How Does Product Design Differ from Industrial Design?
Product design and industrial design are two closely related fields, but there are some key differences between the two.
Product design is the process of creating products that meet the needs of users and solve their problems. It involves understanding the users, their needs, and the market in order to create products that are both useful and desirable. Product designers consider all aspects of the product, from its function and features to its appearance and user experience.
Industrial design is the process of designing products that are mass-produced. It involves designing products that are efficient to manufacture and assemble, and that can be produced at a cost that is competitive in the market. Industrial designers also consider the aesthetics and user experience of products, but their focus is primarily on manufacturability and cost.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between product design and industrial design:
| Characteristic | Product Design | Industrial Design |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | User needs and experience | Manufacturability and cost |
| Scope | May include digital products and services | Typically focuses on physical products |
| Examples | Smartphones, software applications, websites | Cars, appliances, furniture |
Product design vs. industrial design in practice
Let’s take a look at an example of how product design and industrial design might differ in practice.
Imagine that you are designing a new smartphone. As a product designer, your focus would be on understanding the needs of users and designing a phone that meets those needs. You would consider factors such as the phone’s features, usability, and appearance.
As an industrial designer, your focus would be on designing a phone that is efficient to manufacture and assemble. You would consider factors such as the phone’s materials, construction, and components. You would also need to consider the cost of manufacturing the phone.
It is important to note that product design and industrial design are often complementary disciplines. Product designers and industrial designers often work together to create products that are both user-friendly and manufacturable.
Which field is right for you?
If you are interested in a career in product design or industrial design, it is important to consider your interests and skills.
If you are passionate about understanding user needs and designing products that solve problems, then product design may be the right field for you.
If you are interested in designing products that are mass-produced, and you have a strong understanding of engineering and manufacturing, then industrial design may be the right field for you.
Conclusion
Product design and industrial design are two important disciplines that play a role in the development of many products that we use every day. Product designers focus on creating products that meet the needs of users and solve their problems. Industrial designers focus on designing products that are mass-produced.
If you are interested in a career in product design or industrial design, it is important to consider your interests and skills. Product design may be the right field for you if you are passionate about understanding user needs and designing products that solve problems. Industrial design may be the right field for you if you are interested in designing products that are mass-produced and you have a strong understanding of engineering and manufacturing.
