Sunday 22 April 2012

Video Reflections: Who Killed the Electric Car

The documentary movie is interesting because it has aroused me to imagine what would happen in the future if electric cars do replace the conventional cars in long term. It will definitely make a huge impact on drivers, policies made by the governments, oil and car companies worldwide. Will most of oil and car companies be selfish and would not support the usage of electric cars? How would the companies would change its strategies in order to be competitive to stay ahead in the game and keep up with the trend as shortages of fuel will happen in the long run? Eventually, car companies need to look elsewhere for other energy sources.

Another issue is that I think it will be interesting to see how hydrogen fuel cell vehicles would compete with the electric cars because the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles claimed to be an environmentally friendly alternative. Watching the movie from a different perspective, it is quite sad because the Americans are big car lovers and they should be leading the way in creating fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles but they find it difficult to support these energy saving vehicles to keep the earth green.

Industrial designers should watch this documentary/movie because designers should be interested in energy saving policies. Yes, batteries will make a huge breakthrough but we must be daring  to admit that batteries will be costly as well. Although battery operated vehicles are expensive, these vehicles require little maintenance and less replacement parts, breakdowns are less likely to occur, electricity is cheaper than oil and it also saves the environment The lesson is that designers should not ignore the effects and causes of a particular product that has the potential to make. This documentary would make designers to remind themselves that they have the responsibility to design a product which could lead to a meaningful change in a revolutionary and beneficial way for a good cause rather than sticking to the conventional methods and designing more of the same products that could be useless to the society. This documentary could also help designers to be mentally prepared for the economical crises and how designers should adapt the changes.

One of my take home messages is to be socially aware and learn more about the impacts on the environment especially made by the automotive industry.  Besides that, I need to be responsible when it come to protecting and keeping the environment green no matter what kind of job/profession that I'm doing. Also, I need to learn to feel guilty, dare to admit mistakes and lies and be honest at all times as a designer because after all, good design is about being honest.

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