mind I

get to envision something in my mind I get to think about it

get to think about it

get to think about it then I can put it on paper I have a

then I can put it on paper I have a

then I can put it on paper I have a talent for drawing and then if I’m good

talent for drawing and then if I’m good

talent for drawing and then if I’m good at convincing other people we get to

at convincing other people we get to

at convincing other people we get to actually build this car this car becomes

actually build this car this car becomes

actually build this car this car becomes a 3d product in front of me we get to

a 3d product in front of me we get to

a 3d product in front of me we get to look at it if it goes further it becomes

look at it if it goes further it becomes

look at it if it goes further it becomes an actual physical clay model that we

an actual physical clay model that we

an actual physical clay model that we take into a prototype stage and then it

take into a prototype stage and then it

take into a prototype stage and then it become something I can actually stand

become something I can actually stand

become something I can actually stand back and feel like I like I’m the father

back and feel like I like I’m the father

back and feel like I like I’m the father or it’s something that’s been born from

or it’s something that’s been born from

or it’s something that’s been born from from inside so that’s a very very

from inside so that’s a very very

from inside so that’s a very very special feeling and then this product

special feeling and then this product

special feeling and then this product this car that I’m designing comes out

this car that I’m designing comes out

this car that I’m designing comes out and hopefully really improves on what’s

and hopefully really improves on what’s

and hopefully really improves on what’s going out there up to to that date it

going out there up to to that date it

going out there up to to that date it takes technology even further and

takes technology even further and

takes technology even further and efficiency even further than what we

efficiency even further than what we

efficiency even further than what we have in the world today I make a lot of

have in the world today I make a lot of

have in the world today I make a lot of people happy you have to buy these

people happy you have to buy these

people happy you have to buy these things but at the same time it is

things but at the same time it is

things but at the same time it is bringing a lot of happiness to people to

bringing a lot of happiness to people to

bringing a lot of happiness to people to own things like this

own things like this

own things like this and it moves the world further on so

and it moves the world further on so

and it moves the world further on so this little spark that I had in my mind

this little spark that I had in my mind

this little spark that I had in my mind that I can suddenly bring out and see it

that I can suddenly bring out and see it

that I can suddenly bring out and see it in front of me

in front of me

in front of me is a very very special feeling I’m sure

is a very very special feeling I’m sure

is a very very special feeling I’m sure that anybody who’s had a child can have

that anybody who’s had a child can have

that anybody who’s had a child can have a very very similar relation relate to

a very very similar relation relate to

a very very similar relation relate to that very similarly so at this stage if

that very similarly so at this stage if

that very similarly so at this stage if we look back when the first car was

we look back when the first car was

we look back when the first car was designed it was way back it was an

designed it was way back it was an

designed it was way back it was an annealing era actually the Neolithic

annealing era actually the Neolithic

annealing era actually the Neolithic period of the Stone Age 3000 BC and I’m

period of the Stone Age 3000 BC and I’m

period of the Stone Age 3000 BC and I’m sure you all know about it so we did

sure you all know about it so we did

sure you all know about it so we did start very basically we had not a lot of

start very basically we had not a lot of

start very basically we had not a lot of resources but it was the first car where

