Commercial and Industrial Designers
Overview
Commercial and industrial designers create the look and functionality of everyday products like smartphones, cars, furniture, and toys. They combine artistic creativity with research about how people use products, using computer software to build virtual models and create physical prototypes. These designers work closely with engineers and manufacturers to ensure their ideas can be produced safely and affordably. The job requires both creative problem-solving skills and technical knowledge, with many designers earning degrees in industrial design, engineering, or related fields.
Did you know?
Building a strong, diverse portfolio is essential as the American industrial design market is highly competitive with emphasis on innovative consumer products and user-centered design.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$77,356.90 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Coordination
Key Responsibilities
- Research production specifications, costs, production materials, and manufacturing methods and provide cost estimates and itemized production requirements.
- Design graphic material for use as ornamentation, illustration, or advertising on manufactured materials and packaging or containers.
- Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, serviceability, budget, production costs/methods, and market characteristics.
- Participate in new product planning or market research, including studying the potential need for new products.
- Coordinate the look and function of product lines.
- Supervise assistants' work throughout the design process.
- Investigate product characteristics such as the product's safety and handling qualities, its market appeal, how efficiently it can be produced, and ways of distributing, using, and maintaining it.
- Direct and coordinate the fabrication of models or samples and the drafting of working drawings and specification sheets from sketches.
- Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends.
- Read publications, attend showings, and study competing products and design styles and motifs to obtain perspective and generate design concepts.
- Fabricate models or samples in paper, wood, glass, fabric, plastic, metal, or other materials, using hand or power tools.
- Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment.
- Present designs and reports to customers or design committees for approval and discuss need for modification.
- Advise corporations on issues involving corporate image projects or problems.
- Confer with engineering, marketing, production, or sales departments, or with customers, to establish and evaluate design concepts for manufactured products.
- Develop manufacturing procedures and monitor the manufacture of their designs in a factory to improve operations and product quality.
- Develop industrial standards and regulatory guidelines.
Career Considerations
Portfolio Development and Market Competition
Building a strong, diverse portfolio is essential as the American industrial design market is highly competitive with emphasis on innovative consumer products and user-centered design.
Technology Integration and Manufacturing Knowledge
Staying current with emerging technologies like 3D printing, IoT integration, and sustainable materials is crucial for success in America's innovation-driven manufacturing sector.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Skills
American companies highly value designers who can effectively collaborate with engineering, marketing, and business teams to bring products from concept to market.