Factors Affecting Trend Cycles in Automotive Upholstery Design, 1960-2020

Abstract

The purpose of this exploration is to determine trend cycles in US automotive upholstery over the past 60 years and understand the factors that contributed to these trend cycles. This was done by analyzing the available swatches of US automotive fabrics found in the DeLeo and Detroit Body Products automotive trim books from 1960-2006. The fabrics are analyzed for motif, scale and color in order to identify trend cycles. Following the analysis stage, industry interviews were conducted in order to verify historical trends and reveal trends from 2007-2012. Based on the literature reviewed and industry interviews, factors that contributed to these trends were then identified and a model was created revealing the relationship between key decision makers and design trends. Finally, forecasts for future design trends in automotive upholstery (2013-2020) were made based on this model and industry feedback. With the material covered in this research, the automotive industry will have an instrument to use as a catalyst for future developments. By understanding factors, trends and the dynamic relationship of key decision makers, new fabrics can be created that challenge the set confines for design and redefine the future limits. Appreciating the factors that influenced past trends in automotive interior textiles will increase the success rate for future automotive fabric development.