resources but it was the first car where

resources but it was the first car where do we go from here

do we go from here

do we go from here we made a big jump and in 1765 the first

we made a big jump and in 1765 the first

we made a big jump and in 1765 the first self-propelled vehicle was designed not

self-propelled vehicle was designed not

self-propelled vehicle was designed not very effective but it did work

very effective but it did work

very effective but it did work steam-powered we’ve come today to what

steam-powered we’ve come today to what

steam-powered we’ve come today to what is probably state-of-the-art technology

is probably state-of-the-art technology

is probably state-of-the-art technology and we’re looking at something that is

and we’re looking at something that is

and we’re looking at something that is actually hybrid powered this is exotic

actually hybrid powered this is exotic

actually hybrid powered this is exotic in materials exotic in performance it’s

in materials exotic in performance it’s

in materials exotic in performance it’s exotic in price but basically there’s

exotic in price but basically there’s

exotic in price but basically there’s nothing faster nothing more

nothing faster nothing more

nothing faster nothing more technologically advanced than what you

technologically advanced than what you

technologically advanced than what you see here where do we go from here

see here where do we go from here

see here where do we go from here we’ve reached pretty much what our

we’ve reached pretty much what our

we’ve reached pretty much what our limits of what we’re capable of

limits of what we’re capable of

limits of what we’re capable of inventing of thinking of taking care of

inventing of thinking of taking care of

inventing of thinking of taking care of the world’s resources and trying to make

the world’s resources and trying to make

the world’s resources and trying to make things practical and also desirable and

things practical and also desirable and

things practical and also desirable and with cars with trains airplanes SpaceX

with cars with trains airplanes SpaceX

with cars with trains airplanes SpaceX program sort of extended ourselves three

program sort of extended ourselves three

program sort of extended ourselves three dimensionally we’ve gone vertically

dimensionally we’ve gone vertically

dimensionally we’ve gone vertically we’ve gone horizontally so where is the

we’ve gone horizontally so where is the

we’ve gone horizontally so where is the next step for our transportation needs

next step for our transportation needs

next step for our transportation needs is it this I don’t know I mean this is a

is it this I don’t know I mean this is a

is it this I don’t know I mean this is a flying car it could be very cool can’t

flying car it could be very cool can’t

flying car it could be very cool can’t imagine a city with about a few thousand

imagine a city with about a few thousand

imagine a city with about a few thousand knees flying in the air above it could

knees flying in the air above it could

knees flying in the air above it could be very dangerous but

be very dangerous but

be very dangerous but it’s a possibility or is it this this

it’s a possibility or is it this this

it’s a possibility or is it this this for me is very exciting this starts to

for me is very exciting this starts to

for me is very exciting this starts to think about the world’s resources we

think about the world’s resources we

think about the world’s resources we stay on the ground is what I think

stay on the ground is what I think

stay on the ground is what I think transportation should do but it starts

transportation should do but it starts

transportation should do but it starts pushing different buttons different

pushing different buttons different

pushing different buttons different emotions I think we have to always think

emotions I think we have to always think

emotions I think we have to always think about moving forward in terms of

about moving forward in terms of

about moving forward in terms of propulsion materials visibility safety

propulsion materials visibility safety

propulsion materials visibility safety communication and all these things and

communication and all these things and

communication and all these things and obviously we’re moving very fast we’re

obviously we’re moving very fast we’re

obviously we’re moving very fast we’re moving quickly into the future it’s

moving quickly into the future it’s

moving quickly into the future it’s coming before we know it but we’re going

coming before we know it but we’re going

coming before we know it but we’re going to be driving or actually we’re not

to be driving or actually we’re not

to be driving or actually we’re not going to be driving we’re going to have

going to be driving we’re going to have

going to be driving we’re going to have a not autonomous vehicles we’re going to

a not autonomous vehicles we’re going to

a not autonomous vehicles we’re going to have cars that can think for themselves

have cars that can think for themselves

have cars that can think for themselves artificial intelligence and my fear

artificial intelligence and my fear

artificial intelligence and my fear being a designer this I’m very sorry to

being a designer this I’m very sorry to

being a designer this I’m very sorry to say for me I just is ugh a word I look

say for me I just is ugh a word I look

say for me I just is ugh a word I look at this product here and I see a rolling

at this product here and I see a rolling

at this product here and I see a rolling transparent refrigerator on four wheels

transparent refrigerator on four wheels

transparent refrigerator on four wheels and for me design is about making

and for me design is about making

and for me design is about making something desirable you have to make it

something desirable you have to make it

something desirable you have to make it attractive we all own things that we

attractive we all own things that we

attractive we all own things that we find attractive I think you don’t ever

find attractive I think you don’t ever

find attractive I think you don’t ever go out and buy a product that you find

go out and buy a product that you find

go out and buy a product that you find unattractive but you just buy it anyways

unattractive but you just buy it anyways

unattractive but you just buy it anyways for its use today all cars our vehicles

for its use today all cars our vehicles

for its use today all cars our vehicles are perfect vehicles pretty much they

are perfect vehicles pretty much they

are perfect vehicles pretty much they don’t break down as often as they used

don’t break down as often as they used

don’t break down as often as they used to they’re very reliable so what makes

to they’re very reliable so what makes

to they’re very reliable so what makes difference obviously design is probably

difference obviously design is probably

difference obviously design is probably the main deciding factor when you

the main deciding factor when you

the main deciding factor when you purchase a vehicle like this so please

purchase a vehicle like this so please

purchase a vehicle like this so please you guys is the future don’t let

you guys is the future don’t let

you guys is the future don’t let something like this happen please I mean

something like this happen please I mean

something like this happen please I mean I’m all for artificial intelligence and

I’m all for artificial intelligence and

I’m all for artificial intelligence and autonomous driving and things like that

autonomous driving and things like that

autonomous driving and things like that but products have to be beautiful they

but products have to be beautiful they

but products have to be beautiful they need the loving touch you know they need

need the loving touch you know they need

need the loving touch you know they need hands on from a designer lap from a

hands on from a designer lap from a

hands on from a designer lap from a machine a lot of design nowadays as we

machine a lot of design nowadays as we

machine a lot of design nowadays as we all know is going towards computers and

all know is going towards computers and

all know is going towards computers and things like that and you might see me as

things like that and you might see me as

things like that and you might see me as old school but the best way to design

old school but the best way to design

old school but the best way to design something is by hand

something is by hand

something is by hand now you couldn’t repeat

now you couldn’t repeat

now you couldn’t repeat or Leonardo da Vinci Michelangelo those

or Leonardo da Vinci Michelangelo those

or Leonardo da Vinci Michelangelo those guys couldn’t repeat what they did back

guys couldn’t repeat what they did back

guys couldn’t repeat what they did back then with computers it was all done by

then with computers it was all done by

then with computers it was all done by hand it was a real passionate thing that

hand it was a real passionate thing that

hand it was a real passionate thing that they always did I have a few few sort of

they always did I have a few few sort of

they always did I have a few few sort of guidelines amazing words that I see I

guidelines amazing words that I see I

guidelines amazing words that I see I refer back to all the time that sort of

refer back to all the time that sort of

refer back to all the time that sort of inspired me incredibly inspiring people

inspired me incredibly inspiring people

inspired me incredibly inspiring people in our history of course but I’ve always

in our history of course but I’ve always

in our history of course but I’ve always looked at a few people select people

looked at a few people select people

looked at a few people select people that I’ve always thought Drive me to

that I’ve always thought Drive me to

that I’ve always thought Drive me to have more creativity in my my soul and I

have more creativity in my my soul and I

have more creativity in my my soul and I won’t have to say much about these

won’t have to say much about these

won’t have to say much about these slides because I’m sure you’re going to

slides because I’m sure you’re going to

slides because I’m sure you’re going to look at them and understand them right

look at them and understand them right

look at them and understand them right away

away

away they’re amazing the next few slides so

they’re amazing the next few slides so

they’re amazing the next few slides so just read that and just let it soak in

just read that and just let it soak in

just read that and just let it soak in because for me it is absolutely

because for me it is absolutely

because for me it is absolutely mind-blowing what this guy is saying and

mind-blowing what this guy is saying and

mind-blowing what this guy is saying and he’s known more for his intelligence and

