INDUSTRIAL OR PRODUCT DESIGNER


What is Industrial/Product designing?   Who is an Industrial/Product Designer?

Industrial/product design involves creating and improving products that are both functional and visually appealing. It's about designing things that people use and interact with in their daily lives, like gadgets, furniture, or appliances.

An industrial/product designer is a person who specializes in this field. They use their creativity and problem-solving skills to come up with ideas for new products or make existing ones better. They work with a team of professionals, including engineers and manufacturers, to bring their designs to life. Their goal is to create products that are user-friendly, look good, and can be efficiently produced.


Role and Duties of Industrial/Product Designers
  1. Coming up with Ideas: Industrial/product designers generate creative concepts and ideas for new products or improvements to existing ones based on user needs and market trends.
  2. Visualizing Designs: They create sketches and digital renderings to visualize and communicate their design ideas to others.
  3. Creating 3D Models and Prototypes: Designers use computer software to develop detailed 3D models of the product. They also build prototypes to test the design's functionality and appearance.
  4. Collaboration and Communication: Industrial/product designers work closely with engineers, manufacturers, and marketers to ensure that the design is feasible and aligns with technical requirements and market demands. They need good communication skills to explain their design choices to others.
  5. Material Selection and Manufacturing: Designers choose suitable materials and manufacturing processes that meet design requirements, cost considerations, and sustainability goals.
  6. User Experience and Ergonomics: They focus on making products user-friendly and comfortable to use by considering factors like ergonomics, intuitive interfaces, and controls.
  7. Documentation: Industrial/product designers create detailed specifications, technical drawings, and instructions for manufacturers to ensure consistent production and assembly.
  8. Market Research: They stay updated on market trends and consumer preferences to design products that meet current demands.

In summary, industrial/product designers generate ideas, visualize designs, create prototypes, collaborate with others, choose materials and manufacturing processes, consider user experience, document designs, and conduct market research.


How to become an Industrial/Product Designer?

Step 1:  Choose the Science Stream: After Class 10th, opt for the Science stream in Class 11th and 12thby taking the subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, which are relevant to industrial/product design.

Step 2:  Pursue Higher Education: After completing Class 12th, you can enroll in a Bachelor's degree program in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field. Look for reputable design institutes or universities in India that offer such programs.

Some design institutes require you to appear for entrance exams. Examples include the National Institute of Design (NID) entrance exam, Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED), or the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) conducted by various design institutes. Prepare for these exams to increase your chances of admission.

Complete your Bachelor's degree program, which typically lasts for four years. During this period, you will learn various aspects of industrial/product design, including design principles, sketching, 3D modeling, materials, manufacturing processes, and user-centered design.

Sep 3:  Master's Degree (optional): Consider pursuing a Master's degree in Industrial Design or a related specialization to further enhance your knowledge and expertise. This step is optional and can be beneficial for career advancement in certain cases.


Types of Job Roles
  • Industrial/Product Designer: Creates innovative and visually appealing designs for industrial products.
  • UX/UI Designer: Focuses on designing intuitive and user-friendly digital interfaces.
  • Design Engineer: Transforms design concepts into technically feasible and manufacturable products.
  • CAD Designer/Drafter: Creates detailed technical drawings and 3D models using CAD software.
  • Design Researcher: Conducts user research, market analysis, and trend forecasting to inform the design process.
  • Design Manager/Team Lead: Oversees and coordinates design projects and manages design teams.
  • Design Strategist: Develops design strategies aligned with business goals and identifies design opportunities.
  • Packaging Designer: Creates visually appealing and functional packaging designs for products.
  • Furniture Designer: Designs innovative and functional furniture pieces.
  • Automotive Designer: Designs the appearance and functionality of vehicles.

Employment Sector or Industry

The employment sector or industry for industrial/product designers can vary widely. Here are some common sectors where industrial/product designers find employment:

Consumer Goods and Electronics Industry
Automotive Industry
Manufacturing and Industrial Equipment Industry
Furniture and Interior Design Industry
Medical Devices and Healthcare Industry
Packaging and Branding Industry
Technology and Electronics Industry
Sustainable Design and Green Technology Industry
Design Consultancies and Agencies
Entrepreneurship and Freelancing

These sectors represent a broad range of industries where industrial/product designers can work. The specific industry may depend on the designer's specialization, interests, and market demand in a particular region.