What is industrial design?
Industrial design (ID) is the practice of designing mass-produced physical products—phones, chairs, appliances, vehicles—so they’re useful, visually appealing, and feasible to manufacture. Industrial designers combine art and engineering to shape the people interact with every day.
This guide covers what industrial design involves, its history, its core principles, the typical design process, and where the discipline is heading.
Defining industrial design
Industrial design refers to the creation of visually appealing, functional products optimized for use by a large number of consumers. The main considerations are usability, ergonomics, and aesthetics—along with whether the product can actually be manufactured at scale.
Industrial design is responsible for most of the products you use daily. The ergonomic chair you bought from IKEA and the Dyson vacuum in your closet both came out of an industrial design process.
A short history of industrial design
Industrial design spans more than a century. Its growth accelerated during the Industrial Revolution, when the Western world began mass-producing products. That shift sparked demand for better-designed goods—and with it, the advancement of industrial design as a discipline.
Soon after, design pioneers started opening industrial design agencies. Walter Darwin Teague, Carl Sundberg, and Montgomery Ferar were among the first to champion the field. By the 1950s, larger corporations like General Motors had their own in-house industrial design teams.
That era also marked the rise of industrial design as a recognized profession. Design leaders like , Henry Dreyfuss, and the duo Charles and Ray Eames shaped this period of growth.
Industrial design continues to evolve, adapting to digital technologies and embracing sustainable practices.
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What is the industrial design process?
The industrial design process is a series of steps to conceptualize a product and bring it to life. While variations exist, it typically includes the following stages.
1. Comprehensive research
Industrial design begins with thorough and , competition, and technological trends. Designers work out which problem needs solving, why, and how well design can solve it.
2. Ideation and concept development
Designers generate ideas and concepts based on the research findings. Sketching and techniques help explore possibilities and refine the concepts.
3. Sketching and rendering
Designers create detailed sketches and renderings of the selected concepts. This gives designers and a glimpse of how the product will look.
4. 3D modeling and computer-aided design (CAD)
The chosen design concept is translated into a three-dimensional (3D) digital model. 3D models bring ideas to life and provide better insight into the product’s physical attributes.
5. Prototyping
Designers work with manufacturers to create a physical prototype of the product. The primary goal at this stage is to test the product’s form, function, and ergonomics.
6. Evaluation and iteration
The prototype is evaluated through , functional assessments, and feedback gathering. Designers then iterate based on the findings.
7. Detail design
The refined design is developed further, factoring in manufacturing constraints, material selection, and engineering specifications. Detailed technical drawings and specifications guide the manufacturing process.
8. Production and manufacturing
Once the design is finalized, it moves into production. Manufacturers translate design specifications into mass-produced products, ensuring quality control and adherence to the design intent.
9. Marketing and launch
The finished product is prepared for market release. Package design, branding, and promotional strategies happen at this step.
10. Post-launch evaluation and improvement
After the product is released, designers work with marketers to gather and and market performance. That feedback guides .
Principles of industrial design
In his “Ten Principles for Good Design,” renowned industrial designer Dieter Rams outlined principles that have profoundly shaped industrial design. Here’s what he emphasized.
1. “Good design is innovative.”
Rams believed design should push boundaries. Industrial designers should strive for fresh, innovative products rather than replicate existing ones.
2. “Good design makes a product useful.”
The primary purpose of a product is to fulfill a practical function. Rams stressed that design should prioritize functionality so the product serves its intended purpose.
3. “Good design is aesthetic.”
Rams advised that well-designed products should be visually pleasing, harmonious, and elegant.
4. “Good design is understandable.”
Design should communicate its purpose and functionality. Users should be able to understand how to use a product without confusion.
5. “Good design is unobtrusive.”
A well-designed product shouldn’t draw attention to itself. It should be subtle, letting the user focus on the task at hand.
6. “Good design is honest.”
Rams advocated for products that are true to their purpose, materials, and construction. Design shouldn’t deceive or mislead users.
7. “Good design is long-lasting.”
Rams highlighted the need for designs that withstand the test of time, aesthetically and functionally. Timeless design reduces waste and promotes sustainability.
8. “Good design is thorough down to the last detail.”
Every design aspect, no matter how small, should be carefully considered and executed. Attention to detail contributes to overall quality and user experience.
9. “Good design is environmentally friendly.”
Rams emphasized designers’ responsibility to consider the environmental impact of their designs.
10. “Good design is as little design as possible.”
Rams advocated for simplicity—eliminating unnecessary elements and focusing on the essentials. Stripping away excess results in clean, minimal designs that prioritize functionality.
An example of excellent industrial design
The Coca-Cola bottle is often hailed as a perfect example of industrial design thanks to an iconic, functional shape that has remained virtually unchanged for decades. The contour bottle, introduced in 1915, is instantly recognizable. Its design sets it apart from other beverage containers and has become synonymous with the Coca-Cola brand.
How does industrial design converge with other design disciplines?
Industrial design works alongside disciplines like graphic design, , engineering, and marketing to create successful products. Collaboration with graphic designers, for example, contributes to cohesive visual identities and attractive packaging.
optimize a product’s and interactions, while material and mechanical engineers ensure the product is feasible to manufacture.
Marketers then create strategies to promote and position the product successfully.
The future of industrial design
As industrial design evolves, expect deeper integration between products and technologies such as AI and connected devices. These advances also let designers create personalized, customizable products at scale—giving consumers more control over a product’s features, aesthetics, and functionality.
Finally, designers will keep adopting a more eco-friendly approach throughout the industrial .
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