Industrial Design Student is “Making Cars for People, Not Markets”
Michael Canty won The Best Use of Technology Award at the Frankfurt Motor Show
On the final day of the Frankfurt Motor Show, design students, top industrial design leaders and media gathered from around the globe for the 2011 announcement of the Interior Motives Student Design winners. Academy of Art University School of Industrial Design’s Michael Canty won The Best Use of Technology Award in this prestigious competition, sponsored by Peugeot and Volkswagen. Over 300 students submitted their designs that incorporated the theme “Back to Basics – Making Cars for People, Not Markets,” in which student must adhere to the design criteria that Volkswagen and Peugeot set before them.
Interested in the challenge and pursuing the theme, Michael decided to create a mass transportation conceptual model that would be shared by all rather than owned by an individual. “The conceptual model for my design proposal considered a vehicle that would be used and shared rather than owned,” said AAU senior and military veteran Michael, “The concept provides an exciting mobility alternative to conventional public transportation methods… aimed to expand mobility options.”
Michael learned of the Interior Motives Design competition through his Transportation Design Four class, taught by Industrial Design Instructor Jim Shook. “This was a very unique opportunity for me, and my fellow classmates, to pursue a project that would be seen and scrutinized internationally,” he said. That same instructor was also a source of direction for the veteran turned industrial automotive designer. “The guidance Jim Shook provided during the development of this project was invaluable as was as his relentless pursuit of true creativity,” said Michael.
Recently Michael was accepted for a design position with Chrysler LLC in Detroit, Michigan, where he is excited to help restore American innovation. “I can’t disclose specifically what project I am working on, however, you can be assured that you will be seeing some very exciting new products from Chrysler in the future,” Michael said. He owes this opportunity and achievement partially to the Academy of Art University for helping him establish a foundation of skills that are indispensable for accomplishing long term industrial design goals. “AAU has a very effective Industrial Design program because its relevant techniques are taught by working professionals,” said Michael. Michael believes that technological and social factors are shifting the transportation arena as a whole, and he is extremely excited to contribute to such an influential industry.
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