Watch How Ford’s Unorthodox Design Methods Helped Create The Bronco

To mimic real-life off-road scenarios, the team turned to 3D virtual reality techniques and, without leaving the lab, used tiny electric fans and heat lamps to create a life-like environment. They even went as far as to pipe in the sound of birds through headsets to give testers the most authentic experience.

“We took the work out of the top-secret design studio and immersed ourselves into the sights and sounds of a remote desert or a northern forest – all without having to leave the Ford Product Development Center in Dearborn,” said Bronco design chief Paul Wraith.

As the video above expands upon, it’s all about best visualizing the needs of real people interacting with the Bronco in outdoor environments.