july 06, 2021 - Mazda

Inside Mazda: Sandra Höner zu Bentrup / Senior Designer Colour & Material #2

“Some ideas I carry around with me for months”

Sandra Höner zu Bentrup colour and material designer at #mazda Research Europe gives more insights on colours, trends and the overall colour #design development. (See interview Part I for more information).

What does the process of developing a new colour look like after that initial research
stage?

We take all those initial ideas about colours and materials and start to mix and match them on mood boards. This gives us a feeling of what might work as an overall #design concept. When we have a promising idea, we also make samples in our paint shop to see what a certain colour will look like in reality. Ideally, we end up with a comprehensive #design concept that incorporates all three major areas: The exterior,
interior, and colours and trim.

There is no single recipe for how we get there, however – it’s a creative process, and there’s a lot of trial and error. Some ideas I carry around with me for months until the time for them to evolve finally comes. Trying different ideas, then casting them out and starting again: For me working in advanced #design, this is usually how it goes.

How do trends from other industries influence the colour #design process?

We are aware of colour trends and inspired by them, but we are very careful not to get carried away by them. First, not all trends match our brand style and #design vision. Second, trends come and go much faster than cars do – we must aim for a more
timeless look.

But although fashion, for example, is a fast-moving industry, some developments are more durable than others. These are usually trends connected to overarching social issues or developments, like sustainability or digitalisation. They tend to change consumer behaviour more permanently and eventually cascade down to the #automotive industry. As designers, it is our job to filter out those trends that will stick
around for a long time or even forever.

Further information in the press release to download