What Does an Industrial Designer Do?
Industrial designers typically specialize in one product category, such as automobiles, furniture or housewares. They must be imaginative and persistent to communicate their ideas about new product design.
Industrial Designer Job Duties
Industrial designers are responsible for the look of many of the products bought, used and consumed every day. It is the job of an industrial designer to create, plan and style manufactured goods, including automobiles, household products, food packaging, consumer electronics and medical equipment.
An industrial designer considers the usability, ergonomics and aesthetics of common mass-produced items and works to improve the design, function, engineering and marketing of these items. Industrial designers are responsible for the familiar look of brands and products like Jeep, iPods and the Coke bottle.
On the Job with an Industrial Designer
Industrial designers work with many different specialists, like materials scientists, engineers, marketers and accountants, to create new products. When beginning a project, industrial designers may start with a client meeting in which they advise the product planning team on how existing products can be improved and new ones introduced. They also work with the market research department to assess the product performance characteristics required by consumers and establish visual characteristics that will give the sales team an edge in the marketplace.
Next, the designers may create and sketch several different design ideas and present these options to the client. After the client has decided what ideas are to be pursued, the industrial designers go to work creating computer renderings with CAD programs and graphic design or photo imaging software; they also create 3-dimensional mock-ups to help clients visualize the final results. After the client decides on the final product design, the project moves to the engineering department for the manufacturing process.
Industrial Designer Education
A bachelor's degree in industrial design, architecture or engineering is essential for this career. In addition, an internship and work portfolio are beneficial for securing entry-level positions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), many industrial designers go on to earn a master's degree in business administration because the industry is increasingly emphasizing strategic design and products that suit the client's overall business plan. Industrial designers with knowledge of accounting, marketing, quality assurance, strategic planning and project management may be more attractive to employers.
Career Skills for Industrial Designers
Industrial design is a combination of art and engineering; drawing skills, creativity and technical knowledge are critical. Industrial designers must have a good sense of color, balance and proportion, as well as good verbal, visual and written communication skills.
Related to What Does an Industrial Designer Do
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Industrial Designer: Education Requirements and Career Info
Industrial designers create products that are both visually appealing and user-friendly by combining artistic and...
Top Industrial Design Degree: Top School for Becoming an Industrial Designer - Denver, CO
Metropolitan State College of Denver (Metro State) is a 4-year public college in the heart of Colorado's capital city....
Auto Designer: Career Information and Requirements
Auto designers draft automobile design ideas based on company directives and the needs of buyers. Creativity, as well...
Watercraft Designer: Job Duties and Requirements for a Watercraft Architecture and Design Career
Watercraft Designers have earned bachelor's or master's degrees in Industrial Design, Architecture or Engineering....
Salary and Career Info for a Boat Designer
- Product Designer: Job Duties, Outlook and Education Info
- Yacht Designer: Employment Information for Those Pursuing a Yacht Design Career
- Industrial Systems Careers: Options and Requirements
- Best School for Learning Computer Technology - Kansas City, MO
- Top Culinary Arts School - Miami, FL
- Top Ranked School for Healthcare Management - Chicago, IL
- Top Ranked Criminal Justice Degree Program - Indianapolis, IN
5 Popular Schools
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
-
School locations:
- California (3 campuses)
- Colorado (1 campus)
- Florida (2)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- Texas (2)
- Virginia (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Master
-
- Master in Graphic Design
- Master in Visual Arts
-
- Master in Design & Media Management
-
-
Bachelor
-
- Bachelor - Industrial Design
- Bachelor in Design Research
-
- BA in Graphic & Web Design
-
-
Associate
-
- Associates in Industrial Design
-
- AA in Graphic & Web Design
-
-
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Georgia (3 campuses)
- Indiana (1)
- New York (3)
- Pennsylvania (6)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
-
Associate
-
- Associate in Web Design
- Associate in Web Design Technology
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
-
Non-Degree
-
- Career Diploma in Artist: Comprehensive
-
Other Schools:
-
School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Advertising and Commercial Design
- General Visual Communications Design
- Graphic Design
- Illustration and Drawing
- Industrial Design
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
-
School locations:
- Ohio (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Advertising and Commercial Design
- Fashion Design
- Industrial Design
- Interior Design and Decorating
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
-
School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
-
- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Advertising and Commercial Design
- General Visual Communications Design
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Design and Applied Arts
-
School locations:
- Illinois (2 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at University of Illinois include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Design and Applied Arts
-
School locations:
- Louisiana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Louisiana include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Industrial Design
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
