Industrial design is the combined application of both the knowledge of arts and sciences to enhance a product in its functional and aesthetic features, in order to increase its commercial viability. It can be used before a product is officially launched or later for improving upon the product.
Industrial design essentially focuses on how the customer will relate to a particular product. The consumers must see the commodity as something valuable, for which they are ready to pay the price. The optimization in such cases can be attained by improving the functionality as well as the looks of the product, which will make the product attractive to many customers.
This requires a comprehensive research into the patterns of consumer habits, which can then be considered by the designers of the product. This should be followed by other aspects like drawing, prototyping, and a thorough testing before the product is ready for marketing. Nowadays, the designers are making greater use of techniques such as 3D software and CAD applications for performing these jobs.
The primary goal of industrial design is enhancement of the very essence of the product. Designers need to concentrate upon many factors other than the looks of the product. These include sturdiness, functionality, ergonomics as well as the user friendliness of the product. Designers can also lower the cost of production by bringing about some changes in the design of the product.
Industrial design is not restricted to the above aspects but also extends to other factors like packaging, study of the market demand for the item, and also the study of the consumer’s response to the design of the product. Thus, industrial designers have to go through a rigorous training for several years before being assigned a live project.
Some of the illustrious names in the field are those of Brooks Stevens, credited with designing the Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Raymond Loewy, who rose to fame with the Coca-Cola bottle and Jonathan Ive, the famous designer of the iMac.
Discover more about Trademarks Singapore and Industrial design protection.