What is Industrial Design?

Industrial design is the professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer.

Industrial designers develop these concepts and specifications through collection, analysis and synthesis of data guided by the special requirements of the client or manufacturer. They are trained to prepare clear and concise recommendations through drawings, models and verbal descriptions.

The industrial designer's unique contribution places emphasis on those aspects of the product or system that relate most directly to human characteristics, needs and interests. This contribution requires specialized understanding of visual, tactile, safety and convenience criteria, with concern for the user. Education and experience in anticipating psychological, physiological and sociological factors that influence and are perceived by the user are essential industrial design resources.

Who are some companies specializing in industrial design? Here are four examples:

- Ecco Design.

- Bally Design.

- Fiori.

- Herbst LaZar Bell, Inc.

If your community has a serious interest in building its creative sector, shouldn't you be developing businesses like these? Which companies in your community specialize in industrial design?