he’s known more for his intelligence and

he’s known more for his intelligence and than anything else so the fact that he

than anything else so the fact that he

than anything else so the fact that he puts creativity at such a high level for

puts creativity at such a high level for

puts creativity at such a high level for himself I think I think shows you the

himself I think I think shows you the

himself I think I think shows you the importance of creativity probably more

importance of creativity probably more

importance of creativity probably more so than intelligence because if we can

so than intelligence because if we can

so than intelligence because if we can imagine something then we can figure out

imagine something then we can figure out

imagine something then we can figure out how to build it but it can’t imagine it

how to build it but it can’t imagine it

how to build it but it can’t imagine it to begin with how the heck are we going

to begin with how the heck are we going

to begin with how the heck are we going to build it the first place so logic

to build it the first place so logic

to build it the first place so logic will get you from A to B and imagination

will get you from A to B and imagination

will get you from A to B and imagination will take you anywhere how about this

will take you anywhere how about this

will take you anywhere how about this one anything today that we have today 20

one anything today that we have today 20

one anything today that we have today 20 years ago seemed impossible absolutely

years ago seemed impossible absolutely

years ago seemed impossible absolutely impossible that’s going to happen 20

impossible that’s going to happen 20

impossible that’s going to happen 20 years from now everything from today

years from now everything from today

years from now everything from today that we’re thinking about impossibility

that we’re thinking about impossibility

that we’re thinking about impossibility can’t be done in 20 years time they look

can’t be done in 20 years time they look

can’t be done in 20 years time they look at us like well they weren’t very bright

