Industrial design is a profession that bridges the gap between what is and what is possible. This field uses innovative products and designs to improve the quality of life, thereby improving business. It is a transdisciplinary profession that involves engineers, product developers, manufacturers, branding strategists, marketers, and material scientists. The main goal of industrial design is to create consumer-friendly, aesthetic products. These items are often a mix of form and function.
Industrial design is a career that is built on creativity and thoughtfulness. The industry is growing in size and importance, and designers are finding new challenges as technologies become more prevalent in our society. Generally, an industrial designer works full-time or freelance. They may also be a part of a multidisciplinary team, which includes engineers, marketers, planners, and graphic designers. Companies rely on these teams to develop, test, and produce products, and they may be responsible for redesigning the look of a product.
Industrial design has its origins in the industrial revolution. Early designers focused on the aesthetics of their products. In fact, early industrial designers were often straddling the lines between artist and engineer. Their work involved determining the identity of a company, and designing small electrical appliances.
Today, industrial designers work in offices, on design centers, and at testing facilities. They may have a specific project in mind, or they may be searching for new projects. Depending on the product’s specifications, they may travel to a factory, a manufacturing site, or a client’s home to see how the object will be used. A typical day may involve traveling to an exhibit site, meeting with clients, and making verbal and written descriptions of their product’s functionality.
In addition to the physical form of a product, industrial designers also consider its appearance, ergonomics, and user-interface aspects. They may create a visual model of the manufactured product, or they may create prototypes. Most industrial designers have a degree in one of the many fields associated with their profession. Some designers specialize in research and development, engineering, and marketing.
A design team will create a product from its conception to its completion. This process requires months of work, and the multidisciplinary team is constantly reworking on its design. Products are designed with the input of many different professionals, including material scientists, engineers, branding strategists, marketers, and planners.
Industrial design is a field that is constantly evolving, so it is important to keep up with the latest developments in the industry. Those who wish to pursue a design career should develop a strong portfolio and take advantage of internships and opportunities for advancement. Increasingly, master’s degrees are being offered in the industry.
Industrial design is becoming more and more relevant as greener alternatives are created. As consumers become more aware of sustainability, the need for products that maximize efficiency increases. Moreover, the use of technology is increasing, and industrial design is at the forefront of this trend.
Industrial designers are a diverse and rewarding group of professionals. Unlike other design disciplines, they can focus on several different areas. From the aesthetics and usability of a product to the processes and cost involved in production, industrial designers are able to help companies and consumers resolve problems and create better products.
