A Blend of Car Design and Imagination “INTO THE BRONCO-VERSE” Industry-Academia Collaboration Concluded with Innovation Shining Through
Shanghai, China - Ford China Design Center (FCDC) and the School of Design at the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) announced the successful conclusion of their “INTO THE BRONCO-VERSE” industry-academia collaboration. The program culminated in a final review event where three CAFA students pursuing innovative mobility design showcased their impressive work following a two-month internship at Ford China Design Center.
As the first industry-academia collaboration since the establishment of Ford China Design Center, "Into the Bronco-Verse" has unlocked Ford Bronco's full potential by empowering students to explore their wildest design ideas. This project not only showcased Ford Bronco's iconic status but also highlighted the depth and creativity of Ford's design capabilities.
As a legendary off-road icon, the Ford Bronco has captivated adventure seekers for nearly six decades. Pioneering the SUV category as the first vehicle specifically designated as a “Sports-Utility Vehicle,” the Bronco boasts a distinctive style and fearless spirit, and embodies the ultimate spirit of adventure. Inspired by the original Bronco's iconic design, the All-New Ford Bronco maximizes practicality and ruggedness through an ingenious modular concept.
Ford China Design Center launched the “Into the Bronco-Verse” industry-academia collaboration in March to inspire young students to create their own unique Bronco universe. By encouraging imaginative exploration, the program aimed to showcase the Bronco's adventurous spirit. Talented students poured their passion into the project, from initial concept development to hands-on experience at the design center.
from left to right: Liu Zihao, Chen Jiajun & Jin Xinglie
Max Wolff, Design Director of Ford IMG and China
In June, after a rigorous selection process, juniors Chen Jiajun and Jin Xinglei, along with sophomore Liu Zihao, emerged as finalists. Over the summer, these exceptional students spent two months interning at Ford China Design Center, where they gained invaluable exposure to advanced design tools and immersed themselves in the daily life of automotive designers.
“By providing students with the freedom to explore, we've encouraged them to unleash their creativity while immersing themselves in the world of Ford Design,” said Max Wolff, Design Director of Ford IMG and China. “Having this fresh creative energy can also serve as an inspiration to our own designers and we look forward to more creative collaborations in the future.”
During the summer internship, students Liu Zihao, Chen Jiajun, and Jin Xinglei fully integrated into the daily life of a professional automotive designer alongside the FCDC team. A one-on-one mentorship program guided by the Ford design team provided students with continuous support to refine their designs, from technical skills to creative expression. Through iterative design processes and collaborative feedback, the students honed their work to perfection. This hands-on experience was invaluable for each student, allowing them to bring their designs to life.
“Ford is a world-class automotive company, and their design expertise has broadened our students’ horizons,” commented Prof. Wang Xuanzheng of CAFA's School of Design “Ford China Design Center offered our students ample opportunities to explore their creativity within this collaborative project, and the hands-on experience accelerated their growth.”
Liu Zihao and his design
Liu Zihao's passion for models inspired his “Model Bronco” concept. This unique creation perfectly aligns with the Ford Bronco's customizable nature. The “Model Bronco” is heavily influenced by Ford's classic Model T, offering a multitude of customization options. Its distinctive wheel design enhances the rugged off-road capabilities of “Model Bronco”, exemplifying the boundless potential of the Ford Bronco in the eyes of Gen Z designers. Liu Zihao shared, “The internship program at Ford China Design Center provided an incredibly supportive environment that fostered creativity. With guidance from my mentors and experienced designers, I gained the confidence to fully realize my design vision.”
Jin Xinglie and his design
Jin Xinglie, an animation enthusiast, blended his passion for design with the whimsical world of Hayao Miyazaki. As the name suggests, his "Moving Castle" concept reimagines the Bronco as a child-friendly, mobile playground. Inspired by inflatable castles, the "Moving Castle" incorporates innovative airbags that can be transformed into slides, kayaks, and other fun accessories, leveraging the Bronco's modular design concept. While maintaining the classic Bronco proportions, this design broadens its target audience and usage scenarios. Reflecting on his internship, Jin Xinglei shared, "Experiencing the entire design process from initial sketches to digital models at Ford China Design Center was incredible. Interning at a world-class design studio was a truly unforgettable opportunity.”
Chen Jiajun and his design
Chen Jiajun envisioned his “Fold Bronco” in a harsh dystopian world grappling with overpopulation, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation. The vehicle's owner is a virtual pioneer tasked with expanding human living space and gathering essential resources. In this Bronco universe, the “Fold Bronco” excels in exploration while also addressing the need for efficient transportation and compact storage through its innovative origami-inspired design. Reflecting on the creative process, Chen Jiajun shared, “The ‘Into the Bronco-Verse’ theme encouraged us to first envision the world, then holistically design the Bronco to fit within it. By considering the broader context, we unlocked new avenues for creative exploration.”
The successful completion of the "Into the Bronco-Verse" project, featuring imaginative student designs, demonstrates the forward-thinking spirit and collaborative practices of both Ford China Design Center and the Central Academy of Fine Arts in exploring new models of industry-academia cooperation. Ford China Design Center is committed to fostering automotive design talent in China through ongoing partnerships with universities and colleges. By infusing the brand’s deep design heritage and expertise, Ford will continue to deliver exciting products that embody the "Go Natural, Go Wild" brand proposition to the Chinese market.
