Introduction

 

 

Industrial design (ID) 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.

 

Industrial design services are often provided within the context of cooperative working relationships with other members of a development group. Typical groups include management, marketing, engineering and manufacturing specialists. The industrial designer expresses concepts that embody all relevant design criteria determined by the group.

 

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.

 

Industrial designers also maintain a practical concern for technical processes and requirements for manufacture; marketing opportunities and economic constraints; and distribution sales and servicing processes. They work to ensure that design recommendations use materials and technology effectively, and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements.

 

In addition to supplying concepts for products and systems, industrial designers are often retained for consultation on a variety of problems that have to do with a client's image. Such assignments include product and organization identity systems, development of communication systems, interior space planning and exhibit design, advertising devices and packaging and other related services. Their expertise is sought in a wide variety of administrative arenas to assist in developing industrial standards, regulatory guidelines and quality control procedures to improve manufacturing operations and products.

 

Industrial designers, as professionals, are guided by their awareness of obligations to fulfill contractual responsibilities to clients, to protect the public safety and well-being, to respect the environment and to observe ethical business practice.

 

 

Job Description 

 

 

Exhibition designers

Exhibition designers typically work on cultural exhibitions which include museums and galleries, or on commercial exhibitions which include showcase events, trade shows and conferences.

 

They base their designs on their interpretation of their client's ideas and requirements and also provide their own ideas in relation to product concept and likely customer appeal.

 

Designers must create an exhibition that works on several fronts. It must:

 

• have aesthetic appeal;

• be practical;

• communicate the client's message, concept and image to visitors;

• meet the limitations imposed by space and budget.

• Some designers may also have responsibility for overseeing the implementation and building of the exhibition or display stand, while others may specialise in just one specific area.

 

Product designers

They create a wide range of items, from everyday products, such as mobile phones, household appliances and cars, to larger items, such as industrial tools, equipment and machinery.

 

They work on new products or improve existing ones, and use their understanding of technology, materials and manufacturing methods to improve the design and usability of an item. The work involves designing, modelling, testing and producing prototypes.

 

Working alongside engineers and model-makers, industrial/product designers conduct research and devise a design proposal for projects. They may also need to work on the budget of the designed item to make sure it is cost effective.

 

The work carried out by an industrial/product designer varies and can be very busy. It may include some of the following:

 

• meeting with clients to establish the design brief, including the concept, performance and production criteria;

• working on ideas as part of a team or developing design concepts using CAD (computer-aided design);

• taking part in specialist or multidisciplinary team meetings;sketching initial design ideas;

• identifying the suitability and availability of materials;

• producing detailed, final hand drawings and specifications or, more likely, using dedicated computer software (CAD) to produce design specifications, including parts lists and costings;

• making samples or working models by hand or using computerised prototyping equipment;testing the design concept by computerised modelling or physical hands-on testing of models;

• researching materials, processes or market requirements;

• arranging meetings and liaising with engineers and other departments, including marketing, to discuss and negotiate appropriate production processes, costs and commercial issues;

• occasionally travelling to clients' production facilities and evaluating the feasibility of production;

• making presentations to senior design management or clients, either when bidding for a contract or to present design proposals.

 

Education Lecturers / Teachers

They teach academic and vocational subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 upwards. They work in universities and in some colleges of further education.

 

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical laboratory demonstrations, field work and e-learning. Multimedia technologies are being increasingly used.

 

these lecturers also pursue their own research to contribute to the wider research activities of their department/institution. Many aim to have their research published, either in the form of a book or scholarly article, and this can help raise the profile of their employing HE institution.

 

Administrative tasks take up a significant part of the working day. Many lecturers also take on a pastoral role with their students. As HE lecturers progress along their career paths, they may be expected to undertake a managerial role of the relevant department.

 

 

The work carried out by these lecturers varies according to individual areas of responsibility and research but often includes:

 

• delivering lectures, seminars and tutorials;developing and implementing new methods of teaching to reflect changes in research;

• designing, preparing and developing teaching materials;

• assessing students' coursework;setting and marking examinations;

• supporting students through a pastoral/advisory role;

• undertaking personal research projects and actively contributing to the institution's research profile;

• writing up research and preparing it for publication;

• supervising students' research activities;completing continuous professional development (CPD) and participating in staff training activities;

• carrying out administrative tasks related to the department, such as student admissions, induction programmes and involvement in committees and boards

• ;managing and supervising staff - at a senior level this may include the role of head of department;

• representing the institution at professional conferences and seminars, and contributing to these as necessary;

• establishing collaborative links outside the university with industrial, commercial and public organisations.