What is Industrial Design?
Industrial Design is the process of combining form and function to create a product that meets the consumer’s needs. It is an interdisciplinary field that blends art, engineering, and business acumen to develop products that look good and perform well. When designing a product, industrial designers must consider various factors, such as usability, ergonomics, and cost. They must also ensure the product can be manufactured efficiently and within budget. Industrial designers are often required to create prototypes and test the product to ensure it meets the desired specifications. In this article, we are exploring the industrial design course, including subjects, syllabus, career prospects, and upcoming trends in the field.
Industrial Design: Course Curriculum, Subjects & Syllabus
Industrial Design combines engineering, art, and technology to create practical solutions to everyday problems. It is used to create products that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. If you want to enter this field, there are several things you should know about Industrial Design course details, its curriculum, subjects, syllabus, and the top recruiters.
Industrial Design Curriculum
The curriculum for an Industrial Design course usually includes design fundamentals, sketching and drawing, ergonomics, materials, manufacturing processes, product testing, and CAD. Students learn about the history and applications of industrial Design, the principles of Design, and the creative process. They also gain knowledge in problem-solving, design research, problem-solving, and design thinking.
Industrial Design Subjects & Syllabus
Industrial Design courses cover a wide range of topics. Some of the essential topics covered in an Industrial Design course include:
- Design Fundamentals
- Sketching & Drawing
- Ergonomics
- Materials & Manufacturing Processes
- Product Testing
- CAD (Computer Aided Design)
- Design Research & Problem-Solving
- Industrial Design History & Application
- Design Thinking & Creative Process
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Industrial Design
Industrial Design is an ever-evolving field that requires a range of skills and knowledge, and there are various educational paths to becoming an industrial designer. Generally, a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, engineering, or a related field is the minimum requirement to become an industrial designer. For those looking to specialize in the area, a master’s degree in industrial Design is available.
Undergraduate Degree: To enroll in an undergraduate degree program in Industrial Design, you will usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED. Some universities may require students to submit a portfolio of their work.
Postgraduate Degree: To enroll in a postgraduate degree program in Industrial Design, you will usually need a bachelor’s degree in industrial Design or a related field, such as engineering. Some universities may require students to submit a portfolio of their work.
Whichever route you choose to pursue a degree in Industrial Design, you will gain the skills necessary to design products for manufacture and the knowledge to understand how consumers will use and value those products.
Industrial Design Centre (IDC) at IIT Bombay
The Industrial Design Centre (IDC) at IIT Bombay is one of India’s oldest and most respected design institutes, offering a comprehensive range of design programs for students of all levels. IDC offers B.Des, M.Des, and Ph.D. courses in Industrial Design, providing students with the knowledge and tools to become successful industrial designers.
The B.Des program at IDC is a four-year full-time program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to design aesthetically pleasing, ergonomic, and user-friendly products. Students learn 3D modeling, engineering, materials science, and production processes, among other topics. This program allows students to develop functional and aesthetically pleasing products.
The M.Des program at IDC focuses on product design and development. Students gain a deeper understanding of the design process, which includes user research, concept development, prototyping, and production. This program also allows students to develop design research, project management, and marketing skills.
The Ph.D. course at IDC is a research-focused program where students explore and develop new design concepts and technologies. Students learn about theoretical and practical aspects of Design, such as product design, design theory, design thinking, and design management. At IDC, students are exposed to the latest trends in industrial Design and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful industrial designers. With its comprehensive range of design programs, IDC provides students with the tools to create innovative products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Scope of Industrial Design in India and Abroad
Industrial Design is an increasingly important sector in the global economy as products and services become increasingly complex and challenging to understand. India has a strong and growing presence in industrial Design, with several universities and design schools offering courses in the discipline. The scope of industrial Design in India is vast and varied, ranging from consumer products to medical devices, from large engineering projects to small-scale manufacturing.
As the Indian economy expands and diversifies, the need for skilled industrial designers is becoming more pressing. India is home to some of the world’s leading industrial design firms, including Tata Consultancy Services, Godrej & Boyce, and Reliance Industries. These firms employ thousands of talented industrial designers full-time and freelance. Abroad, Industrial Design is also in high demand. The US, Europe, and China are all major markets for industrial design services, and many international firms are actively looking for talented designers to work on projects around the world.
Careers & Job Profiles in Industrial Design
Industrial Design offers plenty of exciting and lucrative career opportunities for creative people passionate about Design. The field of industrial Design encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from product design to automotive and aerospace engineering and much more.
One of the most popular career paths for industrial designers is product design. Product designers design and develop products that meet the needs of customers and the market. They use a variety of tools and techniques to create designs that are both visually appealing and functional. Product designers may also be responsible for prototyping and testing their products.
Another popular career path for industrial designers is automotive and aerospace design. These designers develop designs for the interior and exterior of vehicles, and they work with engineers and other professionals to ensure that the designs are safe and efficient. Automotive and aerospace designers often work on projects such as modifying existing vehicle designs or developing entirely new ones.
Industrial Design is also an excellent option for those interested in architecture and urban planning. Industrial designers use their knowledge of building materials and construction techniques to create innovative and aesthetically pleasing designs for buildings, cities, and other structures. They may be responsible for developing plans for new developments or renovating existing systems.
Finally, industrial designers may also find work in graphic Design. Graphic designers create designs for websites, logos, and other visual elements. They use color, typography, and layout knowledge to create engaging and effective visual messages. Graphic designers may also be responsible for creating animations, illustrations, and other digital media.
Required Skillset for Industrial Design
One of the most critical aspects of industrial Design is having the suitable skill set to bring a concept to life. Industrial designers must have a unique set of creative, technical, and problem-solving skills to be successful. Here are some of the essential skills needed to be an industrial designer:
- Creative thinking — Industrial designers must be able to think creatively to come up with innovative solutions to complex design problems.
- Technical drawing — Industrial designers must be able to create detailed technical drawings that accurately represent the Design.
- Computer-aided Design (CAD) — Industrial designers must be proficient in using CAD software to create 3D models of the Design.
- Prototyping — Industrial designers must be able to create prototypes of the Design to test and refine it.
- Material selection — Industrial designers must understand different materials and their properties to choose the most suitable one for the Design.
- Problem-solving — Industrial designers must be able to identify and solve complex design problems to develop successful products.
- Communication — Industrial designers must clearly communicate their design ideas and concept to stakeholders.
Upcoming Trends in Industrial Design
Industrial Design has been around for decades and is ever-evolving. As technology advances, so too do the trends in industrial Design. Here are a few upcoming trends that professionals in the field should be aware of:
- 3D Printing
This is a rapidly advancing technology that quickly changes how industrial designers create their products. 3D Printing allows designers to produce complex shapes and designs that would otherwise be impossible.
- Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) is becoming increasingly popular with industrial designers. AR helps designers visualize how their designs could look in a real-world environment, allowing them to make more informed decisions about the Design of their products.
- Sustainable Materials
Industrial designers increasingly turn to sustainable materials for their products. This includes materials such as recycled plastics and bioplastics, which are better for the environment and more durable and cost-effective.
- Robotics
Robotics is quickly becoming an integral part of industrial Design, as robots can help with tasks that are too complex or labor-intensive for humans. This allows designers to create more complex and intricate products more accurately and efficiently.
These are just a few of the upcoming trends in industrial Design that professionals in the field should be aware of. Staying up-to-date on these and other trends will ensure you stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive.
