Last week I had the great pleasure of attending Car Design News 2022 People Awards in London, in a beautiful ceremony meant to celebrate the teams behind the brands. I was happily surprised at how many people turned up: after a couple of years of social distancing, it was a joy to be able to meet and catch up with so many people.
Some have known each other throughout their career, others are new to the scene, bringing their distinctive energy to the design community. Being able to mingle again together felt like a treat! Car Design News has proved once again they were masters at facilitating lively exchanges within this community.
The future of the automotive industry also depends on the individuals within it. I am personally convinced that fresh ideas arise from moments we share, the conversation we hold and dynamics we create. Nurturing relationships fosters innovative thinking between the actors of the ecosystem. Together we will transform the industry, sustainably and for the long run.
Electrification, connected cars, future mobility, sustainable materials, zero net carbon strategies…. For us working with CATIA, it means being able to see the bigger picture, seize the major challenges: the now obvious environmental issues, the societal challenges, the necessary new skills and expertise, as we collectively shake up the industry.
I was very honored to have been part of the jury, and I particularly enjoyed discovering the entries in their variety and their quality. There is no doubt to me that designers can play a powerful role, and it is an absolute waste for them to go unheard within their organizations.
Working within our traditional perimeter will not be helpful when we see the mammoth tasks ahead and regeneration needed in our societies. We should on the contrary seize the capabilities of designers to see beyond the obvious, to create connections that others don’t notice: envisioning how we will live and move in the coming years, and making the vision happen. Design for life is not only a motto. It’s a commitment.
You can read the full CDN report here.
