Tuesday, October 25, 2011

How to become an Industrial Designer?


The profession of Industrial Designer is quite demand profession as according to the US Labor Department there is an expected growth of 9% in this profession. However, keen competition for the job is also expected.

If you want to be a professional industrial designer it is important to learn that usually a bachelor’s degree is required at the entry level. Knowledge of specific industry such as automobiles and other transportation vehicles, appliances, technology goods, medical equipment, furniture, toys, tools and construction equipment, or house-wares has to play a crucial role so far as the earnings are concerned. Experience through internships and a good portfolio of work are also important for jobseekers to have. Creativity and technical knowledge are crucial in this occupation. People in this field must have a strong sense of the esthetic—an eye for color and detail and a sense of balance and proportion.

Industrial designing is a creative profession where the professionals have to deal with the pioneering and artistic aspect of product design in a specific industry. They have design the outlook of many consumer products, hence it is very important that the industrial designer is well conversant with all the facets of the specific industry. Industrial designers combine the fields of art, business and engineering to design the products people use every day. They are responsible for the style, function, quality and safety of almost every manufactured good.

Their job is quite tough as it involves vigorous research work for which meet the clients, read design and consumer publications, attend trade shows and visit potential users, suppliers and manufacturers.

Before developing a new design or altering an existing one they have kept in mind the requirements of the client, the purpose of the product and the tastes of customers or users. After gathering necessary data industrial designers prepare conceptual sketches or diagrams. This work involves both manual and computer help. After conducting research and consulting with a creative director or other members of the product development team, designers then create detailed sketches or renderings using computer-aided design (CAD) tools. Computer models make it easier to adjust designs and to experiment with a greater number of alternatives, speeding and improving the design process. Industrial designers who work for manufacturing firms also use computer-aided industrial design (CAID) tools to create designs and machine-readable instructions that can direct automated production tools to build the designed product to exact specifications.

They base their designs on the research to the effect that how the product will be used. They are responsible for ascertaining the size, shape, weight, color, material used, cost, ease of use, fit and safety. To gather this information, designers meet with clients, conduct market research, read design and consumer publications, attend trade shows, and visit potential users, suppliers and manufacturers.

Most of the industrial designers also work with corporate strategy staff to ensure that their designs fit into the company's business plan and strategic vision. They work with marketing staff to develop plans to best market new product designs to consumers. They work to design products that accurately reflect the company's image and values.

Designers employed by manufacturing establishments, large corporations, or design firms generally work regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable settings. Designers in smaller design consulting firms, or those who freelance, may work under a contract to do specific tasks or designs. They frequently adjust their workday to suit their clients' schedules and deadlines, meeting with the clients evenings or weekends when necessary. Consultants and self-employed designers tend to work longer hours and in smaller, more congested, environments. Additional hours may be required to meet deadlines.

Designers may work in their own offices or studios or in clients' homes or offices. They also may travel to other locations, such as testing facilities, design centers, clients' exhibit sites, users' homes or workplaces, and manufacturing facilities. With the increased speed and sophistication of computers and advanced communications networks, designers may form international design teams and serve a more geographically dispersed clientele.

Median annual wage-and-salary wages for commercial and industrial designers were $57,350 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $41,550 and $76,700. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,400, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,770.

Management of companies and enterprises          $63,940
Architectural, engineering, and related services     61,450
Specialized design services        59,150
Other miscellaneous manufacturing         50,990

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