Meaning of industrial design (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Industrial Design:

Industrial design is understood as the projection of everyday objects for serial or industrial manufacturing, which takes into account both the function and the aesthetics of the object. It is, therefore, a creative and utilitarian discipline, which requires the consideration of multiple factors.

Normally, industrial design must take into account the function and use that the final recipient will give to the product, from which it projects its shape.

Other variables to consider in industrial design are related to materials, durability, cost of production, and even the sociocultural performance and impact of the product in a given social context.

Its scope is really wide. It covers simulation of prototypes, design of automobiles, machinery, household goods, furniture, everyday utilities, packaging, etc.

Example of automotive industrial design.

Industrial design as a profession

Although the design of utilitarian objects is as old as the earliest evidence of human tools in history, the profession of the industrial designer is relatively recent. It is a consequence of the Industrial Revolution, which established a distance between the conceptualization of the idea and the construction of the object.

Initially, the assumed point of view was absolutely functional. In the 19th century, movements such as arts & craft and art nouveau highlighted the need to return to aesthetic elements and try, in some way, to link industry and art.

But it will not be until the appearance of the Bauhaus in the first decades of the 20th century that the profession of industrial design is really consolidated, differentiated from other areas of design, such as architectural design and graphic design.

See also:

• Design.Patent.Mockup.