24 replies to this topic

[Midas Mk1]

Hey Everyone,

Following on from my initial questionnaire that I asked ages ago in September :
http://www.theminifo...x...=168811&hl=

I have created the prototype centre console for my A2 Product Design , and have recently finished it, and test fitted it in my car.

I have created both an armrest section (with Ipod Dock), and the front console, and would like some feedback on the final product.

Whether you like it or not, Id like to here your opinions on it, as this is key feature within my portfolio, asking my target audience o. Also would like any suggestions /questions in how I could improve my prototype.

I've tried to keep the console as slim as possible, to prevent the driver from fouling/hitting it when engaging the clutch. Each section is covered in leatherette, and has foam padding underneath for comfort. The acrylic centre section is 70% transparent, inspired from the Volvo c40 interior, and was created using a specially made male and female former. The plastic bin had a specially made former made, and was then vacuum formed into place.

Thanks in Advance, sorry for the amount of pics

Sam

Edited by Midas Mk1, 19 April 2011 - 11:01 AM.

[joewb]

That iPod bit is pretty genius haha

[the_r_sole]

looks pretty good, obviously as a project it's great, the only real critique i could offer is on certain bits of the finish but purely superficial!!
i would lose the rivets on the front panel, i would prefer a clean face with the fixing done some other way, but rivets would suit a race/rally style interior
the etching of the switch bits looks nice, you could possilby mount a light behind the translucent acrylic rather than the lights on the swtiches
also i wouldn't have returned the silver trim back in beside the heater controls, i think it would sit better if that was black just to hide the join a bit more

but other than those extremely nit picky bits it's a really good effort, let me know when you are putting them into production!!

[AdamBilsy]

I think the overall design of it is great, especially the clearance for the feet and the lift up arm-rest.
The Acrylic centre looks great, but I think the leatherette lets it down. I dont like the padded silver look, makes me think of a teletubby teddy.

I personally think it would look better either completely made from acrylic(maybe opaque silver sides, or the brushed aluminium effect acrylic you can get) or as it is but with tightly stretched Leatherette without padding to give more defined edges.

edit: also the same as 'the r sole' said about the silver return under the heater.

Edited by AdamBilsy, 19 April 2011 - 11:30 AM.

[Ozymandias]

Very nice! It's obviously something you've put a lot of thought and work into. Using different materials would alter the look hugely, so as a basic design it could be made to work pretty universally to suit peoples' tastes.

I'm just about to make a "sub-dash" for my Cooper - you may have inspired me to make a centre console as well...!

[Timty]

Looks fantastic Sam! so you managed to squeeze the armrest in then! i like the curve it looks really smart!

Edited by Timty, 19 April 2011 - 11:47 AM.

[mike.]

Overall look pretty good, I like it.

Thing I would prefer would be hidden fixings for the front panel and the switches mounted slightly closer together.

I like the design of the arm rest but how functional is it? It looks quite low?

[TfcIan]

I like the fixings on the front, give it a race/rally sort of look. Not so keen on the leatherette, particularly with padding underneath and a normal leather gear gaiter is a must. It doesn't seem to get in the way of using the clutch and I like that it houses a HU, gauge and small storage compartment at a nice angle. Not as keen on the U shaped things next to the switches but the symbols below the switches look nice.

How's the ipod dock work? There's a white thing on it, is that to hold up the arm rest or is it a lead? If it's the latter, I don't think it should be there. More pictures of how the ipod dock works would be good. Armrest looks a little low, so I'm not sure how useful it would be but I can't be sure on that without testing it out first. Other than the corners of the arm rest where the leather covering it seems to have sharp points rather than being rounded, it looks very good.

Not a bad project at all, there are improvements which could be made, but isn't that part of any project? If you're going to any shows soon, or club meets, you could ask other mini owners to sit in it and give their opinion, it would probably be better than the opinions of just how it looks in pictures.

[Midas Mk1]

The Allan Bolts on the front weren't part of the original design, but got grafted in to aid the ease of fitting the console, it now only needs 4 screws to release it.

I agree on the leatherette side parts, the padding I chosen hasn't given the effect I originally wanted. I dont think it helps with the console going into the test car, as the colour scheme isn't intended for my interior. Originally I was going for a body colour centre made from sheet steel, with black leatherette side pieces, but due to the console being assessed prominently off the car, then I needed to make a colour scheme that would look ok in the workshop.

I had looked at acrylic sides, but under testing these scratched way too easy, and after a few weeks of use would ruin the acrylic with scratch marks.

Maybe placing the console in a black/silver interior may help, e.g a late cooper sport one.

The armrest is surprisingly good positioned, due to my seats positioned soo low down. This has had to be adapted alot, as my seats are too wide to accommodate any extra functions such as cup holder / sub enclosure that I originally intended to do.

I think if I was to produce the console ( ) then each one would be custom, so different material choices, centre panel functions ( switch type and position, headunit or satnav hole) to accommodate each customer, and their interior.


The Ipod dock wire, is just a cable fed through the centre of the console, before the laminate of plywood was bonded together. If you look closely, you will see I made a new Ipod, as a demonstration model.

The hoops are to stop the switches being all turned on coincidently, these features could be changed for the preference of the customer.

Thankyou for your comments, I look forward to hearing more of peoples opinions...

[AndyMiniMad.]

Id buy one if the sides were black leatheret, and I could choose the symbols for the switches. Oh and the price was reasonable.

Edited by AndyMiniMad., 19 April 2011 - 06:47 PM.

[matty1275]

looks really good, good prodject to choose for the course. I like the colours, except sides, but the best bit is the arm rest. It looks amazing, good job! I like the panel with switches and loop things The only thing i didnt really like except from the sides was the LED track.

I'd also like to ask how long the exam/course went on for, 1/2 years and your first brief?

well done again, im sure u'll get full marks in your practical.

[Midas Mk1]

looks really good, good prodject to choose for the course. I like the colours, except sides, but the best bit is the arm rest. It looks amazing, good job! I like the panel with switches and loop things The only thing i didnt really like except from the sides was the LED track.

I'd also like to ask how long the exam/course went on for, 1/2 years and your first brief?

well done again, im sure u'll get full marks in your practical.

Its a 2 year course at College, really enjoy Product Design, and hope to do it or Automotive Design at Uni in sepetember. My first brief at As was to design a temporary lighting system styled on the Bauhaus Movement. This year though, we could choose whatever we wanted within reason, and it had to be Mini based for me!!

Would there be much interest for a "real" custom console??

[the_r_sole]

sure there would be if the price was right! it'd be a total hassle for you doing a custom order every time i would imagine, you could maybe limit the options to keep the price low and if someone really wanted a completely custom one you could charge a bit more?

[Midas Mk1]

Thanks Guys, should be a great help towards the evaluation section of my project
, just need to write it all now lol

[Philippe]

For me the arm-rest is highlight, it looks really well designed and adds to the style of the car, rather than looking clumsy like any others that I've seen.

The switches look great - can't believe you took inspiration from a Bini though

Replacing the stereo hole and click with a sat-nav mount would be an excellent way to adapt it for later mini's that already have those.

Good luck, if you don't get an A we'll all come and do burnouts in the car-park.