Commercial and Industrial Designers
Commercial and industrial designers design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. They combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
The person responsible for Industrial design works in various industries, combining art, business, and engineering to develop the concepts for manufactured products. They manufacture daily use products considering their function, aesthetics, production costs, and usability, and develop new product concepts.
A bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering is required for entry-level commercial design jobs.
They are also required to take courses in drawing, computer-aided design and drafting, three-dimensional modelling, and courses in business, industrial materials and processes, and manufacturing methods. They should have an electronic portfolio with examples of their design projects. Important skills required are analytical skills, artistic ability, computer skills, creativity, interpersonal skills, mechanical skills, and problem-solving skills.
An experienced industrial design course is needed to become a chief designer, design department head, or other supervisory position. Some designers become teachers in design schools or colleges and universities or open their design firms.
Commercial design salaries are commensurate with the job and high salaries can be expected in large firms, at senior managerial posts.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.Des Industrial Design
- B.Arch Bachelor of Architecture
- Diploma Industrial Design
Tasks
- Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment.
- Direct and coordinate the fabrication of models or samples and the drafting of working drawings and specification sheets from sketches.
- Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends.
- Coordinate the look and function of product lines.
- Confer with engineering, marketing, production, or sales departments, or with customers, to establish and evaluate design concepts for manufactured products.
- Present designs and reports to customers or design committees for approval and discuss need for modification.
- Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, serviceability, budget, production costs/methods, and market characteristics.
- Read publications, attend showings, and study competing products and design styles and motifs to obtain perspective and generate design concepts.
- Research production specifications, costs, production materials, and manufacturing methods and provide cost estimates and itemized production requirements.
- Design graphic material for use as ornamentation, illustration, or advertising on manufactured materials and packaging or containers.
Progression Routes
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