Industrial Design is a fairly exciting field for creative people, but creativity alone won’t work.
Industrial design is a broad field that encompasses a wide range of products and sectors. Industrial designers are professionals who create designs for a wide range of products, including consumer products, medical devices, and transportation systems. Some of the key areas of focus within industrial design include:
- Consumer products: Industrial designers create designs for a wide range of consumer products, including appliances, furniture, home goods, and electronics.
- Medical devices: Industrial designers work on the design and development of medical devices, such as prosthetics, diagnostic equipment, and surgical instruments.
- Transportation systems: Industrial designers create designs for transportation systems, including automobiles, aircraft, and boats.
- Packaging design: Industrial designers create packaging designs that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and protective of the product inside.
- Service design: Industrial designers may also work on the design of service experiences, such as designing the layout and flow of a restaurant or creating a customer service experience for an online retailer.
- Sustainability: Many industrial designers focus on designing products and systems that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
These are just a few examples of the many scopes within industrial design. Industrial designers may also work in other areas, such as environmental design, exhibit design, and product development.
Industrial designers are professionals who create designs for a wide range of products, including consumer products, medical devices, and transportation systems. If you are interested in becoming an industrial designer, here are some steps you can follow:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: Most employers prefer to hire industrial designers who have a bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field, such as engineering or product design. These programs typically include coursework in design theory, drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), prototyping, and materials science.
- Gain experience: Many employers also value practical experience, so it can be helpful to complete internships or co-op programs while in school or after graduation. These programs can provide valuable hands-on experience and help you build a portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers.
- Obtain professional certification: Some industrial designers choose to become certified by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). To be eligible for certification, you must have a bachelor’s degree in industrial design and pass a written and portfolio review exam.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies: Industrial design is a rapidly evolving field, so it’s important to stay current with the latest trends and technologies. This may involve continuing education, attending conferences and workshops, and staying informed about new materials, software, and design approaches.
- Network and build relationships: Building relationships with other professionals in the industry can be beneficial in finding job opportunities and staying informed about industry trends. You can do this by joining professional organizations, attending industry events, and networking with other designers and professionals.
The average salary for an industrial designer can vary depending on a number of factors, including the designer’s level of education, experience, and location, as well as the industry and type of employer. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for industrial designers was $68,890 in May 2020. The BLS also reports that the lowest 10% of industrial designers earned less than $44,150 per year, while the highest 10% earned more than $106,110 per year.
It’s worth noting that these figures are just estimates and should be used as a general guide. Actual salaries may vary widely depending on the specific factors mentioned above and other factors such as the designer’s skills and abilities, the demand for their services, and the overall state of the economy. It’s a good idea to research salary data for industrial designers in your specific location and industry to get a more accurate estimate of what you can expect to earn.
