Transportation Design

Known for more than its longstanding influence in automotive design, our program helps prepare you for a career in all modes of transportation.

In addition to traditional elements of styling, comfort, safety and usability, our curriculum emphasizes vital topics such as sustainable mobility, the implications of brand, and product life cycle. Exploring the balance between form and function, Transportation Design students develop the ability to create vehicle concepts with distinct personality, improved function and broad social impact. Our program can help you gain fluency in drawing and in physical and digital modeling, as well as develop an understanding of vehicle architecture, materials, process and aerodynamics.

We offer three highly focused, advised areas of concentration: Vehicle Exteriors, Vehicle Interiors (including user interface and user experience) and Alternative Transportation (including motorcycle, marine, aircraft, personal mobility and public transit). No matter what type of transportation draws your passion, we can help prepare you for a highly rewarding career making an impact in that field.

Curriculum is subject to change.

For students entering Fall 2026 and Spring 2027

Courses

IDFN-153

Development of Form

Students will develop a 3 Dimensional automotive clay model from 2 Dimensional sketches and Orthographic drawings of a vehicle concept of their design. Industrial clay modeling materials, tools and techniques will be explored, as well as Automotive painting techniques resulting in a finished, painted and detailed presentation model. A final presentation will include a projected vehicle story and supporting 2D visuals.
Credits 3

IDFN-161

Design Process 2

This class serves as the foundation of your industrial Design career at Art Center and your future careers in the industry 150 regardless of your specific major. We will be focusing on the PROCESS of creating meaningful products and will produce a design package for a handheld SPOTLIGHT that will fit a specific interior automotive environment and target market. The processes and techniques that you learn in this class ill apply to the Industrial Design project that you will have in the future 150 whether you are designing products, vehicles, environments, information, systems, or strategy.
Credits 3

TDS-206

General Motors Studio

Reimagine the Chevy brand on different use case levels for the next generation. Push the limits of how a vehicle can enhance the user's lifestyle and the interactive experience in 2035 - all through the unique lens of the California way of life.
Credits 3

TDS-443

Stellantis Sponsored Studio

Join forces with the Stellantis Global Design Studio to craft visionary experiences across a diverse mix of brands-bringing together the heritage of Europe and the innovation of America. Open to Product, Spatial, and Trans with CMF experience.
Credits 3

TRAN-102

Visual 1

This course emphasizes methods of illustrating design concepts clearly and correctly, and of describing them to others in the same manner. Extensive and indispensable information is presented on techniques, correct usage of required tools (digital and physical), and how appropriate sketches and renderings can greatly enhance the communication levels in realistic working design environments, formal presentation, and interactions with modeling teams.
Credits 3

TRAN-112

Design 1

The class will consist of an introduction to the total process of vehicle design. The focus will be on an understanding of automotive proportion and form. The goal is to immerse them into four or five projects during the term and each project is a different type of vehicle with different proportions. Basics of research, form and sketching for development of ideas and the proper procedure leading to a final assignment of a full vehicle design with all orthographic views, perspectives showing all aspects of the vehicle including a final study model in blue foam.
Credits 3

TRAN-119

Race Kart

This course is open to all majors and term levels. Students will work in teams and use class time to design and build functional one person electric go karts that they will race week 14. This course teaches a complete design and building process utilizing a combination of wood, metal, and off the shelf parts. If a student requires model shop or tool access they will be given class time to take wood and metalworking shop safety demos. Karts are powered by pre-determined electric drill motors and drive system. The basics of the kart, frame design, steering, drive system, and brakes will be taught. Costs ~$200 - $350 per student.
Credits 3

TRAN-152

Visual 2

As a continuation of Visual 1, this course emphasizes methods of sketching and economically rendering design concepts clearly and correctly. Information is presented on effectively employing light and shadow to emphasize form read. Methods for developing contrast between objects and background, shadow plotting and composition development are all introduced. Required tools (digital and physical) are described throughout the course and their use is demonstrated. Further instruction is given on how to produce appropriate sketches with form defining value applied both manually and digitally, which can greatly enhance the communication in working design environments, formal presentations, and interactions with modeling teams. Additionally, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of graphic design.
Credits 3

TRAN-153

Model 2

Students will develop a 3-Dimensional automotive clay model from 2-Dimensional sketches and orthographic drawings of a vehicle concept of their design. Industrial clay modeling materials, tools and techniques will be explored, as well as automotive painting techniques resulting in a finished, painted and detailed presentation model. A final presentation will include a projected vehicle story and supporting 2D visuals. Students will also be introduced to digital 3D modeling techniques with a polygonal modeling tool like Blender.
Credits 3

