Industrial design can be defined as the features that make up a shape or pattern of a product through industrial processes.
The study of Industrial Design is the study of designing products that aim to be appealing and unique yet thrive for functionalism and practicality. This area of study uses a combination of theoretical concepts of materials and processes with the designs, shapes and patterns.
Industrial designers’ job is generally based on using their creativity and imagining how consumers might use a product and test multiple versions of the products to test it’s functionality. Many times, you will probably work closely with engineers, production experts and consumer market experts. Some industrial designers focus on developing ideas for improvement for general products such as bicycles, furniture, cars and housewares whilst some industrial designers specialise in specific product categories such as smartphones or equipment to aid individuals with disability.
Common roles and responsibilities of Industrial Designers include:
- Conducts product research and analyses to fulfil commercial, cultural and physical requirements
- Formulates designs through preparation of sketches, diagrams, illustrations, samples and models, on paper or using computer software
- Conducts consultations with clients, stakeholders and manufacturing parties for design solutions
- Work alongside other experts: mechanical engineers, manufacturer to conduct evaluation of the functionality and worth of design concepts
- Selects, specify functional and practical materials for manufacturing process
- Facilitates entire production process, along with preparing prototypes and samples