Cars, Design,
and Society

August, 30 2023 - Thoughts about Design

For a long time, I have been noticing a strong contrast to a few decades ago when observing today’s streets.

Cars have transformed from practical transportation to imposing monsters radiating power and status. But how did we get here? Who’s responsible for this shift? Is it a result of consumer desires, or are we being driven by design and manufacturers' manipulative tactics?

Design language and emotion

Today, cars are more than mere transportation; they express our identity. Their aggressive looks, characterized by sharp angles, wide stances, mean headlights, and prominent grilles, unmistakably convey power, dominance, and speed. But why this universal language of aggression?

The Illusion of Demand

While it’s tempting to believe that car designs reflect consumer demands, digging deeper is essential.

There’s a complex dance between what consumers think they want and what producers present as desirable.

Marketing has a peculiar way of manufacturing needs we never knew we had. The narrative that “bigger is better” seems to be one predominantly pushed by those who profit the most: the manufacturers.

Cars as Status Symbols

Historically, we’ve always sought items to flaunt our status – from opulent clothing to grand houses. In modern times, cars have become part of this narrative.

The size of the car has a huge impact on society; it underlines class thinking, shuts users off from real life, and potentially assures their users' lives at the cost of other lives that lack these protections.

But here lies the issue: this isn’t just an organic societal evolution. It’s a narrative heavily influenced, if not crafted, by years of marketing, tapping into our psyche, preying on our desires and insecurities.

Societal Narratives and Peer Pressure

Beyond advertisements and branding, there’s societal pressure. In many cultures, one’s success is often measured materialistically. Peer influence, especially in the age of social media, can’t be understated. If your circle values big, aggressive cars, you might too.

The Consumer’s Role

However, before I lay all the blame at the doorstep of manufacturers and marketers, it’s crucial to introspect. Consumers have power. We have tools to make informed choices in an age flooded with information.

Our purchasing decisions, especially recurring ones, indicate tacit endorsement of products and their associated values.

We all know about our world’s state today, based on our consumer behaviour with which we cover that we don’t work on ourselves to be a better person; we try to achieve it with money.

As we stare down challenges like climate change and resource scarcity, it’s evident that our current trajectory isn’t sustainable. It needs a re-evaluation of our values and priorities.