#191020: Automobile Interior Floor Mats
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December 2019 -March 2020
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Higher
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Contract design work
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To design a series of automobile interior floor mats.
In 2021 I did a car interior floor mats design project with an automobile accessory manufactory in China. This is part of the designs of the first collection. From footwear design to automobile accessory design, it’s still hard for me to fathom. Nevertheless I really enjoy the design of this project.
Even though there is extreme size different between an automobile interior floor mat and a footwear outsole. Design is actually much more technical. For example everything is increasing at least ten folds in size, such as details; line weights; etc. also mistakes and flaws are increasing in ten folds as well. This can only mean executions much be 100% accurate and precise. Otherwise any minor execution flaws are extreme visible.
Once I’ve visited the factory production floor. I realized that there is tremendous execution limitation which can only mean I can’t apply the same footwear outsole design creativity to these mats. For example, these mats have to be executed in TPU via direct injection machine in one go. That means color is limited to one, mainly dark grey/black.
If there is secondary color needed which can only be executed by applying separate application inside injection moulds. In this project the client requested only one direct injection color to save production costs and reducing production waste.
With color limitation, I have to use other approach to bring out design interests. Treads and patterns are something I can use from footwear outsole designs. Above concepts show how I break the entire mat into smaller areas in interesting and technical manner. I played various blocking shapes. I applied various treads and patterns.
Below are few driver’s and shotgun seat floor mat designs. I draw inspirations from sneaker outsole designs and video games, such as Pacman. Also I introduce color blocks to these concepts. Automobile floor mat is a functional product but plain black is a bit boring.
Some initial rough concepts are always a good way finding interesting designs, which helps rough out proportions, aesthetics, blockings and balancing out with enough details. Since most of the automobile floor mats are one piece injection molds it is essential to better utilizing molds with different options of executions.