at us like well they weren’t very bright

at us like well they weren’t very bright you know we found ways to do it so

you know we found ways to do it so

you know we found ways to do it so believe me the impossible is possible

believe me the impossible is possible

believe me the impossible is possible it’s never impossible

it’s never impossible

it’s never impossible who said this I purposely let it stay

who said this I purposely let it stay

who said this I purposely let it stay small on the screen who did it

small on the screen who did it

small on the screen who did it but the most beautiful words we’ve heard

but the most beautiful words we’ve heard

but the most beautiful words we’ve heard probably last 15 20 years at Steve Jobs

probably last 15 20 years at Steve Jobs

probably last 15 20 years at Steve Jobs we all know who Steve Jobs is and what

we all know who Steve Jobs is and what

we all know who Steve Jobs is and what he’s responsible for is our modern

he’s responsible for is our modern

he’s responsible for is our modern Einstein this is what I sort of believe

Einstein this is what I sort of believe

Einstein this is what I sort of believe when I sit down and try to be creative

when I sit down and try to be creative

when I sit down and try to be creative if I can be a little bit cheeky so this

if I can be a little bit cheeky so this

if I can be a little bit cheeky so this is what I think realism has its limits

is what I think realism has its limits

is what I think realism has its limits creativity is infinite it doesn’t get

creativity is infinite it doesn’t get

creativity is infinite it doesn’t get any more real than that any more true

any more real than that any more true

any more real than that any more true than that so put yourself in a position

than that so put yourself in a position

than that so put yourself in a position where what you imagine is absolutely

where what you imagine is absolutely

where what you imagine is absolutely doable I really believe that with all my

doable I really believe that with all my

doable I really believe that with all my heart and you might be thinking so how

heart and you might be thinking so how

heart and you might be thinking so how is he so creative I don’t know how to

is he so creative I don’t know how to

is he so creative I don’t know how to tell somebody to be creative I think

tell somebody to be creative I think

tell somebody to be creative I think it’s probably one of our innate genetic

it’s probably one of our innate genetic

it’s probably one of our innate genetic makeups that make us either be creative

makeups that make us either be creative

makeups that make us either be creative or not but I can absolutely tell you

or not but I can absolutely tell you

or not but I can absolutely tell you what makes me feel or when I what what

what makes me feel or when I what what

what makes me feel or when I what what causes me to be sort of the person I am

causes me to be sort of the person I am

causes me to be sort of the person I am I think differently I’m the one with the

I think differently I’m the one with the

I think differently I’m the one with the weird ideas in our group I’m the one

weird ideas in our group I’m the one

weird ideas in our group I’m the one that comes up and is not ashamed or not

that comes up and is not ashamed or not

that comes up and is not ashamed or not embarrassed to say something that makes

embarrassed to say something that makes

embarrassed to say something that makes me seem to be the odd one out I never

me seem to be the odd one out I never

me seem to be the odd one out I never give up I never give up because I think

give up I never give up because I think

give up I never give up because I think great things come from great refinement

great things come from great refinement

great things come from great refinement so great ideas always need refinement

so great ideas always need refinement

so great ideas always need refinement you’re not going to hit it off you know

you’re not going to hit it off you know

you’re not going to hit it off you know a homerun or out of the park on the

a homerun or out of the park on the

a homerun or out of the park on the first hit so you have to refine your

first hit so you have to refine your

first hit so you have to refine your ideas obviously so stay with it less is

ideas obviously so stay with it less is

ideas obviously so stay with it less is more I hear this all the time and it’s

more I hear this all the time and it’s

more I hear this all the time and it’s very easy to design something or to make

very easy to design something or to make

very easy to design something or to make something and make it complex but the

something and make it complex but the

something and make it complex but the hardest thing in the world is to make

hardest thing in the world is to make

hardest thing in the world is to make the complex simple be curious be

the complex simple be curious be

the complex simple be curious be inquisitive I’m probably the most

inquisitive I’m probably the most

inquisitive I’m probably the most curious person I know

curious person I know

curious person I know I never believe anything that anybody

I never believe anything that anybody

I never believe anything that anybody tells me I’m a I question everything

tells me I’m a I question everything

tells me I’m a I question everything basically if somebody says it can’t be

basically if somebody says it can’t be

basically if somebody says it can’t be done or it’s a naysayer I automatically

done or it’s a naysayer I automatically

done or it’s a naysayer I automatically go into the Y mode why is that so I

go into the Y mode why is that so I

go into the Y mode why is that so I don’t believe you I think it is right or

don’t believe you I think it is right or

don’t believe you I think it is right or something like that not to be

something like that not to be

something like that not to be contradictory but because I need to be

contradictory but because I need to be

contradictory but because I need to be forceful in that way to make my designs

forceful in that way to make my designs

forceful in that way to make my designs come through brainstorm I call it brain

come through brainstorm I call it brain

come through brainstorm I call it brain squeezing brainstorming is one way that

squeezing brainstorming is one way that

squeezing brainstorming is one way that we all speak about it but brain

we all speak about it but brain

we all speak about it but brain squeezing for me is is awesome I think

squeezing for me is is awesome I think

squeezing for me is is awesome I think whenever I get a chance to to brainstorm

whenever I get a chance to to brainstorm

whenever I get a chance to to brainstorm is this this human friction that we

is this this human friction that we

is this this human friction that we develop when we have in brainstorm

develop when we have in brainstorm

develop when we have in brainstorm sessions that really sparks off the

sessions that really sparks off the

sessions that really sparks off the creativity really makes you start to

creativity really makes you start to

creativity really makes you start to think about new things that you would

think about new things that you would

think about new things that you would normally not not even approach but you

normally not not even approach but you

normally not not even approach but you get to funny ideas and they turn into a

get to funny ideas and they turn into a

get to funny ideas and they turn into a fantastic idea and so you need this

fantastic idea and so you need this

fantastic idea and so you need this brainstorming brain squeezing session

brainstorming brain squeezing session

brainstorming brain squeezing session anytime you can actually get it going

anytime you can actually get it going

anytime you can actually get it going it’s like lighting the fire getting the

it’s like lighting the fire getting the

it’s like lighting the fire getting the spark going and lighting the fire and

spark going and lighting the fire and

spark going and lighting the fire and ideas start to flow so brainstorming is

ideas start to flow so brainstorming is

ideas start to flow so brainstorming is a real good one for for creativity it’s

a real good one for for creativity it’s

a real good one for for creativity it’s one of the best ones and then letting

one of the best ones and then letting

one of the best ones and then letting yourself go and now this one is very

yourself go and now this one is very

yourself go and now this one is very funny because I think it’s probably one

funny because I think it’s probably one

funny because I think it’s probably one of the most painful ones one of the most

of the most painful ones one of the most

of the most painful ones one of the most embarrassing ones one of the most scary

embarrassing ones one of the most scary

embarrassing ones one of the most scary ones letting yourself go means singing

ones letting yourself go means singing

ones letting yourself go means singing the wrong note saying the wrong thing it

the wrong note saying the wrong thing it

the wrong note saying the wrong thing it means not being the one that fits in the

means not being the one that fits in the

means not being the one that fits in the one that who’s saying that the thing

one that who’s saying that the thing

one that who’s saying that the thing that nobody really wants to hear so

that nobody really wants to hear so

that nobody really wants to hear so letting yourself go putting yourself

letting yourself go putting yourself

letting yourself go putting yourself into that area that we we’ve often heard

into that area that we we’ve often heard

into that area that we we’ve often heard which is outside of your comfort zone

which is outside of your comfort zone

which is outside of your comfort zone why am i showing you here a picture of

why am i showing you here a picture of

why am i showing you here a picture of an interior of a gorgeous interior of a

an interior of a gorgeous interior of a

an interior of a gorgeous interior of a car obviously it’s very futuristic and

car obviously it’s very futuristic and

car obviously it’s very futuristic and why as a designer and I’m not showing

why as a designer and I’m not showing

why as a designer and I’m not showing the outside of the car gorgeous

the outside of the car gorgeous

the outside of the car gorgeous exteriors whenever people ask me are you

exteriors whenever people ask me are you

exteriors whenever people ask me are you a car designer they always ask me about

a car designer they always ask me about

a car designer they always ask me about the outside of the car rarely about the

the outside of the car rarely about the

the outside of the car rarely about the inside it’s because I think the whole

inside it’s because I think the whole

inside it’s because I think the whole future of car design and a lot of other

future of car design and a lot of other

future of car design and a lot of other types of disciplines in design but it

types of disciplines in design but it

types of disciplines in design but it all has to do with the inside of the car

all has to do with the inside of the car

all has to do with the inside of the car now about time being a luxury if time’s

now about time being a luxury if time’s

now about time being a luxury if time’s the luxury means you need to use as much

the luxury means you need to use as much

the luxury means you need to use as much time as possible in any environment to

time as possible in any environment to

time as possible in any environment to your advantage and if we start looking

your advantage and if we start looking

your advantage and if we start looking at the inside of the car as being the

at the inside of the car as being the

at the inside of the car as being the starting point for design literally what

starting point for design literally what

starting point for design literally what we’re going to be doing in the future is

