Tesla's Design Secrets Told by ex-Lead Designer
Alberto Esses speaks on the inner workings of Tesla’s design function
The Tesla Cybertruck was first shown as a concept in Los Angeles in November 2019 — the same month, year, and location that set the 1982 neo-noir sci-fi classic Blade Runner. Elon even insisted the car be designed on a 1982 Commodore 64, for period-accuracy — says my AI. Is it hallucinating or does it know something we don’t? The answer is yes.
The Cybertruck’s design is intentionally polarizing. It’s made in the image of Elon Musk’s Twitter feed — brash, divisive, impossible to ignore. Easy to forget that behind Elon’s audacious creative direction are some of the best designers in the world, doing the work.
Lead industrial designer Alberto Esses from Elon’s design team spilled the beans on the inner workings of Tesla’s design function in a Reddit AMA last week.
I downloaded the entire AMA as a 17-page PDF and ran my AI to get the bullet points so you don’t have to. Did I fact-check it? See for yourself — I’ll tell you what I think in the end.
Design = Engineering
[Esses] emphasized the crucial role of collaboration at Tesla. Designers work closely with engineers from the early stages of a project, fostering an environment where innovation thrives. This integrated approach allows for rapid iterations.
Design = Manufacturing
Working at Tesla requires a delicate balance between creative freedom and technical constraints. [Esses] highlighted the importance of understanding manufacturing processes and materials, as these factors significantly influence design decisions. This knowledge allows designers to create innovative solutions that are both visually striking and feasible for production.
Design = Adaptation
The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, particularly with the shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles. The former Tesla designer stressed the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. Staying current with emerging technologies, materials, and design trends is crucial for success in this fast-paced environment.
Design = Visualization
One key insight from the AMA was the emphasis on visualization skills. The designer stressed the importance of being able to quickly sketch and communicate ideas effectively. They mentioned that the ability to create compelling visuals, whether through sketching or 3D modeling, is crucial in conveying design concepts and gaining buy-in from stakeholders.
Despite the challenges, [Esses] painted an exciting picture of the future of automotive design. The field has moved beyond mere aesthetics, with a growing emphasis on sustainability, user experience, and the integration of advanced technologies.
For aspiring automotive designers, the message is clear: success in this field requires a combination of technical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt. A strong portfolio that showcases these qualities is essential for breaking into the industry.
The insights from this AMA serve as both a roadmap and a reality check for those looking to make their mark in automotive design.
Esses’ talking points are not so different from the philosophy of any organization that takes design seriously.
No design discipline is a silo in isolation — industrial design, engineering, software, and graphic design are branches on the same skill tree.
Supported by:
Daylight Computer: the healthiest computer
Baked Graphics: amazing 3D video mockups
ProtoPie: the best hi-fidelity interface prototyping tool
Framer: the best website builder for designers – code partner25proyearly for 3 months free on annual Pro account