TRAN-162

Design 2

This class serves as the foundation of your industrial Design career at Art Center and your future careers in the industry regardless of your specific major. We will be focusing on the PROCESS of creating ideas and forms, using good proportion as the starting point. You will learn to use inspiration in the creation of design form and language to apply to a variety of vehicle layouts and platforms. You will also begin 3D sketching and the use of digital 2D processes to enhance the outcome of your design explorations. The processes and techniques that you learn in this class will apply to the Design projects that you will have in the future whether you are designing products, vehicles, environments, information, systems, or strategy.
Credits 3

TRAN-200

3rd Term Review

This course is required for 3rd term Transportation Design students. Student work is evaluated by the department chair and faculty to determine if the student is ready to continue moving forward in their studies.
Credits 0

TRAN-201

Transportation Studio 3A

This course will provide students with an expanded introduction to the transportation design field through an engagement of the basic design processes universally implemented throughout the automotive industry. Students will come to understand the process of concept development: from concept creation to sketch exploration to design refinement and final proposal; schedule/timeline implications to final presentation, concept clarification and craftsmanship; reason and purpose behind inspiration image: image history + technology; image dissection; and translation to concept. They will also understand basic design criteria: brand image + buyer to concept; human relation to package + vehicle architecture; 2D fundamentals: sketch + rendering; perspective; light source; basic reflection + color shift; and presentation layout: brand, buyer/user, concept, package, ideation, styling refinements and final design
Credits 3

TRAN-201

Design 3 Exterior

This course will provide students with an expanded introduction to the transportation design field through an engagement of the basic design processes universally implemented throughout the automotive industry. Students will come to understand the process of concept development from concept creation to sketch exploration to design refinement and final proposal. The class will also focus on schedule/timeline implications to final presentation, concept clarification and craftsmanship; reason and purpose behind inspiration image (image history + technology; image dissection) and translation to concept. They will also understand basic design criteria such as brand image+ buyer to concept; human relation to package + vehicle architecture; 2D fundamentals: sketch + rendering; perspective; light source; basic reflection + color shift; and presentation layout: brand, buyer/user, concept, package, ideation, styling refinements and final design.
Credits 3

TRAN-202

Design 3 Interior

This course covers the basics of automotive interior design. Students will come to understand the interaction between customer, concept, and design (packages, interior and exterior); basics of automotive interior design- function, styling, color and materials; research of target customer and brand; and organize the research and design proposal into a high-quality visual and oral presentation.
Credits 3

TRAN-203

Model 3

This course blends interior and exterior design digital and physical modeling by introducing students to VR modeling with tools like Gravity Sketch then exporting their VR models into a polygonal modeling tool like Blender for refinement and 3D printing at 1/18 scale. Modeling projects will be coordinated with assignments in Design 3 Interior and Design 3 Exterior.
Credits 3

TRAN-210

Blender Intro for ID (TRN)

This course is an introduction to Blender for Product Design as a powerful modeling tool to bring your concepts into the 3D digital world. You will follow step by step Demos to narrow down the vast functionality of Blender for a beginners approach onto building objects with confidence. We will focus on software interface, foundational tools, workflow, modeling from sketches and EEVEE as our Rendering Engine for our final visualizations. The final outcome from this course will give you the skills to build 3D objects in Blender using tools like Subdivide, Loop cuts, Bevels, Extrudes and Insert Faces. Students will have a good overview on setting up clean scenes with emphasis in lighting control to create strong 2D presentation images, applying Materials and Textures, and to create simple but effective animations for a well rounded beginner's course.
Credits 3

TRAN-221

Visual 3

The class deals with the various levels of sketching from quick ideation to more finished colored sketch renderings. The emphasis is on not only coming up with new ideas and concepts but introduces new techniques and media. The students are given detailed assignments to help them improve their visual techniques. There is also a lot of emphasis placed on getting students to express their ideas verbally as well during the critiques and working in class. Additionally, students continue to build on their grasp of the graphic design fundamentals.
Credits 3

TRAN-251

Design 4 Exterior

This course will challenge the student's imagination and abilities to propose a future vehicle design that addresses a determined automotive brand within a determined timeframe. Focus will be placed on both creative and critical thinking methods that support the student's storytelling, concept investigation and vehicle design development. Through a series of weekly progressive sketches students will then develop an effective digital/analog workflow utilizing Alias and Blender to develop an initial digital model, explore the design through a 1/5th scale industrial clay model, then return to digital for the finished product and animation.
Credits 3

