Abstract

Background: As the automotive industry advances towards intelligence, electrification and low-carbon solutions, transportation vehicle design education is also undergoing a transformation, gradually transitioning from basic styling training to developing systematic and interdisciplinary skills. The Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) educational concept provides a theoretical foundation for integrating engineering and design education. Purpose：This study aims to develop a transportation vehicle design curriculum system guided by CDIO to effectively combine design thinking with engineering logic, and enhance students’ systematic thinking , practical skills, and the ability to adapt to industrial demands. Methods: The research adopts a comprehensive framework that follow the sequence of “conception - design - implementation – operation.” It establish a project-based teaching loop that includes "demand insight - concept creation - digital model - solution iteration - verification and evaluation." In actual teaching, methods such as design thinking, digital modeling and virtual reality have been introduced into the classroom and hands-on activities. Additionally, through collaboration between schools and enterprises, along with dual-mentor system, the course content is closely aligned with industry demands. Results: After the implementation of the course, students’ comprehensive abilities from concept generation to system operation have significantly improved, and their skill to balance artistic intuition and engineering constraints has been further enhanced, providing a reference for designing and optimizing future courses. Conclusion: The CDIO framework effectively integrate project-based learning, interdisciplinary content and industrial practice, providing a feasible approach for the transformation of design education from a focus on “academization” to “industrialization.”