Industrial design is the process of designing physical products that are to be manufactured by mass production. It is a professional practice that involves designing products, devices, objects, and services used by millions of people around the world every day. Industrial designers typically focus on the physical appearance, functionality, and manufacturability of a product, though they are often involved in far more during a development cycle. The process of industrial design can be conducted by an individual or a team, and such a team could include people with varied expertise, such as designers, engineers, and business experts. The nature of the design process can vary, and it can emphasize intuitive creativity or calculated scientific decision-making, and often emphasizes a mix of both. Industrial design can be influenced by factors as varied as materials, production processes, and business strategy.
According to the World Design Organization, industrial design is a strategic problem-solving process that drives innovation, builds business success, and leads to a better quality of life through innovative products, systems, services, and experiences. Industrial design bridges the gap between what is and what’s possible, and it is a trans-disciplinary profession that harnesses creativity to resolve problems and co-create solutions with the intent of making a product, system, service, experience, or a business better. Industrial designers work in many different areas, including architecture, engineering, interior design, and manufacturing jobs. They develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys, and combine art, business, and engineering to create products that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and marketable.