TRAN-251LB

Design 4 Exterior Lab

This hands-on class accompanies the Design 4 Exterior class and provides students with instruction by professional modelers on building clay models for their automotive designs. Tools and techniques for carving clay and foam will be discussed and students will receive individual assistance with their models. Students will gain competency in model making that they can then apply in future studio courses. In this class you will design and construct a fifth-scale clay model for presentation. You will interpret your two-dimensional drawings into a three-dimension form. You will use various materials, tools and processes as it is done in a real-world studio environment. You will learn to interact and communicate with professional clay modelers, placing high emphasis upon your ability to communicate your ideas in a corporate environment.
Credits 0

TRAN-252

Design 4 Interior

This course builds on the basics of automotive interior design already established and goes further into story development put towards designing end-user experience. Students will be divided into teams for the overall 'big picture' story development and individually provide their own slice of the concept design. Designs are primarily explored through digital 3D tools such as Alias.
Credits 3

TRAN-253

Model 4

This modeling course supports the Design 4 Exterior class through parallel training with both automotive clay modeling tools and digital NURBS modeling in Alias. Students will gain a deeper understanding of form development and surface construction to become more proficient with translation of 2D design into its 3D representation though a dual approach, of both analog and digital workflow. This course also supports the Design 4 Interior class through training focused on digital NURBS modeling in Alias.
Credits 3

TRAN-271

Visual 4

This course focuses on descriptive automotive sketching while drawing with line economy, sketch composition, color and contrast. This course brings together all the skills and media from the foundation Viscom classes and then applies them to the skill of design visualization. Particular emphasis is placed on monochromatic renderings and Color Digital rendering. Topics will include texturing, lighting, composition, depth, detailing, color, rendering and printing. Students will also be learning various 3D visualization software techniques to provide them with a deeper understanding of automotive surfaces, lighting principles for defining shape and space and creating compelling presentations that highlight the story and essence of the design concept.
Credits 3

TRAN-300

5th Term Review

This course is required for 5th term Transportation Design students. Student work is evaluated by the department chair and faculty to determine if the student is ready to continue moving forward in their studies.
Credits 0

TRAN-301

Design 5 Exterior

This course builds upon the skills and concepts developed in Transportation Studio 4A. Focus will be placed on storytelling, concept investigation and legitimate design development. Students will build a balanced 1/5th scale physical model using varying methods dependent upon final design and modeling capabilities. The physical model will be the subject for learning ergonomics, design theory and concept development resulting in a finished, painted presentation model with related 2D support work. This is a studio course where professional standards are reinforced.
Credits 3

TRAN-301LB

Design 5 Exterior Lab

This hands-on class accompanies the Design 5 Exterior class and provides students with instruction by professional modelers on building foam or clay models for their automotive designs. Tools and techniques for carving clay and foam will be discussed and students will receive individual assistance with their models. Students will gain competency in model making that they can then apply in future studio courses. In this class you will design and construct a fifth-scale physical model for presentation. You will interpret your two-dimensional drawings into a three-dimension form. You will use various materials, tools and processes as it is done in a real-world studio environment. You will learn to interact and communicate with professional modelers, placing high emphasis upon your ability to communicate your ideas in a corporate environment.
Credits 0

TRAN-302

Design 5 Interior

This is an advanced class for automobile interior design concentrating on: Customer and Brand Research -understand user, vehicle brand, and market needs, then establish a concept that can satisfy those needs. Fundamental Interior Design -basic ergonomics, key functions, styling, color and materials. Vehicle Design Layout -understand the basic interaction between customer, concept, and the vehicle's physical shape (package, interior, and exterior). Design Communication -organize the research/proposal into a high-quality visual/oral presentation. Visual presentation includes sketches, renderings and Alias models.
Credits 3

TRAN-303

Model 5

Using Advanced Alias as a starting point, the course includes Bunkspeed HyperShot/HyperDrive and other tools. This class concentrates on Alias Design and modeling techniques as used in the transportation design industry, in particular automotive interiors and exteriors surfacing. Demonstrations will outline build techniques and structuring models for later rendering and animation work.
Credits 3

TRAN-305

Design 5

This advanced studio builds upon the skills developed in Design 4 Interior and Exterior, allowing students to focus on either interior or exterior design based on their individual interests and career goals. Whether pursuing an interior or exterior project, students will engage in deep concept development supported by customer and brand research, storytelling, and market positioning. Emphasis is placed on creative concepts with a compelling use case scenario, aligned brand identity, and refined design execution. Students will develop their concepts into a 1/5th scale physical model, supported by refined 2D design work and digital modeling. The course is closely supported by Model 5, which builds digital modeling skills, and workshops in advanced fabrication techniques, equipping students with the technical capabilities needed to realize their designs at a high level. Strong emphasis is placed on visual and verbal communication, including sketching, renderings, Alias modeling, and formal presentations. The course reinforces legitimate design development, professional standards, and craftsmanship while giving students the flexibility to specialize in either interior or exterior design.
Credits 3

