Retrospective Automotive Design and Innovative Meaning Making

Background : The current study explored the role of retrospective design in creating innovations in meaning within the field of automotive design. To achieve this, we focused on the Mini Cooper as an exemplary case study of the application of a retrospective design approach and implications for the meaning of the new Mini model. Methods : We conducted surveys of participants to examine responses to retrospective design features in terms of their influence upon the three meaning constructs: personality, context & story and reference with form. Result : The results indicate how more integral design features had the greatest influence upon the expression of the original within the retrospective contemporary version. Conclusions : Implications for understanding retrospective automotive design and its potential to drive innovative meaning making is briefly discussed.