Transforming A Lecture-Oriented Course On Design Of Automotive Systems Into A Unique Design Experience

1 Anindya Deb, Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing (CPDM), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India adeb@cpdm.iisc.ernet.in Abstract  An automobile is amongst the foremost of products ever designed contributing greatly to the progress of mankind. Although an automobile, in essence, is a collection of mechanical, structural, electrical and electronic sub-systems, it is judged by its user by its attributes including styling. As designing a modern vehicle encompasses vast areas of technological details, it is important to learn about the design of automotive systems, initially at least, from a systems engineering perspective gathering a bird’s eye-view of automotive product development processes and tools, as well as physical subsystems or modules. For assimilation of concepts, detailed understanding of specific areas, and development of interpersonal skills, an instructional course in this area can be supplemented with a design project that evokes the interest and enthusiasm of students.