General Industrial Designers are a cross between an engineer and an artist. They study both function and form, and the connection between product and the user.
They do not design the gears or motors that make machines move, or the circuits that control the movement, but they can affect technical aspects through usability design and form relationships. And usually, they partner with engineers and marketers, to identify and fulfill needs, wants and expectations.
In Depth “Industrial Design (ID) is the professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer” according to the IDSA (Industrial Designers Society of America).
Design, itself, is often difficult to define to non-designers because the meaning accepted by the design community is not one made of words. Instead, the definition is created as a result of acquiring a critical framework for the analysis and creation of artifacts. One of the many accepted (but intentionally unspecific) definitions of design originates from Carnegie Mellon’s School of Design, “Design is the process of taking something from its existing state and moving it to a preferred state.” This applies to new artifacts, whose existing state is undefined and previously created artifacts, whose state stands to be improved.
According to the (Chartered Society of Designers) design is a force that delivers innovation that in turn has exploited creativity. Their design framework known as the Design Genetic
Matrix (TM) determines a set of competences in 4 key genes that are identified to define the make up of designers and communicate to a wide audience what they do. Within these genes the designer demonstrates the core competences of a designer and specific competences determine the designer as an ‘industrial designer’. This is normally within the context of delivering innovation in the form of a three dimensional product that is produced in quantity. However the definition also extends to products that have been produced using an industrial process.
According to the ICSID, (International Council of Societies of Industrial Design) “Design is a creative activity whose aim is to establish the multi-faceted qualities of objects, processes, services and their systems in whole life-cycles. Therefore, design is the central factor of innovative humanization of technologies and the crucial factor of cultural and economic exchange.”
Industrial design is a fascinating field that blends creativity, functionality, and practicality to shape the objects we use in our daily lives. It’s all about finding innovative solutions to enhance the way products look, feel, and perform.
Think about the sleek lines of a smartphone, the ergonomic curves of a chair, or the intuitive layout of a kitchen appliance. Industrial designers are the masterminds behind these thoughtful designs, meticulously considering factors like usability, aesthetics, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Their goal is to create products that not only catch our eye but also seamlessly integrate into our lives, making them more enjoyable, efficient, and user-friendly. From sketching initial concepts to prototyping and refining, industrial designers are the driving force behind turning ideas into tangible, market-ready products that shape the world around us.
Industrial design stands out among other design disciplines due to its specific focus on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing products for mass production. Unlike graphic design, which deals primarily with visual communication, or interior design, which focuses on shaping interior spaces, industrial design concentrates on the physical form and usability of everyday objects.
Industrial designers carefully balance form and function, considering factors like ergonomics, materials, and manufacturing processes to ensure their designs can be efficiently and economically produced on a large scale. While other design disciplines may prioritize artistic expression or conceptual ideas, industrial design takes a pragmatic approach, combining creativity with a deep understanding of user needs, market trends, and technological feasibility.
It’s this unique blend of practicality, aesthetics, and engineering that distinguishes industrial design and makes it an essential contributor to the creation of functional and visually appealing products that enrich our lives.
Becoming an industrial designer requires a combination of passion, skills, and education. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in this field, there are several steps you can take.
First and foremost, develop your artistic and design abilities by honing your sketching, rendering, and visual communication skills. Familiarize yourself with design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Pursuing a formal education in industrial design or a related field can provide you with a strong foundation and help you build a portfolio. Look for accredited design programs that offer coursework in areas such as product design, human factors, and CAD software.
Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships can be invaluable for practical knowledge and networking opportunities. Stay curious and keep up with the latest industry trends and technologies.
Building a strong portfolio showcasing your design projects and creative problem-solving abilities will be crucial when applying for jobs in the field. Remember, becoming an industrial designer is a continuous journey of learning and growth, so embrace opportunities to refine your skills and push the boundaries of your creativity.
Industrial design, the design of mass-produced consumer products. Industrial designers, often trained as architects or other visual arts professionals, are usually part of a larger creative team. Their primary responsibility is to help produce manufactured items that not only work well but please the eye and, therefore, have a competitive advantage over similar products. The work of an industrial designer often relates to or includes graphic design, such as advertising and packaging, corporate imagery and branding, and interior design (also called interior architecture or environmental design), the arrangement of man-made spaces.