we’re going to be doing in the future is

we’re going to be doing in the future is designing the car from inside outwards

designing the car from inside outwards

designing the car from inside outwards so the car becomes sort of an extension

so the car becomes sort of an extension

so the car becomes sort of an extension of your daily life I mean the thing

of your daily life I mean the thing

of your daily life I mean the thing that’s going to happen with these cars

that’s going to happen with these cars

that’s going to happen with these cars in the future is basically you’re going

in the future is basically you’re going

in the future is basically you’re going to be interactive with the car it’s

to be interactive with the car it’s

to be interactive with the car it’s going to give you possibilities to

going to give you possibilities to

going to give you possibilities to communicate to relax to socialise I’ll

communicate to relax to socialise I’ll

communicate to relax to socialise I’ll get into that a little bit later but

get into that a little bit later but

get into that a little bit later but it’s going to be the way we move forward

it’s going to be the way we move forward

it’s going to be the way we move forward in car design so everything that’s

in car design so everything that’s

in car design so everything that’s happening today in the technological

happening today in the technological

happening today in the technological world is going to start happening on the

world is going to start happening on the

world is going to start happening on the inside of cars and

inside of cars and

inside of cars and can be very interesting does it make our

can be very interesting does it make our

can be very interesting does it make our job obsolete as designers but it opens

job obsolete as designers but it opens

job obsolete as designers but it opens up a whole new fields of design which is

up a whole new fields of design which is

up a whole new fields of design which is very very exciting I’m a designer I draw

