How to Start a Career in Industrial Design: A Comprehensive Guide

The mid-18th century industrial revolution in Great Britain gave birth to the industrial design we know today. Small-scale indigenous artisans handled construction-related design, technical know-how, and manufacturing before the advent of the industrial revolution and technology. They chose a product’s design at the time of development based on their physical ability, the requirements of their customers, and the mastery they had acquired through experimenting. They gained knowledge via training or an apprenticeship.

What is Industrial Design?

Industrial design is the process of applying design to material things that will be mass-produced. It is the creative act of determining and defining a product’s form and features prior to its construction or production.

How to Become an Industrial Designer

Have a Degree

You cannot do without school, right? It is pertinent to have a first degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering from a reputable institution is usually required for entry-level jobs. Some industrial designers possess a master’s degree in architecture or industrial design, while others have an MBA.

Other Programs

Okay, so life continues if you do not have a bachelor’s degree. You can take other online courses that are relevant to industrial design. Most programs include courses in.

• Three-dimensional modelling
• Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)
• Drawing

Choose a Career path in Industrial Design and Specialise

There are quite a few career options available. Below are examples of jobs under industrial design:

• Industrial Designers: they use their skills to create safe, user-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing products based on client demands.
• Industrial Design Researchers: they study user needs and develop design solutions for various products.
• Furniture Designer: create furniture based on customer needs.
• Automotive Designer: design vehicles using artistic and engineering knowledge.
• Interior Designer: beautify homes and offices by working closely with architects.
• CAD Designer: create blueprints and design plans for buildings and machinery.
• Package Designer: create functional and appealing packaging using design elements like shape, colour, graphics, and typography.

Get Skills

An industrial designer will perform multiple roles that require them to possess many skills. As a designer, you should have the following skills:

• Artistic Skills
• Creativity
• Mechanical Skill
• Problem-solving skill

Industrial designers must have strong artistic skills to express their designs through illustration, be creative in incorporating existing technologies into their new designs, possess mechanical capabilities to understand how products are made and have strong problem-solving skills to address size, material, cost, production issues, and solutions.

Certification

Generally, no certifications are needed for industrial design. The certificates from school, extra design courses, and necessary skills are more than enough.

Expected Salary Range

According to Glassdoor, these are the salaries for the present year:

• Industrial Designer – $70,499
• Interior Designer – $58,492
• CAD Designer – $52,437
•  Furniture Designer – $51,596
• Automotive Designer – $53,516
•  Industrial Design Researcher – $81,124
•  Package Designer – $51,030.
• How to Prepare for Online Design Exams

These three easy tips will guide you on how to get set for your exam: • Have a professional in your corner as a mentor • Rest well before the exam • Do away with distractions.

What to Expect When Building a Career in Industrial Design

Niki Schafer shared some useful insights on her Twitter Account:

As the start of your career, it’s important to keep in mind that continual education and learning are key to success. Reading design articles and magazines, watching videos, attending seminars, meeting new people, and visiting design blogs often can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the field.

It’s also important to think outside the box and be different. Don’t be too fixated on a design just because it’s popular. Creating unconventional designs and doing things uniquely can set you apart from the competition and make you a standout in the industry.

Conclusion

Industrial design is a fascinating field that offers a wide range of career opportunities. By obtaining the necessary education and skills, choosing a career path and specializing, and continually learning and being innovative, you can build a successful career in this exciting and ever-evolving field.