what is an industrial designer?
As an industrial designer, you are responsible for conceptualizing and designing manufactured products that enrich people's lives. Whether it's cars, electronics, home appliances or toys, your job is to blend engineering knowledge with artistic flair to create the best consumer products.
In this position, you imagine ways a consumer may use a product and find unique designs that create value for customers. Some industrial designers specialize in specific product categories, like medical equipment or consumer electronics, such as computers and smartphones. Others contribute their creative ideas to the realms of automobiles and furniture.
Industrial designers often work alongside engineers, product experts or marketing specialists to incorporate consumer requirements into product designs. For example, they collaborate with production specialists to ensure the designs are market-viable and feasible for production.
Since your role entails conducting research, contributing to prototype designs and helping with product packaging and other necessary instruction artwork, using computer-aided design software or 3D modeling software such as AutoCAD, Maya, or SolidWorks is essential.
Developing the ability to create conceptual sketches and illustrations that effectively communicate designs would provide you with a significant advantage. This role also requires strong problem-solving skills as you work towards creating innovative solutions.
Would working as an industrial designer suit your artistic abilities and creativity? Then, read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an industrial designer role.
view jobs near youaverage industrial designer salary
The industrial designer salary ranges from $43,680 to $125,780 per year, with a median salary of $75,910. This is a wage between $21 and $60.47 per hour. Additionally, the BLS projects a 2% growth rate for this profession between 2022 and 2032. They expect about 2,200 openings to be available every year. But this could be higher as new and innovative products continue to require industrial design services.
factors increasing industrial designer salary
As an industrial designer, your compensation package depends on your work experience and qualifications. The product you design and the industry sector also affect your compensation. If you design cars or automobiles, you are likely to take home a higher pay than an industrial designer who creates toys or housewares. Electronic products may also attract higher salaries due to their popularity and specialization requirements.
Also, consider obtaining relevant certifications such as the Certified Professional in Industrial Design (CPID) offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or the Certified Industrial Designer (CID) from the Industrial Designers Society of America. These certifications validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate and potentially increasing your salary.
Wondering what you can earn as an industrial designer? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of an industrial designer is.
types of quality engineers
Some of the types of industrial designers include:
- automotive designer: This discipline entails creating designs for products associated with transportation.
- tool designer: Your focus here is on designing the initial prototypes for modern machinery. Your job involves using industrial drawing concepts, engineering data and complex calculations to design tools used in industrial production.
- automobile designer: Industrial automobile designers combine technical skills and creativity to enhance vehicles' aerodynamic design and style.
- furniture designer: Industrial furniture designers work with manufacturers or design firms to create original and functional pieces of furniture.
- injection molding: As an industrial injection molding designer, you use software programs like AutoCAD or SolidWorks to create prototypes and final designs for the manufacturing process.
- packaging designer: This specialty requires you to combine your knowledge of marketing, materials and design principles to create attractive packaging for products.
working as an industrial designer
A career as an industrial designer usually focuses on creating a functional product with an attractive external appearance. The role requires hands-on participation in design and manufacturing to achieve the best outcomes. Read on for details on the tasks and work environments associated with the role.
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industrial designer job description
Your duties may differ based on the products you create. However, the standard tasks of industrial designers include:
- consulting with clients: As an industrial designer, you conduct consultation meetings with clients or managers to determine the design requirements. Sometimes, you work with the marketing team to determine the feasibility of a product and ways to build on its feasibility through design.
- sketching design ideas: You research the uses of the product and the potential consumers to come up with unique designs. Sketching helps you create prototypes for your client's approval before moving to the next phase of design.
- developing virtual models: From the initial design, your job is to improve viable design ideas by creating virtual models using computer software. You create physical prototypes of your designs from the virtual models that the production engineers can use to generate the products.
- presenting designs and prototypes to clients: Clients require presentations at various stages of the design process. You also work with industry specialists to ensure the design concept fulfills users' needs at an affordable cost.
- determining materials and manufacturing equipment: Your job doesn't end with creating prototypes. You formulate the manufacturing instructions and ensure the production team follows them. You also assist the manufacturing team in selecting the best materials for each part or component.
- evaluating products: After production, you evaluate the product design to ensure it is safe and aesthetically appealing to consumers. You also assess the functionality to ensure it is practical.
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industrial designer work environment
As an industrial designer, you are likely to work in an office or lab environment. Most workspaces for industrial designers have drafting tables and conference rooms for brainstorming ideas. Since you use computer-aided software for design, expect the office to have high-end equipment and tools. Although the role predominantly entails indoor work, you may also travel to testing facilities, client exhibit centers and manufacturing sites to gain valuable insights into product functionality. Additionally, industrial designers have the flexibility to work remotely, leveraging online brainstorming and CAD software to bring design ideas to life.
