Industrial Design
The Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) describes industrial design as “the professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer.” The main function of an industrial designer is to improve the appeal and usability of practically all manufactured products. From automobiles to toys, industrial designers design the style, function and safety of goods.
Famous examples of the industrial design combination of form and function include Raymond Loewy’s 1955 redesign of the contour Coke bottle and the Myron Goldfinger Millennium House.
The Study of Industrial Design
The study of industrial design teaches students to blend art and engineering in order to create designs that are innovative and unique. Industrial design programs offer courses in Sketching and computer-aided design (CAD) software, marketing, and applied arts. Aesthetics, ethics, business methods, and research are also emphasized by industrial design programs. Students are also taught to create models out of clay, wood, plastics and other materials.
Most students of industrial design specialize in a product category. Examples include transportation design, toy design, and furniture design.
Depending on the university, Industrial Design programs may be found in either the school of Science or Art.
Industrial Design Colleges
Industrial design degree programs can be found both on campus and online. Most programs are 4-year bachelor degrees, or masters degree programs, but some colleges offer industrial design associate’s degrees and certification programs. To be competitive, most industrial designers will need at least a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design.
Online Industrial Design Programs
The Arizona State College of Design offers a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and a Master of Science in Industrial Design. The Academy of Art University offers an Associate of Arts, a Bachelor of Fine Art, and a Master of Fine Arts in Industrial Studies.
Industrial Design Career
Industrial designers are employed by manufactures of automobiles, furniture, toys, appliances, medical equipment, and tools.