Subaru Outback - Color & Trim
This project was originally from my Sophomore Studio class at The College for Creative Studies. Our Automotive Interior Design Studio class was challenged to analyze and redesign a car of our choosing. My project focused on redesigning the interior and exterior of the 2013 Subaru Outback by fully understanding the target customer through exploring demographics and lifestyle trends and combining these findings with the brand language and lifestyle identity of the vehicle. I used my 2013 project as a benchmark to update the Outback for 2021 with more current color and material trends.
inspiration images
2013 NAIAS Trend Research
Before starting this project, I attended the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and analyzed, photographed, and compared components, details, textures, and colors of many different car brands. I sat in the cars and experienced the tactile nature of the interiors - opening compartments, pushing buttons, and touching everything I could! Although this research was done in 2013, some of the trends and findings are still relevant today.
Target Customer Demographic - The Outback Driver
Lifestyle Trends
Different lifestyle trends that the Outback driver engages in and is influenced by.
Trend - Road Trips
Outback drivers have active lifestyles; they are adventurous and care about the environment. They use their cars for more than just going to work or to school, they want to get from point A to point B and enjoy all of the stops in between.
Trend - Outdoor Sports
Outback drivers are active and love the outdoors. They live for exhilaration, motivation, and accomplishment. They embrace life outdoors by participating in sports such as skiing, climbing, hiking, or biking.
Trend - Horticulture
Outback drivers care about the environment because they love it, not because it's trendy. They are interested in plants and gardening, they want to know what they are putting into their bodies.
SnapShot Project
This mini-project was a comparison of Subaru Outback and Patagonia outdoor product company. Both brands are compatible in that they share a very similar demographic and brand language. An outdoor outfit from Patagonia was merged with the interior of the Subaru Outback to create a unique environment. This was a "warm-up activity" to quickly assign and experiment with replacing different colors, textures, and materials into the current Outback.
Trim Level 1 - The Alpine
The interior palette was inspired by outdoor gear, specifically outdoor climbing ropes and their bright color which is a stark contrast to the outdoor nature scenes in which you would find them being used. A neutral cool grey cloth upholstery was used with a bright coral top stitch to mimic the contrast of a climbing rope outside in the mountains. Bright blue and orange exterior paint colors stand out in the outdoor setting and complete the palette.
Trim Level 2 - The Backcountry
The interior palette was inspired by colors and textures found outdoors in plants, forests, and nature. Two shades of cool grey, medium-grained leather were paired with a bright green top stitch. A fine-grained, dark wood trim with a realistic wood grain was added to complement the medium grain of the leather upholstery. Bright yellow and coral exterior paint colors stand out in the outdoor setting and complete the palette.
Trim Level 3 - The Approach
The interior palette was inspired by colors and textures found in rock formations and mountains. This is the warmest of the three trim levels has two-toned warm caramel leathers with a vibrant blue top stitch. Teak trim with a realistic wood grain was added to complement the fine grain of the leather upholstery. Dark green and blue exterior paint colors stand out in the outdoor setting to complete the palette.
