Objective
Gilmore Group was asked to assist Honda in designing the cabin – including the flight deck – of their first aircraft, HondaJet. We were also tasked in assisting with the launch of the HondaJet brand and its new aircraft at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
Solution
We took extensive steps to understand the customer wants and needs. We created a “customer decision tree” that analyzed the overall consumer experience, using experience mapping to outline the entire travel process from boarding to deplaning. We examined the passenger volume, traveler demographics, and standard carry-on needs for various mission styles to ensure an optimized cabin experience.
We continued to develop the design and aesthetic, combing through our ideas. This process began with defining a visual vocabulary that would be both relevant and inspiring.
From hand drawings to careful material & finish selection, every interior element and individual component concept was developed from a “blank sheet of paper.”
We completed the cabin using Dassault’s CATIA software to ensure accuracy for the mock-up and to maximize compatibility with Honda in the future.
A full-size mock-up was created for the NBAA Tradeshow, and we assisted in planning and managing the unveiling of HondaJet. This included the design of the exhibit, managing the delivery of the mock-up and its integration within the space. Additionally, we designed trailer livery, aircraft livery, and marketing & literature collateral.
Results
By virtue of the prototyping work conducted in our studio, the design of the cabin and flight deck was not only sleek and elegant, but also preserved design intent which was optimized for human factors issues.
The NBAA Tradeshow launch resulted in the preorder of hundreds of HondaJet aircraft and the brand has gained a reputation as a leader in the private & business jet market.
