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Industrial designers conceptualize and produce designs for a wide variety of
products and systems, including furniture, electronics, appliances, tools,
automobiles, sporting goods, architectural details and signage.
Duties
When designing products, industrial designers must consider
- how products and product systems work,
- how things can be made to work better for people,
- safety and health issues,
- environmental issues,
- consumer preferences and marketing issues,
- how ideas can best be presented to others, and
- what materials to use.
They focus on maximizing the function, value and appearance of products and
product systems for the mutual benefit of the user (often the consumer) and the
manufacturer.
There are many specialties within industrial design: office furnishings,
residential environments, scientific instruments and exhibit systems are just a
few examples. The products designed range from one-of-a-kind objects to
mass-produced items such as child-proof bottle caps, safety equipment,
appliances, sports and leisure products, and toys and games.
In general, the design process involves
- consulting with clients or manufacturers to establish special market
requirements for the products or systems,
- analyzing the intended function and user preferences to develop product
specifications,
- researching production specifications, costs, properties of production
materials and manufacturing methods,
- preparing formal presentations and reports for clients' or management
approval,
- preparing conceptual sketches/drawings and initial prototypes, and
- consulting with engineering design, production, model makers and marketing
staff.
Industrial designers often work with other members of a development group,
including management, marketing, engineering and manufacturing specialists. They
are often involved in activities such as new product planning and market
research. Sometimes, they monitor the manufacture of their designs in a factory.
In addition to product and system design, industrial designers are often
asked to consult on a variety of problems related to a client's image. This
includes corporate identity systems, the development of communication systems,
interior space planning and exhibit design, and advertising and packaging
concepts.
Working Conditions
Industrial designers work in offices and workshops. Long hours and weekend
work may be required to meet deadlines.
Skills, Interests, Values
Industrial designers need the following characteristics:
- good communication skills,
- problem-solving abilities, in particular the ability to conceptualize
problems in new ways so their solutions are innovative yet practical,
- good business sense, and
- good project management skills.
Successful industrial designers enjoy synthesizing information and conducting
research, experimenting with different ways of doing things, and performing
precise tasks with tools and equipment.
Education Requirements
Industrial design combines visual arts and technology, and requires knowledge
and skills in a variety of fields, including
- ergonomics (relating product design to human and environmental factors),
- mechanics and engineering techniques,
- materials and processes,
- drafting, sketching and model making (for prototypes),
- social and consumer trend analysis,
- aesthetics, and
- marketing and basic business practices.
The computer plays an increasingly important role in all aspects of design
including documentation, illustration, rendering, animation, drafting and 3-D
modeling. However, it is still necessary for designers to have manual skills in
drawing, drafting, model making and working with materials.
With this broad range of requirements, industrial designers may come from a variety
of educational backgrounds. Many industrial designers have bachelor's
degrees in industrial design, fine arts, engineering or architecture and/or a
background in graphic design. After graduation, ongoing professional development
is required to keep up to date in this field.
To research which US schools have graduate programs in the arts go to:
http://www.petersons.com/gradchannel/code/search.asp
Employment and Advancement
Industrial designers may be employed by manufacturers, non-profit
organizations or private design firms, or they may be self-employed. Some students use industrial design education as
preparation for entry into architecture, design management, marketing or other
aspects of business.
Industrial designers may transfer their skills to other fields such as
- technical sales/marketing with manufacturers,
- exhibition and trade show design and fabrication (for more information,
see the Exhibit Designer occupational profile), or
- information design areas such as the design of natural and historical
interpretation centers.
Employment
prospects for this occupational group will be influenced by a wide
variety of factors, including
- the number of people in the occupation,
- the occupational growth rate, and
- trends and events in related industry sectors (see above).
The occupational growth projection does not include positions that will
become available when employees leave.
Recent growth in the plastics, medical equipment and electronics industries
are creating new opportunities for a broader range of industrial design
services. A continued emphasis on product quality, safety and advanced
technology should also create opportunities for industrial designers.
Salary
Most industrial designers work on a contract basis for specific product and
system designs, and negotiate each contract separately. Designers who have
specialized skills can charge higher fees.
To research salary ranges in the arts go to
www.jobstar.org
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