TRAN-306

Intro to Automotive UX

The auto industry is moving forward into a new era. While values like attractive exterior and interior designs remain important.electrification, new sales models, and advanced interfaces are reaching new customers and forging new brands. Intro to Auto UX is a new elective to introduce specific skills needed by the mobility industry for students interested in Automotive Interior Design and/or UX/UI design. We will explore the intersection of vehicle ergonomics, interface design, industrial design, and branding. The class will be conducted in a team environment with a focus on understanding the interaction between the brand, lifestyle, and technology in the auto industry. We will introduce the fundamentals of customer research and learn to empathize with the user's viewpoint, explore journey mapping, and finally storyboard a proposal for our own user experience/interface design. Open to students 6th term and higher in Transportation Design, Interaction Design, Product Design plus students in Graduate ID or Graduate Transportation Systems and Design.
Credits 3

TRAN-321

Visual 5

This course focuses on the development of sophisticated rendering techniques that utilize fundamentals taught in previous terms. Emphasis is on the portrayal of vehicles and automobiles in their natural environment. Work includes ideation sketches with vellum and marker, canson sketch renderings and work with Photoshop. Students will also continue gaining experience with various 3D visualization software techniques to provide them with a deeper understanding of automotive surfaces, lighting principles for defining shape and space and creating compelling animated presentations that highlight the story and essence of the design concept.
Credits 3

TRAN-326A

Portfolio and Presentation

In this course students will learn about preparing a professional level portfolio and be coached in presentation skills. These skills will then be applied as the students submit their portfolios and apply for internships, scholarship review, 5th term review, and other opportunities. Topics covered: the practice of keeping a continually updated portfolio; key components of a professional portfolio; print and digital formats (websites, Behance, etc.); interview and presentation practice Projects will include creation of a print and digital portfolio and a personal website as well as business cards and resume.
Credits 3

TRAN-342

Experimental Process & Form

Are you getting the sense that recent car designs are lacking originality and that even the sketches are starting to all look the same? If so, come join us on a journey pursuing a discovery of new techniques, fresh styles and creative process' in automotive concept and design development in both 2D and 3D. Sign up for this fun studio lab focused on seeking out beauty and experimental creativity. Free yourself from the fear of failure and find your own, unique flair. Push your talent and challenge the limits of your skills.
Credits 3

TRAN-351

Design 6

This studio course is the home for sponsored projects focused on interior and exterior transportation design. Working with the faculty and representatives from the sponsoring companies, students will begin with a design brief, conduct in-depth research, ideation, and conclude with a design solution that is represented in 2-dimensional artwork, an animated digital model and/or physical model. The nature of the design brief will change from term to term, dependent upon the desires of the sponsoring company.
Credits 3

TRAN-355

Model 6

This modeling course supports the Design 6 class and sponsored projects through increased training with VR, polygonal and NURBS digital modeling tools and techniques, and optionally physical modeling/milling tools and techniques. Students will not only become more proficient with the tools but also continue refining an effective digital/analog workflow.
Credits 3

TRAN-371

Visual 6

This course focuses on the development of sophisticated rendering techniques that utilize fundamentals taught in previous terms. The emphasis of this course is the use of 100% digital medium/tools for ideation sketch development, renderings and final presentation material. The subject matter is focused on exterior and interior designs in the form of two mini-projects as rendering exercises. Transportation subject matter can overlap projects in concurrent class designs. Students will also be expanding their skills with various 3D visualization software techniques to achieve compelling final presentation deliverables in still image, animation and VR formats.
Credits 3

TRAN-385

Excellence & Leadership

An elective class geared towards upper term students in Transportation Design who aspire to a thriving career in the automotive industry. This lecture-based course with plans to feature visiting design leaders will explore fundamentals of excellence for car design professionals and best practices for successful design leadership in the automotive industry.
Credits 3

TRAN-392

AI for Automotive Design

This course immerses students in the use of generative AI tools for automotive design, focusing on hands-on experimentation and innovation. Students will explore text-based LLMs for concept development, text-to-image workflows for mood boards and rapid ideation, and sketch-to-image techniques for refining designs. Additional topics include image-to-3D processes, image inputs and blending for unique form inspiration/influence, image to video, and ethics of LLM usage. Emphasizing experimentation and ethics, the course equips students to evaluate tools and integrate AI into their design practices, pushing the boundaries of automotive creativity.
Credits 3

