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Industrial designers create and produce designs
for commercial, medical and industrial products. They also make models and
prototypes of these designs for mass production. The products that
industrial
designers create cover a wide range of manufactured goods, from
toys and toasters to furniture and heavy machinery. Some work is carried out
on the development of new products. Other work is related to updating and
improving the design of existing products.
Industrial designers develop designs for a range of
practical products that are used in commercial, domestic and industrial
situations. They also create prototypes of these designs with a view towards
mass production. They assess the design needs of their client, research and
develop products, analyse the various costing, material, production and
technological options for their designs, as well as bearing in mind fashion
and marketing trends. They also supervise the construction of design models,
and may also undertake some administrative tasks when necessary.
ANZSCO ID & Description:
232312: Plans, designs, develops and documents
industrial, commercial or consumer products for manufacture with particular
emphasis on ergonomic (human) factors, marketing considerations and
manufacturability, and prepares designs and specifications of products for
mass or batch production.
Alternative names: Product Designer
Specialisations: 3D
Modeller, Ceramic Designer, Glass Designer, Textile Designer
Knowledge, skills and attributes
An industrial designer needs:
-
creativity and a love of design
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problem-solving skills
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a sound knowledge of maths and physics
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strong communication skills
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practical skills and technical ability
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the ability to interpret and analyse data.
Duties and Tasks
Industrial designers may perform the following tasks:
- discuss manufacturers' and clients'
requirements
- undertake research and development
- consider factors influencing product
design, such as cost, selection of materials, production methods, new
technology, safety, fashion trends, ergonomics, the environment,
marketing and business strategy
- prepare presentation sketches showing
style, size, shape, configuration of internal components and general
appearance of products, either by hand or using a computer
- supervise construction of models or
samples of products and test them for function, quality and consumer
appeal
- estimate production costs
- make engineering drawings and detailed
diagrams of products and report these to manufacturers
- modify designs where necessary to meet
manufacturing or cost requirements.
Working conditions
Industrial designers usually work in offices, design studios or workshops.
Their workspaces need to be spacious and well-lit. They work regular hours,
but may be required to
work long hours and experience periods of intense pressure
when deadlines must be met.
Industrial designers may travel locally, interstate or overseas to view new
design ideas or to attend conferences.
Industrial designers work closely with other professionals in the field,
such as engineers, manufacturers, market researchers, marketing consultants,
drafters and product testing staff.
They work in studios when creating and refining designs, using their hands
and/or computer-aided design. They may also spend time in the field
observing and researching product usage, and in manufacturing plants
observing methods of production and collecting information about new
materials and production processes.
Tools and technologies
Industrial designers spend a lot of time on computers, especially using
computer-aided design (CAD) software, and other two or three-dimensional
design programs. They use model-building equipment and materials, drawing
boards, desks and art supplies for sketching, and may also use other office
equipment such as telephones, faxes and photocopiers.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become an industrial designer you usually need to complete a
qualification in industrial design or a related field.
The Advanced Diploma of Industrial Design is offered at TAFE Colleges and
other registered training organisations throughout Australia.
You can also complete a degree majoring in industrial design, integrated
design or a related area.
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