How to Become a Industrial Designer

About Industrial Designer

The exterior appearance, functionality, and manufacturability of a product are the focus of an Industrial Designer's career, but they are also involved in many other activities during the manufacturing process. Industrial Design (ID) is the technical practice of creating goods, machines, artifacts, and services that millions of people use on a daily basis around the world. All of this ultimately refers to the overall enduring value and interaction and the end-user product or service. Industrial Design (ID) creates every item you use on a daily basis in your home, workplace, school, or public setting. Industrial designers make numerous decisions throughout the design process with the goal of improving your life with well-crafted designs. If you want to be a part of industrial design and are unsure whether to pursue your dream of becoming an industrial designer, then students can pursue a Bachelor of Design and a BTech in Industrial Engineering.

An industrial designer creates concepts for manufactured goods such as automobiles, home appliances, electronics, and toys. They create products that people use every day by combining art, business, and engineering. Industrial designers imagine how customers might use a product and test different designs on them to see how each one looks and works. They usually concentrate on a single product category. Some work on medical equipment, while others work on consumer electronics such as computers or smartphones. Others create concepts for new bicycles, furniture, housewares, or automobiles.

Industrial designers frequently collaborate with engineers, production experts, and marketing specialists to determine their designs’ feasibility and apply their colleagues' professional expertise to their designs. For example, industrial designers may collaborate with marketing experts to develop strategies for marketing new product designs to consumers.

Industrial designers rely heavily on computers. They sketch ideas using computer-aided design software (CAD) because computers make it simple to make changes and show alternatives. If they work for a manufacturer, they may also use computer-aided industrial design software (CAID) to create machine-readable instructions that tell other machines how to construct the product. In addition, an Industrial designer’s average salary in India is INR 10 LPA.

Typically, an industrial designer will do the following:

• Investigate who will use the product and how it might be used.
• Make sketches or blueprints of your ideas.
• Create virtual models of various designs using computer software.
• To determine manufacturing requirements, and examine materials and production costs.
• Collaborate with other specialists to determine whether their design concepts will meet the need at an affordable price.
• To determine if a design is practical, evaluate product safety, appearance, and function. Present designs and prototypes to clients for approval.

Responsibilities of an Industrial Designer

Industrial Designer's responsibilities are listed below. Go through the pointers to gain a better understanding of the job profile.

• Consult with clients to determine design requirements.
• Investigate the various applications of a particular product and who will use it.
• Renderings are images on paper or on a computer that provide a visual representation of design ideas.
• Create virtual models of various designs using computer software.
• Make physical models of their designs.
• To determine production costs, and examine materials and manufacturing requirements.
• Collaborate with other specialists, such as mechanical engineers and manufacturers, to determine whether their design concepts will meet needs at an affordable price.
• To determine if a design is practical, evaluate product safety, appearance, and function. Present designs and prototypes to clients for approval.

Eligibility to become Industrial Designer

Industrial designers are in charge of testing the user interface's behaviour and performance. Some of the steps to becoming an Industrial Designer, as well as the skills required, are listed below:

• Students must have a minimum of 50% in their boards, or 10 + 2 in physics, chemistry, mathematics, or computer science, from any recognised board in India. The selection process for this course is based on the applicant's board results, which must be at least 50%.
• Many institutes and universities hold admissions examinations. Admissions are granted primarily on the basis of the applicants' performance on the entrance exam. Furthermore, many institutions grant admission based on a 10 + 2 pass mark. The eligibility requirements differ from university to university in terms of grades and the enrollment process.

Types of Industrial Designer

A career as an Industrial Designer opens up a variety of other sub-disciplines. You can work as a transportation designer, a tool designer, or an automobile designer. To be eligible for these industrial design course jobs, you must have a bachelor's degree in industrial design.