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who are your colleagues?
Your colleagues in the manufacturing and production industries include CAD designers, materials handlers, and ergonomists. You also work closely with marketing managers and logistics teams. Collaboration with other industrial designers is also common, providing opportunities to share ideas and improve on design concepts. As an industrial designer, you are part of a team that strives to bring innovative products to market and enhance user experience. The collaborative nature of the role fosters creativity and encourages continuous learning and improvement.
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work schedule
Most industrial designers work full-time schedules of 40 hours a week. However, you are likely to work overtime to catch up with deadlines or complete urgent designs. Sometimes, you adjust your work hours to meet client demands in the evenings or weekends. Some industrial designers also work part-time or on short-term contracts.
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job outlook for industrial designer
As an industrial designer, you join the role in a junior-level position. With experience in the industry, you progress to senior-level industrial designer positions. Supervisory roles allow you to improve your leadership skills and progress to managerial or consultancy roles. Alternatively, you could specialize in tools or industrial automobile design by developing your skills in those specialisms.
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benefits of working for randstad as an industrial designer
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a industrial designer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
industrial designer skills and education
Some of the routes to becoming an industrial designer include:
- university course: A bachelor's degree is necessary for entry-level positions in industrial design. The common fields include architecture, engineering or fine arts. The course should include core topics such as CAD software, sketching, model making and prototyping. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredits industrial design programs in universities.
- apprenticeship: Some companies offer apprenticeship opportunities for individuals interested in industrial design. The program includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
- internships: Internships provide practical experience and networking opportunities for aspiring industrial designers. Many companies also use the internship program as a recruitment channel for future employees.
- master's degree: If you want to advance your career, a master's degree in industrial design is an excellent choice. It provides advanced training and specialization opportunities in your area of interest. Some universities offer online programs, making it easier for individuals already working to pursue further education.
skills and competencies
While technical knowledge is essential in industrial design, having the following qualities also improves your job prospects:
- analytical skills: As an industrial designer, you rely on logical thinking and analytical skills to analyze consumer needs. These skills help you develop design concepts that address consumers' preferences.
- artistic ability: You require artistic skills to draw aesthetically appealing design concepts for clients. Your drawing skills help you create the best design drawings.
- computer skills: Since you rely on CAD and CAID software to draw the designs of various products, computing skills are essential. They help you create the best virtual models and prototypes for clients.
- creativity: As an industrial designer, you participate in brainstorming sessions to develop a product's initial design concepts. Creativity helps you create unique designs.
- interpersonal skills: Industrial designers collaborate with various teams, including engineers and marketing teams. Good interpersonal skills are necessary to work in a team and communicate design ideas effectively.
- problem-solving skills: Industrial designers encounter challenges during the design process that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills help you come up with innovative solutions to design issues.
FAQs about working as an industrial designer
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about industrial designers.
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who employs industrial designers?
Industrial designers work for a variety of companies, including manufacturing and production firms, design consultancies and technology companies. As long as a company needs to develop and produce products, there is a demand for industrial designers.
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what types of products do industrial designers create?
Industrial designers work on a range of products, including consumer goods, electronics, household appliances, furniture and medical equipment. The variety of industries they can work in allows for diverse design opportunities.
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how long does it take to get started as an industrial designer?
The time required to get started as an industrial designer varies depending on the individual's education, experience, and job opportunities available. Typically, earning a bachelor's degree in industrial design in four to six years is the norm, while apprenticeships or internships may take less time. However, getting into senior-level positions and advancing in your career typically takes several years of experience and a strong portfolio.
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is it possible to work remotely as an industrial designer?
Yes, it is possible to work remotely as an industrial designer. With advancements in technology and design software, many companies now offer remote or freelance positions for industrial designers. This allows for greater flexibility and the ability to work with clients from different locations. However, on-site work is still important, especially for collaboration and participation in meetings.
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what's the difference between industrial design and product design?
People often use industrial design and product design interchangeably, but there are some key differences. Industrial design usually focuses on the aesthetics and functionality of products, while product design may also include aspects such as market research, branding and user experience. Additionally, industrial designers typically work with a team to develop a product's overall look and feel, while product designers may have a more individual role in the design process. In summary, industrial design is a specialized subset of product design that focuses on the physical appearance and usability of products.
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how do I find a job as an industrial designer?
Applying for a industrial designer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our industrial designer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