very very exciting I’m a designer I draw

very very exciting I’m a designer I draw pretty pictures I make cars look

pretty pictures I make cars look

pretty pictures I make cars look absolutely stunning the first car

absolutely stunning the first car

absolutely stunning the first car designers weren’t even designers they

designers weren’t even designers they

designers weren’t even designers they were engineers as you see here this is

were engineers as you see here this is

were engineers as you see here this is Carl Benz on the right side he’s

Carl Benz on the right side he’s

Carl Benz on the right side he’s designing the first car this was

designing the first car this was

designing the first car this was actually produced with a petrol engine

actually produced with a petrol engine

actually produced with a petrol engine very low powered but it was still a

very low powered but it was still a

very low powered but it was still a petrol engine in 1886 so officially this

petrol engine in 1886 so officially this

petrol engine in 1886 so officially this is really the very first car so we went

is really the very first car so we went

is really the very first car so we went through a big phase obviously we did the

through a big phase obviously we did the

through a big phase obviously we did the 1910s 1920s 1930s what happened then is

1910s 1920s 1930s what happened then is

1910s 1920s 1930s what happened then is they started to realize that cars had to

they started to realize that cars had to

they started to realize that cars had to actually have some kind of attractive

actually have some kind of attractive

actually have some kind of attractive look to them because that could be the

look to them because that could be the

look to them because that could be the difference between all these companies

difference between all these companies

difference between all these companies starting to build cars what makes a car

starting to build cars what makes a car

starting to build cars what makes a car sellable well it’s the look of the car

sellable well it’s the look of the car

sellable well it’s the look of the car so what happened we started getting

so what happened we started getting

so what happened we started getting artists involved incredible artists

artists involved incredible artists

artists involved incredible artists we’ve always had incredible artists

we’ve always had incredible artists

we’ve always had incredible artists throughout history and they started

throughout history and they started

throughout history and they started putting their hands into designing the

putting their hands into designing the

putting their hands into designing the cars and these guys were sculptors they

cars and these guys were sculptors they

cars and these guys were sculptors they could care less also then about

could care less also then about

could care less also then about legislation so if a car hits somebody

legislation so if a car hits somebody

legislation so if a car hits somebody that kills them will tough luck

that kills them will tough luck

that kills them will tough luck pedestrian shouldn’t been there but it’s

pedestrian shouldn’t been there but it’s

pedestrian shouldn’t been there but it’s important that the cars make made

important that the cars make made

important that the cars make made dramatic statements so we moved into

dramatic statements so we moved into

dramatic statements so we moved into this period where artists became the

this period where artists became the

this period where artists became the designers of the car and we didn’t call

designers of the car and we didn’t call

designers of the car and we didn’t call them designers we call them stylist so

them designers we call them stylist so

them designers we call them stylist so this is what we started getting it was

this is what we started getting it was

this is what we started getting it was all about the beauty of the car these

all about the beauty of the car these

all about the beauty of the car these guys were artists developing rolling

guys were artists developing rolling

guys were artists developing rolling sculptures these cars were absolutely

sculptures these cars were absolutely

sculptures these cars were absolutely stunning to look at these were cars

stunning to look at these were cars

stunning to look at these were cars where we’re stylists were involved and

where we’re stylists were involved and

where we’re stylists were involved and it was a free-for-all you could design

it was a free-for-all you could design

it was a free-for-all you could design anything you wanted to didn’t matter

anything you wanted to didn’t matter

anything you wanted to didn’t matter when it weighed it didn’t matter you

when it weighed it didn’t matter you

when it weighed it didn’t matter you know how much it cost it was more of an

know how much it cost it was more of an

know how much it cost it was more of an expression of passion of design and then

expression of passion of design and then

expression of passion of design and then the hard times hit not really the hard

the hard times hit not really the hard

the hard times hit not really the hard times but the challenging times hit

times but the challenging times hit

times but the challenging times hit that’s when legislation kicked in and we

that’s when legislation kicked in and we

that’s when legislation kicked in and we started having to think about well you

started having to think about well you

started having to think about well you know the Earth’s environment and and how

know the Earth’s environment and and how

know the Earth’s environment and and how much the car how much fuel the car uses

much the car how much fuel the car uses

much the car how much fuel the car uses and you know was it visible to be able

and you know was it visible to be able

and you know was it visible to be able to see how the car reasonably or all

to see how the car reasonably or all

to see how the car reasonably or all these things they started coming up with

these things they started coming up with

these things they started coming up with all kinds of legislation they started

all kinds of legislation they started

all kinds of legislation they started making it very difficult to design

making it very difficult to design

making it very difficult to design beautiful cars and we did go through a

beautiful cars and we did go through a

beautiful cars and we did go through a period in the 70s where cars were

period in the 70s where cars were

period in the 70s where cars were basically safety boxes so now what we’ve

basically safety boxes so now what we’ve

basically safety boxes so now what we’ve done is we’ve become designers in the

done is we’ve become designers in the

done is we’ve become designers in the rightful sense but

rightful sense but

rightful sense but I don’t just design cars now I actually

I don’t just design cars now I actually

I don’t just design cars now I actually have to know a lot about of different

have to know a lot about of different

have to know a lot about of different aspects of engineering so I’m pretty

aspects of engineering so I’m pretty

aspects of engineering so I’m pretty well educated in the sense of knowing

well educated in the sense of knowing

well educated in the sense of knowing what we can do with materials on the car

what we can do with materials on the car

what we can do with materials on the car all the rules and regulations of making

all the rules and regulations of making

all the rules and regulations of making a car homologous for the road and so I’m

a car homologous for the road and so I’m

a car homologous for the road and so I’m working all day long with engineers who

working all day long with engineers who

working all day long with engineers who are suspension experts engine experts

are suspension experts engine experts

are suspension experts engine experts sound experts obviously aerodynamics as

sound experts obviously aerodynamics as

sound experts obviously aerodynamics as we see here and one of the most exciting

we see here and one of the most exciting

we see here and one of the most exciting things I love about what I do is because

things I love about what I do is because

things I love about what I do is because I’m studying art and science together I

I’m studying art and science together I

I’m studying art and science together I get to mix in one of my biggest passions

get to mix in one of my biggest passions

get to mix in one of my biggest passions my biggest passion if I could put that

my biggest passion if I could put that

my biggest passion if I could put that in in another context which is animals

in in another context which is animals

in in another context which is animals nature I absolutely adore nature when I

nature I absolutely adore nature when I

nature I absolutely adore nature when I left Ferrari and Maserati where I was at

left Ferrari and Maserati where I was at

left Ferrari and Maserati where I was at a was design director so it was very

a was design director so it was very

a was design director so it was very responsible position and I’ve got the

responsible position and I’ve got the

responsible position and I’ve got the challenge to work at McLaren started

challenge to work at McLaren started

challenge to work at McLaren started work at McLaren as design director

work at McLaren as design director

work at McLaren as design director clarin is not a brand-new company but

clarin is not a brand-new company but

clarin is not a brand-new company but they decided to open up a road car

they decided to open up a road car

they decided to open up a road car division in case Formula One didn’t do

division in case Formula One didn’t do

division in case Formula One didn’t do too well at least we would keep the

too well at least we would keep the

too well at least we would keep the company going my first challenge was to

company going my first challenge was to

company going my first challenge was to come up with how do you make a design

come up with how do you make a design

come up with how do you make a design language for a company that doesn’t do

language for a company that doesn’t do

language for a company that doesn’t do Road cars so you should be able take the

Road cars so you should be able take the

Road cars so you should be able take the badge off and say I still recognize that

badge off and say I still recognize that

badge off and say I still recognize that car as a mercedes-benz or you know a a

car as a mercedes-benz or you know a a

car as a mercedes-benz or you know a a Chevrolet or whatever so so many

Chevrolet or whatever so so many

Chevrolet or whatever so so many designers get their inspiration from

designers get their inspiration from

designers get their inspiration from things that I mean anywhere designers

things that I mean anywhere designers

things that I mean anywhere designers are inspired by everything but they go

are inspired by everything but they go

are inspired by everything but they go to fashion shows they go to furniture

to fashion shows they go to furniture

to fashion shows they go to furniture shows they go check out architecture the

shows they go check out architecture the

shows they go check out architecture the problem with that for me is that design

problem with that for me is that design

problem with that for me is that design in that sense fashion design for inches

in that sense fashion design for inches

in that sense fashion design for inches on it’s all temporary it only lasts for

on it’s all temporary it only lasts for

on it’s all temporary it only lasts for a little bit and then it becomes old so

a little bit and then it becomes old so

a little bit and then it becomes old so it’s not really what we call timeless

it’s not really what we call timeless

it’s not really what we call timeless but what is timeless timeless is nature

but what is timeless timeless is nature

but what is timeless timeless is nature why because it lasts forever if it

why because it lasts forever if it

why because it lasts forever if it didn’t if it wasn’t at the top of its

didn’t if it wasn’t at the top of its

didn’t if it wasn’t at the top of its game it would die off so anything in

game it would die off so anything in

game it would die off so anything in nature is actually put it designed to be

nature is actually put it designed to be

nature is actually put it designed to be absolutely top of the performance game

absolutely top of the performance game

absolutely top of the performance game so my instinct or my my feeling was if I

so my instinct or my my feeling was if I

so my instinct or my my feeling was if I can incorporate what we call biomimicry

can incorporate what we call biomimicry

can incorporate what we call biomimicry into the design of cars it makes sense

into the design of cars it makes sense

into the design of cars it makes sense there’s no fast fat animal at the top of

there’s no fast fat animal at the top of

there’s no fast fat animal at the top of its list so you get everything that’s

its list so you get everything that’s

its list so you get everything that’s basically shrink-wrapped and minimalized

basically shrink-wrapped and minimalized

basically shrink-wrapped and minimalized and beautiful there’s so many so much

and beautiful there’s so many so much

and beautiful there’s so many so much beauty in nature that if you can apply

beauty in nature that if you can apply

beauty in nature that if you can apply those principles to cars it’s a little

those principles to cars it’s a little

those principles to cars it’s a little bit like one shown here but much more

bit like one shown here but much more

bit like one shown here but much more involved in terms of things in details

involved in terms of things in details

involved in terms of things in details that I could get into but absolutely

that I could get into but absolutely

that I could get into but absolutely this became our design language for

this became our design language for

this became our design language for McLaren so I got to include a little the

McLaren so I got to include a little the

McLaren so I got to include a little the science of biology biomimicry as we call