Transportation Designers: They are specialised industrial and commercial designers who create designs for vehicles and transportation-related products. Some of these people are more skilled, especially when working with a specific company or firm and focusing on specific niche areas. This could include designing an automotive concept, public transportation, and aircraft interiors. Such professionals should have a strong design background as well as in-depth knowledge of the software and computer-aided design programmes used to design systems.

Tool Designer: Tool designers are responsible for creating the first prototypes of modern machinery used in industrial production. To create complex devices, they use computer programmes, concept drawings, engineering data, and complex calculations. Major manufacturing firms and specialist machinery shops hire tool manufacturers on a full-time or contract basis to design fixtures, dies, and other factory equipment materials. They should have design programme experience as well as exceptional problem-solving abilities. To prepare models and technical drawings, tool designers create preliminary sketches and use standard drafting equipment and materials. They modify tool designs to increase tool life or performance.

Automobile Designers: Also known as automotive stylists, are professional industrial designers who combine technical knowledge with creative abilities to improve the style, design, and aerodynamic design of vehicles. Automobile design is a highly creative discipline. A true 'gearhead' who enjoys vehicles that move down the road on four wheels will almost certainly become an automotive designer. Automobile designers are educated in the design of vehicles and automobile parts, as well as drawings and overall structure. This profession also necessitates a high level of technical proficiency and attention to detail.

How to become an Industrial Designer?

Industrial designers are in high demand in India, where both the public and private sectors are expanding. Individuals must take the necessary steps in order to achieve their goal of becoming industrial designers. The steps that must be taken are as follows:

• Complete 10+2 Education

Students must have completed the 10+2 level of school education in physics, chemistry, math, and computer science from a recognised board with a grade point average of 50% or higher.

• Examining for Admission

Many institutes and universities conduct admissions tests. Admissions are primarily granted based on applicants' performance on the entrance exam. Furthermore, many institutions admit students with a 10 + 2 pass mark. In terms of grades and the enrollment process, the eligibility requirements differ from university to university.

• Qualifying Entrance Examination

Popular Undergraduate Entrance Examinations for Industrial Designer career are mentioned below:

• Admission to Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design

Candidates who have completed their 10+2 can enroll in bachelor’s degree programmes. Some colleges and universities hold entrance exams for bachelor's degree programmes and accept students based on their 10 + 2 percentage. BTech and BDes degrees are preferred for Industrial Engineer careers.

Popular Industrial Designer Courses in Bachelor’s program:

• Opportunities After Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design

After completing a bachelor's degree programme, graduates are given several opportunities to advance their careers. We have listed the following important options for selecting the best course with the fewest challenges.

Option 1: A master's degree can help you develop a variety of approaches that you can apply to a variety of job opportunities. After completing a bachelor's degree, students can easily pursue a postgraduate programme in a related field.

Option 2: After completing a bachelor's degree programme, students can begin working in an entry-level position. They may apply for a postgraduate programme after gaining several years of professional experience. In some countries, a master's degree is required for employment, particularly in research positions. Many of the companies have leadership positions available for postgraduate students. MTech and MDes degrees are preferred.

Popular Postgraduate Industrial Designer Courses

Skills Required to Become an Industrial Designer

A career as an Industrial Designer necessitates technical as well as creative abilities. To function well and advance in one's career, many skill sets are required. The following are the major skills needed to advance in a career in Industrial design.

• Analytical abilities: Industrial designers study consumers and identify the need for new products using logic or reasoning skills.
• Artistic talent: Industrial designers sketch initial design concepts, which are later used to create prototypes. As a result, designers must be able to express themselves visually.
• Computer abilities: Industrial designers create prototypes and designs using computer-aided design software.
• Creativity: Industrial designers must be creative in their designs and in how they incorporate existing technologies into their new products.
• Interpersonal abilities: Industrial designers must establish collaborative working relationships with clients and colleagues who specialise in related fields.
• Mechanical abilities: Industrial designers must understand product engineering, at least for the products they design.
• Problem-solving abilities: Industrial designers determine a product's need, size, and cost; anticipate production problems; develop alternatives; evaluate options, and implement solutions.

