Ford kinetic Design

Asked to define Ford kinetic Design, Martin Smith is unequivocal in his reply, “the form language is communicated through bold, dynamic lines and full surfaces. When you look at kinetic Design, you can see that it visualises energy in motion.” It’s this ‘energy in motion’ that expresses the design language. That’s why with just a glimpse, the cars look like they’re moving even when they’re standing still.

The first iteration of Ford kinetic Design was the SAV concept car in 2005 and this was ultimately transformed into the S-MAX. Since then, the new design language has also influenced Galaxy, Mondeo, Kuga, Focus, new Fiesta and most recently the new Ka. Once again, Martin Smith perfectly summarises the vision for Ford kinetic Design, “We want to build cars that evoke an instant emotional response of ‘I want one’.” This vision has gone from concept to a stunning reality.

Premiered in Frankfurt in 2005, iosis was a design idea building on some of the ideas first expressed by the SAV concept car. In essence, its aim was to take ‘energy in motion’ and then visualise it. The designers had to quickly identify the key graphic signatures of Ford design. Foremost amongst those was the ‘inverse trapezoid’ air intake below the grille. Other new elements included the well defined wheel arch, the strong shoulder and dynamic undercut line running through the length of the vehicle.

As for the interior, the team wanted the driver to be enticed as soon as the doors swung open. For Martin Smith, the interior design, “is as important, if not more important than the exterior.” The design development led to a high tech look that was combined with real world practicality. In the final execution, the iosis had a brooding interior inspired by combat swimming gear and featured neoprene as well as the finest leathers.

The iosis X concept car was first showcased at the Paris Motor Show in 2006. Part of the task since iosis was to demonstrate how Ford kinetic Design could translate into other models. "This vehicle shows how we can apply kinetic Design principles to a different type of vehicle," said Martin Smith. "It takes our ‘energy in motion’ philosophy even further and shows how different Ford cars will be in the future."

Moving the philosophy forward

Looking for common themes between iosis, Mondeo and iosis X is an easy task. The swooping shape of the side window (the Daylight Opening or DLO in designer shorthand), complete with the rear kick-up in the ‘C’ or ‘D’ posts can be found on all models. Another common design element is the bold, dynamic line that runs down the length of the body. For Ruth Pauli, Chief Designer of Colour and Trims, iosis X moved the game on, “we needed to work on three main pillars; emotional products, quality of execution and build the brand with design muscle.”

Launched at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Verve Concept moved Ford kinetic Design forward with a bold vision for a small car. Stefan Lamm, the Chief Exterior Designer for Ford of Europe, stated their clear objective, “our ambition is to be a leader in small car design and create individual cars for individual customers.” With the full surfaces of its body shape, complemented by a sleek roofline and B-pillarless structure, the Verve Concept demonstrated the dynamic possibilities for expressing the Ford kinetic Design philosophy in a small car.

Making the future a reality

The Verve Concept appeared as dramatic on the inside as its exterior and it was designed for a generation that grew up with mobile phones. It also pioneered new technologies that could be a production reality. Niko Vidakovic, Chief Interior Designer for Ford of Europe, said “This is a quantum leap in bringing kinetic Design into interior design…the type of visual innovation, linking the form language of the interior so strongly with the exterior, is something we believe no other company is doing.”

Recently launched at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, iosis-MAX sets out Ford’s vision of what a Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) should be. It marks the next stage in the evolution of Ford kinetic Design and showcases new door opening concepts, lightweight materials and advanced aerodynamics.

Inside there’s an ingenious use of space with a dramatic angular interior inspired by futuristic films, architecture and space-age design. It’s the ideal complement to the exterior, where Ford kinetic Design creates a sweeping new look to re-define common thinking of what a MAV should look like.

“It’s the most stylish expression a MAV can be,” explains Patrick Verhée, Ford of Europe design innovation and show-car manager. "It is a masterpiece of work, bringing design and function completely together."

What’s next?

The design team have heralded a new direction, not just for Ford but within the industry as a whole. The ultimate aim is to achieve design leadership and clearly, Ford kinetic Design will continue to develop and advance. As for the future, Martin Smith is clear about his intentions, “Although the iosis-MAX isn’t a forerunner to a specific production vehicle, it clearly highlights how kinetic Design is evolving and can be applied with stunning results to all vehicles in the Ford portfolio.”

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