This study emerged from a student project conducted as part of the Computational Engineering Master’s Program at Munich University of Applied Sciences. The original task involved developing a giga-casting vehicle front-end based on the 2014 Honda Accord. The team’s effort raised a question: What is the impact of different concept development processes on giga-casting vehicle components, particularly in achieving weight reduction benefits? This paper compares two distinct design approaches: a conventional method, which involves re-designing an existing component followed by parameter optimization, and an approach that begins with topology optimization, followed by the adaptation of the design to meet predefined parameters as well as a final design optimization (reduced holistic process). The project also evaluates the cost and environmental impact of the weight reduction within an innovative development environment. The final comparison assesses the weight difference of the developed concepts including impact on costs and the life cycle assessment. The result shows that in the innovative student project environment the consideration of a reduced holistic approach in the early stages of product development can significantly reduce component weight, costs, and environmental effects, compared to conventional design approaches.