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Subject guide

Industrial Design

Think of everyday objects around you, from your cellphone to the chair you're sitting on. Industrial design is the field of study that marries function, aesthetics, and ergonomics to create these products that shape our daily life. In the context of higher education, pursuing a degree in industrial design equips you with a deep understanding of the product design process, consumer psychology, and sustainable practices. As a student of industrial design, you learn to solve complex problems, create innovative solutions, and importantly, design products that make people’s lives easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Whether your aspirations lie in designing next-generation gadgets or crafting sustainable furniture solutions, studying industrial design can propel you toward your career goals.

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Industrial Design study and career guide

Industrial Design

If you're passionate about harnessing both your creative and practical skills, you might find the pursuit of industrial design in higher education incredibly satisfying. This fascinating field integrates art, business, and engineering principles to innovate and enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and ergonomics of everyday products. This can range from ordinary household items to complex machinery. As an industrial design student, you will cultivate an understanding of user-centric design, materials science, sustainable practices, and the impact of technological advancements on product design. It's a dynamic discipline that constantly evolves with societal needs and technological progression and can lead to fulfilling career paths that allow you to shape the world around you.

Explore this subject within Art & Design, Science & Engineering.

Industrial Design Program goals

You're considering studying a program in Industrial Design, a valuable and intellectually rewarding path, which can lead to new career opportunities and achievements. The goal of studying this is not only to enhance your knowledge of design principles, materials, manufacturing processes, sustainability, and more, but also to equip you with practical skills necessary to contribute effectively in various industrial design roles. Knowledge gained from this program can empower you to create products that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally viable, meeting the demands of modern consumers and industries.

  • Develop a deep understanding of design principles and methodologies
  • Acquire skills in creating, evaluating, and refining designs of functional goods or systems
  • Learn about diverse materials and manufacturing processes to make informed design decisions
  • Gain knowledge on ethical and sustainability issues related to product design and manufacturing
  • Enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities to address real-world design challenges
  • Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to contribute effectively in an industrial design role
Industrial Design Program goals illustration

What are the Student Learning Outcomes

If you're considering studying in the field of Industrial Design, then you've set your sights on an exciting and dynamic career path. In this interdisciplinary program, you'll gain knowledge of design, technology, and the social sciences to design products that benefit society. You'll develop a blend of creative and practical skills, enabling you to transform your creative ideas into tangible, market-ready products. Here are some key learning outcomes you can expect from an Industrial Design study program:

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of design principles and techniques.
  • Learn to use advanced design software and tools.
  • Understand and apply the process of product development from concept to completion.
  • Gain knowledge of materials, manufacturability, and sustainability in design.
  • Foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Get an understanding of how to collaborate effectively in a team and work on multidisciplinary projects.
What are the Student Learning Outcomes illustration
Photo by This is Engeneering on Unsplash

What experience do I need to be able to apply for Industrial Design

Starting a higher education program in Industrial Design requires a combination of specific experiences and skills. These prerequisites serve to ensure you have a basic understanding of the field and the aptitudes necessary to excel in this innovative, creative, and technical arena. Endeavoring to pursue this path usually demands a prior exposure to design principles, 3D modeling, technical drawing, and problem-solving skills. Mastering the use of industry-relevant software is an added advantage. A strong design portfolio showcasing your skills, uniqueness, and creativity is often a critical deciding factor for admission into top-tier institutions. You'll also need developed critical thinking abilities to devise practical solutions to complex design problems.

  • Exposure to design principles and aesthetics
  • Understanding of 3D modeling and technical drawing
  • Proficiency with industry-specific software
  • A strong portfolio showcasing your design skills and creativity
  • Exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Remember, Industrial Design is a competitive and demanding field. The above experiences help lay a solid foundation to successfully navigate the depth and breadth of its curriculum and ultimately synthesize the acquired theoretical knowledge into practical applications. So, whether you're driven by curiosity or fascinated by the prospect of creating and enhancing everyday products, these experiences will set you on the path to becoming an accomplished industrial designer.

What experience do I need to be able to apply for Industrial Design illustration

Industrial Design careers

As a post-graduate in Industrial Design, you have a broad scope of promising careers to pursue. This dynamic field leverages creativity, practicality, and science to create products that are aesthetic, functional, and enhance the user experience. You're not limited to traditional roles; plenty of opportunities are available in diverse sectors. You might work directly in product design, developing the next generation of electronics, furniture, or toys. Alternatively, you could select a career in research, diving deep into user habits to inform design choices. If you enjoy teaching, consider leveraging your knowledge as an instructor in the field of Industrial Design. Another exciting option is to work in sustainable design - crafting products that are both beautiful and eco-friendly. Every industry needs design expertise, positioning you in a strategic role that can considerably impact society.

  • Product Designer
  • Industrial Design Researcher
  • Industrial Design Instructor
  • Sustainable Product Designer
  • Automotive Designer
  • Packaging Designer

As a postgraduate in Industrial Design, the earning potential you can expect is reasonably competitive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for industrial designers was $79,450 in May 2024. Earnings can vary depending on the industry and location. This information shows that a career in Industrial Design has the potential to be rewarding both creatively and financially, allowing you to continue growing while contributing to an exciting field.

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Embarking on a career in Industrial Design after post-graduate studies can open up a diverse range of opportunities for you. As an industrial designer, you could work to develop innovative and efficient product designs, making sure they are both aesthetically appealing and functional. This could lead you to roles such as a product designer, where you could be designing everything from household appliances to cars. Alternatively, you might find your passion in furniture design, using your skills and knowledge to create comfortable, stylish, and practical pieces for homes and businesses. If you have a strong sense of spatial awareness and enjoy solving complex problems, you might thrive in a role as an exhibit designer for museums or trade shows. Other potential jobs could be in urban planning, or as an independent consultant, leveraging your expertise in design and manufacturing processes. Whatever direction you choose, your post-graduate study in industrial design can be a valuable foundation for a rewarding and creative career.

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