Types of Job Roles Industrial Designer

Aspirants must begin their careers with a junior-level entry-level position. Individuals advance to senior level Industrial Designer positions as they gain industry experience.

Aspirants must begin their careers with a junior-level entry-level position. Individuals advance to senior-level Industrial Designer positions as they gain industry experience.

• Industrial Designer, Junior: A Junior Industrial Designer is in charge of designing products as well as developing concepts for them. These items are produced in factories. Home appliances, furniture, automobiles, electronics, and toys are all included. A Junior Industrial Designer designs products for manufacturers by combining artistic, business, and engineering skills.
• Senior Industrial Designer: A Senior Industrial Designer is a professional who is in charge of product specifications and performance. He or she makes changes to product designs as directed by product managers or clients. Meetings with product managers, marketing staff, and other professionals are required of a Senior Industrial Engineer.

Other careers related to the Industrial Designer are listed below:

• Architects plan and design structures such as houses, factories, and office buildings.
• Artistic Directors: The visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and film and television productions are the responsibility of art directors. They create a project's overall design and direct others who create artwork and layouts.
• Publishers of desktop software: Desktop publishers use computer software to create page layouts for newspapers, books, brochures, and other printed or online publications.
• Drafters: Drafters use software to convert engineering and architectural designs into technical drawings. The majority of workers specialise in architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical drafting and use technical drawings to assist in the design of everything from microchips to skyscrapers.
• Designers of Fashion: Original clothing, accessories, and footwear are created by fashion designers. They sketch designs, choose fabrics and patterns, and provide instructions for making the products they create.
• Designers of Graphics: Graphic designers use computer software or by hand to create visual concepts that inspire, inform, and captivate customers. They create the overall layout and production design for a wide range of applications, including advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.
• Engineers of Industry: Industrial engineers look for ways to reduce waste in manufacturing processes. They create efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to produce a product or provide a service.
• Designers of Interiors: Interior designers create functional, safe, and beautiful interior spaces by determining space requirements and selecting decorative elements such as colours, lighting, and materials. They must be able to read blueprints and be familiar with building codes, inspection regulations, and universal accessibility standards.
• Software Developers: The creative minds behind computer programmes are known as software developers. Some create applications that enable people to perform specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others create the underlying systems that power devices or control networks.

Employment Sector/Industry for Industrial Designer

There are numerous job opportunities for Industrial Designers in various industries. The following are some of the most important sectors/industries that require an Industrial Designer:

• Corporate Business
• Multimedia Companies
• Publishing House
• Marketing Firms
• Government Sectors
• MNCs
• Colleges/Universities
• NGO’s
• Manufacturing
• Wholesale trade
• Specialized design services
• Architectural, engineering, and related services
• Self-employed workers

Top Recruiters in an Industrial Designer

The top recruiters in India for an Industrial Designer are listed below:

• Clay Tech
• Veeco Instruments Inc.
• Apple Inc.
• Mercedes-Benz
• Hidesign
• AniWebDesigns LLC
• Intellect Design Arena Limited
• Design Cafe

Pay Scale/Salary of Industrial Designer

In India, top jobs as an Industrial Designer are highly varied, depending upon the academic achievements and experience earned the salary varies.

*The salary would differ from person to person and from company to company.

Books & Study Material to Become Industrial Designer

• The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
• The Laws of Simplicity (Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life) by John Maeda
• Fab: The Coming Revolution on Your Desktop–from Personal Computers to Personal Fabrication by Neil Gershenfeld
• Designing Design – Kenya Hara
• Universal Principles of Design by William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler
   

Pros of becoming a Industrial Designer

• Begin a new career as soon as possible.
• Learn to collaborate with others.
• Build a strong professional technology network.
   

Cons of becoming a Industrial Designer

• Motivation and perseverance are required.
• Rapid-fire learning technique.
• Keeping up with the latest web technologies.