Industrial Design
Industrial design is the process of creating and developing concepts and specifications that enhance the function, appearance and value of products and systems to the benefit of both the user and the manufacturer of that product.
It is an applied art that permits the look and usability of products to be better for both production and marketability. Thus, it smoothes the path for taking the product or product line from factory to end-user.
What are industrial designers?
Industrial designers are people who create and execute design solutions that solve problems in engineering, production, marketing, brand development and sales. They develop their concepts and specifications by the collection, analysis and synthesis of information that is formulated by their client or the manufacturer. Specialists in industrial design are highly trained in how to prepare clear, concise recommendations by utilizing drawings, models and textual descriptions. They also maintain the most possible practical concern for technology-based processes; manufacturing requirements; marketing opportunities and economic limitations.
Industrial design teams are frequently key players within the manufacturing environment of larger companies. There are also small, dedicated groups of these designers who function for smaller forms on an outsource basis and individually as industrial design consultants on a freelance basis. Within the large companies, a team of people representing management, marketing, engineering and manufacturing specialists, frequently provides industrial design services. Here, the industrial designer provides concepts that include all the relevant design criteria determined by individual group members.
Industrial design targets human needs
Industrial designers make unique contributions to the aspects of products and systems that directly relate to the needs, characteristics and interests of human beings. This requires that the designer have an in-depth understanding of tactile, visual safety and convenience criteria along with a definite concern for the user. Doing this necessitates some education and/or training in predicting the physiological, psychological and sociological that influence users and that are perceived by the user as essential industrial design resources. They must also maintain an interest in and concern for technology as it applies to manufacturing and marketing, distribution, sales and servicing. This includes ensuring that design recommendations made use materials and technology effectively and that the overall process complies with legal and regulatory mandates.
Industrial design overlaps other fields
Industrial design and product design both can overlap into the fields of information design, interaction design and user interface design. The fact that the field is frequently referred to as industrial engineering reflects this overlap. Many schools of industrial and product design may offer specialties in one of these areas by offering education and training in art (product styling), engineering and design and exhibit or interior design.
Industrial designs are intellectual property
Industrial design rights are considered intellectual properties that make the visual design of products that are not totally utilitarian exclusive. An industrial design is the creation of a shape, configuration, composition, pattern or color in 3-D form that has an aesthetic value. It can be a 2 or 3-dimensional pattern used to manufacture a product, handicraft or industrial commodity. A designer can file for a single international treaty deposit with WIPO (under the Hague agreement) that will protect him and his design team in all member countries that signed the treaty.