science of biology biomimicry as we call

science of biology biomimicry as we call it into the design of sign language of

it into the design of sign language of

it into the design of sign language of the new McLaren so very exciting but

the new McLaren so very exciting but

the new McLaren so very exciting but what I’m trying to say now is that since

what I’m trying to say now is that since

what I’m trying to say now is that since we’ve gone from engineers to stylists to

we’ve gone from engineers to stylists to

we’ve gone from engineers to stylists to designers the next generation you guys

designers the next generation you guys

designers the next generation you guys have to become what we call I’d like to

have to become what we call I’d like to

have to become what we call I’d like to call it vision ears and that means you

call it vision ears and that means you

call it vision ears and that means you guys have to break down the goalposts

guys have to break down the goalposts

guys have to break down the goalposts what’s impossible has to become possible

what’s impossible has to become possible

what’s impossible has to become possible and believe me it is possible like I

and believe me it is possible like I

and believe me it is possible like I said but you have to set new heights and

said but you have to set new heights and

said but you have to set new heights and it believe me is absolutely possible to

it believe me is absolutely possible to

it believe me is absolutely possible to do it these cars have to become much

do it these cars have to become much

do it these cars have to become much more efficient than what we have today

more efficient than what we have today

more efficient than what we have today you have to put a lot more into much

you have to put a lot more into much

you have to put a lot more into much more smaller areas so for me visionaires

more smaller areas so for me visionaires

more smaller areas so for me visionaires visionary is probably the new new design

visionary is probably the new new design

visionary is probably the new new design direction that we have to start looking

direction that we have to start looking

direction that we have to start looking at and which opens up a lot of exciting

at and which opens up a lot of exciting

at and which opens up a lot of exciting possibilities so what are some of these

possibilities so what are some of these

possibilities so what are some of these exciting professions one obviously is

exciting professions one obviously is

exciting professions one obviously is materials we’re looking at materials

materials we’re looking at materials

materials we’re looking at materials that do shape-shifting we’re looking at

that do shape-shifting we’re looking at

that do shape-shifting we’re looking at bio Steel’s materials and steels that

bio Steel’s materials and steels that

bio Steel’s materials and steels that you can actually grow we’re looking at

you can actually grow we’re looking at

you can actually grow we’re looking at metal foam we’re looking at graphene

metal foam we’re looking at graphene

metal foam we’re looking at graphene which is superlight materials

which is superlight materials

which is superlight materials we’re looking at one that John F Kennedy

we’re looking at one that John F Kennedy

we’re looking at one that John F Kennedy mentioned which is the first undeveloped

