How to Become an Industrial Designer
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an Industrial Designer
What does an Industrial Designer do?
AN Industrial Designer designs and develops industrial product concepts and specifications that reflect aesthetic, functional, and manufacturing requirements. Researches and analyzes the intended use of products and user preferences. Being an Industrial Designer translates user insights and market requirements into sketches, prototypes, and CAD models to visually communicate the design concept. Collaborates with stakeholders like engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and suppliers to produce final designs that meet safety, manufacturability, timeline, and cost constraints. Additionally, Industrial Designer experienced using a variety of 3D/2D CAD rendering, prototyping, and animation tools. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in industrial or product design. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Industrial Designer occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be an Industrial Designer typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
Industrial designer Konstantin Grcic in his Munich studio.
A handful of classics as well as his own chairs—–like the Myto (foreground) and the Chair One (on the table at right)—–upstage the suddenly bashful designer.
A Munich native, Grcic grew up in Wuppertal, an industrial center in western Germany.
For some, the term “industrial designer” conjures the image of a hard-hatted engineer who plans assembly-line operations.
Industrial design students take art and engineering classes, leaving college with a solid foundation in both disciplines.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become an Industrial Designer
Best tips for those who want to become an Industrial Designer
Here are some tips to become an Industrial Designer.
There’s more to design than just the finished product.
Constraints – Don’t be afraid to mention the design limits you were given.
Customize your portfolio for the job you want.
PRESENT PROJECTS, NOT MISCELLANEOUS SNIPPETS.
TAILOR YOUR WORK TO THE BUSINESS.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Industrial Designer
Best colleges and universities for Industrial Designer
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be an Industrial Designer
Is being an Industrial Designer Worth it?
This week Vegvisir Lifestyle sat down with Industrial Designer Andrea Herrera of Atlanta, Georgia.
Harrison, a dyslexic kid from the segregated South who went on to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Illinois Institute of Technology, quickly earned himself the reputation of a prolific designer and innovator—but although many Americans have used his products, many don’t know his name.
On a more serious note, the 47-year-old says that it's not easy to constantly be able to work as an industrial designer in Singapore, particularly in furniture design.
Mr Yong, who has a diploma in industrial design from Temasek Polytechnic and a masters in design from the University of New South Wales, didn't begin his career as a designer, but as a buyer and doing product development for various companies in Singapore.
The ideal candidate should have a solid history of creating persuasive and impactful design solutions that comes from at least 3 to 5 years of experience in Industrial Design.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being an Industrial Designer
What skills do you need to be an Industrial Designer?
This is not a management position, but still requires important skills in order to fully execute the role. A keen understanding of the following is necessary for the role: 3D CAD, 3D Modeling, Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD), Design Engineering, Functional Design, Prototyping, Reading Blueprints/Diagrams, Product Specifications. Some of the more basic skills utilized in this role include: CAD Software. These skills are certainly important to the role, but keep in mind, fit into a company culture and environment is often just as important.
Designers may work long hours and experience periods of intense pressure when deadlines must be met.
Most designers should expect to spend several years after graduation engaged in industry gaining experience as staff designers before attempting to enter the highly demanding field of design consulting.
Most manufacturers prefer industrial designers to have had some previous commercial experience.
Research course content very carefully as industrial design courses vary greatly in their emphasis.
Industrial designers often work with engineers, production experts, and marketing specialists to find out if their designs are feasible and to apply their colleagues’ professional expertise to their designs.
Step 6: View average salary for Industrial Designer
How much does an Industrial Designer make?
The average salary range for an Industrial Designer is from $74,224 to $90,494. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Industrial Designer jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Industrial Designer jobs, and apply.
Looking for Industrial Designer jobs?
Here are some Industrial Designer jobs in the United States.