Honda is adopting a new interior design philosophy that will shape the cabin structure of all of the Japanese brand’s future models.
The first car to carry the new design aesthetic is the all-new 11th-generation Civic saloon, which was officially unveiled at the end of last week in America where the model seems to have become the no. 1 choice for compact car buyers.
“Inspired by the classic human-centred designs of early Honda vehicles, the brand’s new simplicity and ‘something’ philosophy helps enhance the driving experience by eliminating complexity and advancing the user experience through thoughtful and pleasing design elements. The new design philosophy features a renewed focus on Honda’s classic ‘Man Maximum/Machine Minimum’ approach that maximises cabin space, while minimising space required for mechanical components,” says the company.
“Simplicity in design requires not only a strong philosophy, but a discipline toward the user experience,” adds Johnathan Norman, creative lead for Honda Interior Design in the USA. “We’ve heard from designers working for other brands who say they were inspired by the simple, human-centred design of old Hondas. Well, so are we!”
For Honda’s designers the goal is to now make the interiors free of visual clutter with a focus on thin pillars, a low cowl, and a large greenhouse for better visibility.
The “and something” element, meanwhile, aims to add personality and character to the design, expressed, for example, through details such as the knurling of a knob or the particular finish of a material.
“We are pursuing this design language with the new Hondas we’re designing in the studio now,” says Norman. “It’s our ‘simple’ approach to design with the ‘and something’ that will help differentiate each product and make your future Honda vehicles something you want to drive and are excited to use.”