TRAN-395

Studio Independent Study

Credits 1

TRAN-400

7th Term Review

This course is required for 7th term Transportation Design students. Student work is evaluated by the department chair and faculty to determine if the student is ready to continue moving forward in their studies.
Credits 0

TRAN-401

Design 7

In this senior level studio course, students will continue to build upon the skills and concepts developed in earlier studio courses. Under the guidance and direction of senior faculty, students will have the opportunity to participate in sponsored projects and also pursue independent projects. Students will be responsible for developing a design brief and proposal defining the type of project to be worked on for the term. The course is focused on either exterior or interior design. Vehicle types can cover all modes of transportation, ranging from mainstream automotive all the way out to new categories of vehicle types with specific usage modes. The project flow begins with the design brief, research phase, ideation of several different directions. At mid-term, there is a single design direction selected and then fully rendered for final approval. After approval of the 2D process, it is followed by the development of a physical or digital 3D model.
Credits 3

TRAN-404

Auto Product Planning

The purpose of this class is to better prepare students for careers in automotive design by exposing them to the basic marketing and product planning principals used to define and justify future automotive concepts.
Credits 3

TRAN-411

Intro to Automotive CMF

This course is an introduction transportation design class with focus on teaching the basic stages for an Automotive CMF design presentation. Students will create (3)CMF Colorways/Concepts based on a buyer, brand and interior design by going through the process of user research, concept development and CMF investigation. The final presentation consists of (3) high quality CG renderings with many angles, final colorways per grade and materials applied with buyer profile, mood/color/material boards for each colorway per grade and a bound CMF Workbook (tech drawings). Prerequisite: Transportation Studio 3B (TRAN-202) and/or CMF Design (PRD-211)
Credits 3

TRAN-421

Visual 7

The focus of this advanced level course is on creating a range of 2D images, from concept sketches to presentation quality renderings, using various media. This course brings together the concepts and skills learned during the Visual 1-6 courses. The main objective of this class is on producing highly communicative and informative images and formats pertaining to individual design proposals. However, it will include any subject matter and/or techniques deemed beneficial. Students will also continue to increase their proficiency with various 3D visualization software techniques to achieve compelling final presentation deliverables in still image, animation and VR formats.
Credits 3

TRAN-440

Power Sports Design

What is the future of Power Sports? - The industry is looking for answers - you are the key! - Round out your portfolio - Challenge yourself Concept development Dynamic systems Ergonomics and safety Recreational mobility Practical, utility applications Competition models Drive-train development
Credits 3

TRAN-451

Transportation Studio 8A

This combined senior studio (8A and 8B) is project oriented and requires the creative application of all learned skills in order to present a professional level result to the transportation industry that reflects positively on the student and the college. Students will apply all accumulated learned skills to insure this project result will be the priority project and personal best, setting high personal expectations and a clear project problem to solve. A quality presentation of design research, process & a 3-D proof of concept are required for the final. For graduating students, this will be the highest order of achievement reached prior to entry into the professional ranks.
Credits 3

TRAN-451

Design 8

This senior studio is project oriented and requires the creative application of all learned skills in order to present a professional level result to the transportation industry that reflects positively on the student and the college. Students will apply all accumulated learned skills to ensure this project result will be the priority project and personal best, setting high personal expectations and a clear project problem to solve. A quality presentation of design research, process and a 3-D proof of concept are required for the final. For graduating students, this will be the highest order of achievement reached prior to entry into the professional ranks.
Credits 3

TRAN-452

Transportation Studio 8B

This combined senior studio (8A and 8B) is project oriented and requires the creative application of all learned skills in order to present a professional level result to the transportation industry that reflects positively on the student and the college. Students will apply all accumulated learned skills to insure this project result will be the priority project and personal best, setting high personal expectations and a clear project problem to solve. A quality presentation of design research, process & a 3-D proof of concept are required for the final. For graduating students, this will be the highest order of achievement reached prior to entry into the professional ranks.
Credits 3

TRAN-471A

Visual 8

This course, connected with the Design 8 class, provides students with guidance and support in producing highly sophisticated 3D visualization of their Senior Thesis projects. Focusing on creative storytelling describing vehicle use-case scenarios, students will explore a range of animation techniques, including 3D animation, 2.5D effects, and CGI integration, utilizing various software tools. The curriculum emphasizes seamless composition of digital vehicle designs with environment creation, moving human figures, lighting, texturing, and animation principles, leading students from initial storyboarding to final animations. By the end of the course, participants will produce a compelling animation deliverable that maximally showcases their vehicle design project.
Credits 3