Redesign of a Lancia Beta HPE with Electric Propulsion Using IDeS and TRIZ Methods

This study proposes a methodological approach to the redesign of a 1980s vehicle, the Lancia Beta HPE, integrating the TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) and the Industrial Design Structure (IDeS) frameworks within the design process. The redesign process focused on both the external morphology of the vehicle and its propulsion system, aligning the outcome with contemporary trends in market evolution, societal shifts, and environmental considerations. The objective of the project was to reinterpret stylistic elements that were typical of 1980s automotive design through a contemporary lens, while incorporating characteristics of the current aesthetic of electric vehicles (EVs). A pivotal element of the research involved a comparative stylistic analysis of past and present vehicle design languages. This facilitated the identification of design guidelines for adapting formal and stylistic details to the electric mobility paradigm, with emphasis on contemporary aesthetics and energy efficiency. The transition from internal combustion to electric propulsion necessitated a comprehensive re-evaluation of the vehicle’s key exterior features, encompassing the front end, body shape, and lighting systems, in order to reflect a novel ecological identity and convey technological advancement. In order to inform stylistic choices, an in-depth exploration of electric propulsion principles was conducted, leveraging AI-based tools such as GPT to support TRIZ-guided problem-solving.