mentioned which is the first undeveloped

mentioned which is the first undeveloped metal ever called unobtainium very

metal ever called unobtainium very

metal ever called unobtainium very special metal we still don’t know what

special metal we still don’t know what

special metal we still don’t know what it is but we’re looking for it and then

it is but we’re looking for it and then

it is but we’re looking for it and then we’re looking for colors and things like

we’re looking for colors and things like

we’re looking for colors and things like sound that can actually influence the

sound that can actually influence the

sound that can actually influence the aesthetics of the car in other words why

aesthetics of the car in other words why

aesthetics of the car in other words why do we want a car that changes color

do we want a car that changes color

do we want a car that changes color because who wants the same color car for

because who wants the same color car for

because who wants the same color car for five years maybe your wife on Wednesday

five years maybe your wife on Wednesday

five years maybe your wife on Wednesday night is going to wear an orange dress

night is going to wear an orange dress

night is going to wear an orange dress she wants the car to be orange we can

she wants the car to be orange we can

she wants the car to be orange we can turn the car into orange it’s very

turn the car into orange it’s very

turn the car into orange it’s very possible you just flick a switch inside

possible you just flick a switch inside

possible you just flick a switch inside the car we’ve already developed systems

the car we’ve already developed systems

the car we’ve already developed systems that turn through a color spectrum and

that turn through a color spectrum and

that turn through a color spectrum and you can just have the material

you can just have the material

you can just have the material illuminate the material illuminates the

illuminate the material illuminates the

illuminate the material illuminates the color that you want

color that you want

color that you want of course the only problem is if you hit

of course the only problem is if you hit

of course the only problem is if you hit somebody in that person reports that

somebody in that person reports that

somebody in that person reports that your car was blue we still have to have

your car was blue we still have to have

your car was blue we still have to have a way to track that car and report back

a way to track that car and report back

a way to track that car and report back that it was actually blue and it hit the

that it was actually blue and it hit the

that it was actually blue and it hit the person but we can do that that’s

person but we can do that that’s

person but we can do that that’s absolutely possible electronics the

absolutely possible electronics the

absolutely possible electronics the interior the car like I said that’s

interior the car like I said that’s

interior the car like I said that’s going to be so exciting because when

going to be so exciting because when

going to be so exciting because when you’re driving sitting in a driverless

you’re driving sitting in a driverless

you’re driving sitting in a driverless car where the car does the actual

car where the car does the actual

car where the car does the actual driving what are you going to be doing

driving what are you going to be doing

driving what are you going to be doing inside the car well obviously you want

inside the car well obviously you want

inside the car well obviously you want to either communicate you want to watch

to either communicate you want to watch

to either communicate you want to watch information on the screens so the

information on the screens so the

information on the screens so the windscreen actually is going to become a

windscreen actually is going to become a

windscreen actually is going to become a screen even the side glass you could be

screen even the side glass you could be

screen even the side glass you could be making a trip from here at a Manchester

making a trip from here at a Manchester

making a trip from here at a Manchester and you might be passing Windsor or

and you might be passing Windsor or

and you might be passing Windsor or wherever and you want information on

wherever and you want information on

wherever and you want information on Windsor Castle the actual image appears

Windsor Castle the actual image appears

Windsor Castle the actual image appears on the screen on the windscreen you can

on the screen on the windscreen you can

on the screen on the windscreen you can start to learn about things on along the

start to learn about things on along the

start to learn about things on along the trip so it makes it very very much more

trip so it makes it very very much more

trip so it makes it very very much more entertainment focused in inside of the

entertainment focused in inside of the

entertainment focused in inside of the car so communication becomes important

car so communication becomes important

car so communication becomes important what absolutely happens inside the car

what absolutely happens inside the car

what absolutely happens inside the car you can see that this one has

you can see that this one has

you can see that this one has transparent see pillars are eight

transparent see pillars are eight

transparent see pillars are eight pillars in the front so you can actually

pillars in the front so you can actually

pillars in the front so you can actually get much more wider vision then we’re

get much more wider vision then we’re

get much more wider vision then we’re going to have engineers or visionaries

going to have engineers or visionaries

going to have engineers or visionaries who discuss propulsion and obviously

who discuss propulsion and obviously

who discuss propulsion and obviously propulsion is important because we want

propulsion is important because we want

propulsion is important because we want to start using lesser world resources

to start using lesser world resources

to start using lesser world resources and we’re going to be looking at in

and we’re going to be looking at in

and we’re going to be looking at in wheel motors for the cars we’re going to

wheel motors for the cars we’re going to

wheel motors for the cars we’re going to be looking at hydrogen power because for

be looking at hydrogen power because for

be looking at hydrogen power because for me I was mentioned earlier that for me

me I was mentioned earlier that for me

me I was mentioned earlier that for me electric power is probably a stopgap

electric power is probably a stopgap

electric power is probably a stopgap formula because it still uses resources

formula because it still uses resources

formula because it still uses resources to do it so we have to find something

to do it so we have to find something

to do it so we have to find something with absolutely zero necessity of the

with absolutely zero necessity of the

with absolutely zero necessity of the world’s resources I think things like

world’s resources I think things like

world’s resources I think things like and please don’t hold me to it and don’t

and please don’t hold me to it and don’t

and please don’t hold me to it and don’t shoot me if I say it but atomic power

shoot me if I say it but atomic power

shoot me if I say it but atomic power nuclear nuclear power because we do use

nuclear nuclear power because we do use

nuclear nuclear power because we do use it today in submarines we just have to

it today in submarines we just have to

it today in submarines we just have to be able to contain it make sure the car

be able to contain it make sure the car

be able to contain it make sure the car doesn’t explode and we’ll be all right

doesn’t explode and we’ll be all right

doesn’t explode and we’ll be all right so what is this going to allow us to do

so what is this going to allow us to do

so what is this going to allow us to do it’s going to allow us to open up the

it’s going to allow us to open up the

it’s going to allow us to open up the interior of the car so all these little

interior of the car so all these little

interior of the car so all these little small motors instead of these big

small motors instead of these big

small motors instead of these big inefficient engines I would say today

inefficient engines I would say today

inefficient engines I would say today are going to offer us much more interior

are going to offer us much more interior

are going to offer us much more interior space what can we do with the space turn

space what can we do with the space turn

space what can we do with the space turn it into something that’s even nicer than

it into something that’s even nicer than

it into something that’s even nicer than your own living room so you can start to

your own living room so you can start to

your own living room so you can start to relax you start to socialise you can

relax you start to socialise you can

relax you start to socialise you can work in an environment like this it

work in an environment like this it

work in an environment like this it gives us a whole new interior design

gives us a whole new interior design

gives us a whole new interior design concept we’re looking at economics where

concept we’re looking at economics where

concept we’re looking at economics where you can actually get into the car much

you can actually get into the car much

you can actually get into the car much more efficiently you get out of the car

more efficiently you get out of the car

more efficiently you get out of the car so we call it ingress egress but this

so we call it ingress egress but this

so we call it ingress egress but this opens up a whole new ballgame of

opens up a whole new ballgame of

opens up a whole new ballgame of interior design which is not what we’re

interior design which is not what we’re

interior design which is not what we’re doing today but it is definitely what’s

doing today but it is definitely what’s

doing today but it is definitely what’s coming at us

coming at us

coming at us in the very near future so if I cleave

in the very near future so if I cleave

in the very near future so if I cleave you with three things design your future

you with three things design your future

you with three things design your future make it a world that you’re absolutely

make it a world that you’re absolutely

make it a world that you’re absolutely excited and passionate about being able

excited and passionate about being able

excited and passionate about being able to live in dream big

to live in dream big

to live in dream big now dream huge that’s better and then

now dream huge that’s better and then

now dream huge that’s better and then make it happen

make it happen

make it happen remember persistence beats resistance if

remember persistence beats resistance if

remember persistence beats resistance if anybody tells you you can’t do it keep

anybody tells you you can’t do it keep

anybody tells you you can’t do it keep going and you’ll find a way to do it

going and you’ll find a way to do it

going and you’ll find a way to do it famously I’ve always heard that it’s

famously I’ve always heard that it’s

famously I’ve always heard that it’s always better to ask for forgiveness

always better to ask for forgiveness

always better to ask for forgiveness than permission

than permission

than permission so that initiation that initiative to do

so that initiation that initiative to do

so that initiation that initiative to do something if it backfires just ask for

something if it backfires just ask for

something if it backfires just ask for forgiveness but at least you tried

forgiveness but at least you tried

forgiveness but at least you tried thank you

thank you

thank you [Applause]

”

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