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Final Poster
Graduates
Madi Walker
BS in Transportation Design — Transportation DesignCourse:
Intro to Automotive CMF
Faculty:
Kimberly Marte
Term:
2025 Spring
Volkswagen ID. Dori
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).
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).
Process:
Project kickoff began with thorough benchmarking other vehicles within the segment to create a matrix, showing trim levels, colorways of each trim level, with pricing. With the understanding of the current market, we moved to colorblocking for material ideation / color hierarchy. After selected directions were chosen, we moved into digital images to showcase materiality, texture, color, and pattern for each trim level. Base, Midgrade, and Premium grades were refined over weeks before moving to technical drawings to indicate in high detail which material is applied to which surface. Final deliverable was a large poster indicating trim levels, with material inspiration, user R&D, and high-res images of final design.
Learning Outcomes:
Develop an understanding of the foundational stages of an automotive CMF (Color, Material, and Finish) design process,
from research through final presentation.
Conduct user and market research to define a targeted buyer profile and translate insights into design direction.
Trend forecasting
Analyze brand identity and interior design language to inform cohesive CMF strategies.
Generate and develop multiple CMF concepts (colorways) that respond to distinct users, brand positioning, and design intent.
Explore and specify materials, finishes, and color applications with consideration for aesthetics, function, and feasibility.
Project Website: