Industrial Designers
Industrial designers develop a wide variety of manufactured products.
Industrial designers combine artistic skills and practical knowledge to create designs. They either do this by hand or utilize computer-aided design (CAD) tools.
Industrial Designers are in the Manufacturing career cluster and the Manufacturing Production Process Development pathway.
Quick Facts
Wages: |
Above the statewide median
$23.65 / hour Read more about wages |
Outlook: |
Percent Growth
11% Average Read more about outlook |
Education & Training: |
Bachelor's degree is common. |
On the Job: |
Work Activities
Assess your skills |
Job Title Examples: |
Creative Director,
Electrical Designer,
Mold Designer
See more job title examples |
Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.
Wages & Outlook
Wages
Wages vary widely based on the designer's experience and job duties. The more years of experience a designer has, the higher the wages. Industrial designers in managerial positions earn much higher wages. In addition, wages vary by employer and area of the country.
Benefits vary by employer. Full-time industrial designers are likely to receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Self-employed designers must provide their own insurance.
View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:
Employment
In Minnesota, about 1,069 industrial designers work in this small occupation.
About 30 percent of industrial designers are self-employed.
Major employers:
- Manufacturers of a variety of products
- Engineering and architectural consulting firms
- Design firms
Outlook
Industrial designers will face keen competition for jobs. This is because many talented people are attracted to careers as designers.
Increased demand for industrial designers will stem from four factors. One, people will continue to want safe, good-quality products. Two, consumers will demand new products that are easy and comfortable to use. Three, companies will continue to develop high-technology products in medicine, transportation, and other fields. Four, global competition among businesses will continue to grow. All these factors will spur the demand for industrial designers. In addition, many job openings will result from the need to replace designers who leave the field.
| Employment | Employment Change | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| U S | 40,800 | 45,100 | 4,300 | 10.5% |
| Minnesota | 807 | 896 | 89 | 11% |
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| Central Minnesota | 64 | 76 | 12 | 18.8% |
| Northwest Minnesota | 61 | 78 | 17 | 27.9% |
| Southeast Minnesota | 64 | 72 | 8 | 12.5% |
| Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN | 582 | 622 | 40 | 6.9% |
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
On the Job
Overview
Industrial designers develop a wide variety of manufactured products.
Every year the Industrial Designers Society of America awards companies medals for their breakthroughs in design. In 2004, Apple Computer received a gold medal for their iPod Mini - a smaller version of the popular hand-held music player, the iPod (and now already outdated!). Weighing under 4 ounces, it holds 1,000 songs and operates via a "click" wheel. It also came in several cool colors, including gold, pink, and green. Other products that received design awards included a hammer that is more efficient while using less force, and a folding keyboard.Industrial designers combine artistic skills and practical knowledge to create designs. They design cars and airplanes. They design home appliances, children's toys, and computers. They also design many types of medical, office, and sports equipment. Most designers concentrate on one area. For example, a designer might specialize in toys or kitchen appliances.
The first step in designing a new product is to find out the client's needs and how the product will be used. Designers talk to clients about what they want, and do research on products and design trends. For example, they read publications and study design styles. They also attend showings of new products in their field. To develop their designs, designers consider size, shape, weight, color, and materials to be used. To evaluate if a design is practical, they consider cost, ease of use, and safety. They also consider market conditions, or what is selling in the product area. In some cases, they are designing a series of products. Industrial designers make sure each product has the same look and feel of other products in the same line.
Next, industrial designers create sketches. They do this by hand or on a computer. Designers often use computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create products. CAD allows designers to create three-dimensional drawings of products. These drawings can be rotated, which helps designers better visualize the final product. Changes can quickly be made to CAD designs, which add speed and flexibility to the design process. This reduces design costs and cuts the time it takes to deliver a product to the market. Industrial designers often use computer-aided industrial design (CAID) to create their designs. Designers who work for manufacturing firms may use CAID to send their designs to automated production tools. These machines "read" the designs and create products.
Industrial designers present their sketches to the client or design team. They also consult with the product development team, which may include engineers or marketing staff. Designers make changes based on the feedback they receive. They then create detailed designs of the product. These may include drawings, small models, or computer simulations. Some designers create full-sized prototypes of their products. In addition, designers prepare lists of the materials needed to produce the product. They also estimate costs.
Industrial designers may supervise assistants who carry out their designs. Designers who run their own businesses have administrative tasks. For example, they may do more product research than other designers. They may also hire and train new staff. In addition, they devote a great deal of time to developing new business contacts.
Work Activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.
- Talk to clients to determine their needs and how the product will be used.
- Research product use, design trends, materials, and production methods.
- Evaluate design ideas for practicality. Consider use, costs, and market characteristics.
- Create sketches, drawings, and blueprints, by hand or on computer.
- Create detailed designs using drawings, models, computer simulations, or prototypes.
- Present designs. Consult with client, design committee, or product development team about changes.
- Design graphic material that will be used for advertising or decoration on new designs.
- Prepare a list of materials and estimated costs required to produce the product.
- Use computer-aided industrial design (CAID) to create designs. May use CAID to communicate designs to automated production tools.
- Direct and coordinate the making of models and samples.
- Create manufacturing procedures to make the new designs. Monitor the manufacturing process.
- May supervise assistants who carry out their design ideas.
- May develop new business contacts and perform administrative tasks.
People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.
- Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures.
- Think creatively.
- Get information needed to do the job.
- Use computers.
- Make decisions and solve problems.
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
- Evaluate information against standards.
- Establish and maintain relationships.
- Identify objects, actions, and events.
- Process information.
- Document and record information.
- Update and use job-related knowledge.
- Explain the meaning of information to others.
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
- Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
- Communicate with people from outside the organization.
- Analyze data or information.
- Develop goals and strategies.
- Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed.
Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
- Communicate daily by e-mail and in person. They also talk to others on the telephone and by writing letters and memos, but less often.
- Have a medium level of job-required social contact. They work closely with clients and staff, but work alone when researching and designing products.
- Usually work as part of a larger design team.
- May be responsible for work done by design assistants.
- Occasionally are placed in conflict situations in which others may be rude or angry.
- Always work indoors.
- Work near others, such as when sharing office space.
- Often wear safety attire, such as hard hats.
- Are sometimes exposed to loud or distracting sounds or noise levels, especially when visiting a factory floor.
- Occasionally are exposed to contaminants.
- Must be very exact in their work. Errors could result in serious safety hazards for product users.
- Make decisions on a monthly basis that affect coworkers and clients. They make most, but not all, decisions without talking to a supervisor first.
- Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
- Must meet strict daily deadlines. This may make the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.
- Often repeat the same mental tasks.
- May work part time or full time. Most work full time, 40 hours per week.
- Usually work regular hours, but may work overtime to meet deadlines.
Interpersonal Relationships
Physical Work Conditions
Work Performance
Hours/Travel
Physical Demands
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
- Sit when creating designs.
- Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
- Determine the distance between objects.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
People in this career frequently:
It is important for people in this career to be able to:
It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Education & Training
Preparation
To work as an industrial designer, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or GED; and
- have a bachelor's degree in art or design.
Education after high school
Industrial designers must have a bachelor's degree. Many four-year colleges and universities grant the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. In this program, art is the emphasis. You take courses in art, art history, principles of design, and designing and sketching.
Design programs are broader than art programs. In addition to art courses you study industrial design, materials, manufacturing methods, and computer software.
About 230 colleges and universities have approved programs in art and design. Most of these award a degree in art or fine art. Some award degrees specifically in industrial design.
Many schools do not allow formal entry into a bachelor's degree program until you have successfully completed a year of basic art and design courses. You may be required to submit sketches or other examples of your artistic ability.
Regardless of major, you should take classes in computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing materials and processes.
Work experience
Hands-on work sculpting, woodworking, or sketching is good preparation for design work.
Industrial designers also prepare for their work by developing a portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your best work. It demonstrates your skills to clients or employers. A portfolio may include hand drawings, computer images, photos, and print samples.
An internship is an excellent way to build your skills, demonstrate your talent, and make job contacts.
On-the-job training
Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job training. The length of training varies by employer. Some provide up to three months of training and others provide several years. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult tasks.
Related Programs (Current training programs available)
- Energy Management and Systems Technology/Technician
- Design and Visual Communications, General
- Commercial and Advertising Art
- Industrial Design
- Design and Applied Arts, Other
Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)
Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.
- Architecture
- Art and Fine Arts, General
- Ceramic Art and Design
- Commercial and Advertising Art
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Metal and Jewelry Arts
- Painting and Drawing
- Sculpture
Helpful High School Courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:
- Art
- Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
- Drawing and Painting
- Graphic Design
- Public Speaking
Many industrial designers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Introduction to Business
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Skills
People in this career need to:
- Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
- Express ideas clearly when speaking or writing.
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Think of new ideas and original or creative ways to solve problems.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions.
- Develop rules or follow guidelines for arranging items.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
- Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
- Determine how a system should work. Study how changes in conditions affect outcomes.
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
- Manage the time of self and others.
- Be aware of others' reactions and change behavior in relation to them.
- Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
- Design equipment and technology to meet user needs.
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Communicate
Reason and Problem Solve
Manage Oneself, People, Time and Things
Work with People
Work with Things
Perceive and Visualize
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
- Design: Knowledge of making and using plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers, machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
- Production and Processing: Knowledge of how products are made and supplied.
- Mechanical: Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools.
- Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
- Mathematics: Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers. Areas of knowledge include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
- Physics: Knowledge of the features and rules of matter and energy. Areas of knowledge include air, water, light, heat, weather, and other natural events.
- English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
- Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
- Consider relationships important. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment. They like to do things for other people. They prefer jobs where they are not pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
- Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.
- Consider recognition important. They like to work in jobs which have opportunities for them to advance, be recognized for their work, and direct and instruct others. They usually prefer jobs in which they are looked up to by others.
- Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.
- Have artistic interests. They like work activities that deal with artistic forms, designs, and patterns. They prefer work which allows for self expression.
- Have enterprising interests. They like work activities that involve starting up and carrying out projects, especially in business. They like to lead and persuade others, make decisions, and take risks for profit.
- Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Tools & Technology for Commercial and Industrial Designers
Tools
Desktop computers
| Notebook computers
|
Technology
Computer aided design CAD software
| Internet browser software
|
Licensing / Certification
Certification Details
Certifications are examinations that test or enhance your knowledge, experience or skills in an occupation or profession.
There are 18 certifications related to this career.
Licensing Details
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career.
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and CareerOneStop.
Jobs
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Hiring Practices
Creativity is important in all design occupations. Employers look for designers who have an eye for color and detail, and a sense of beauty and proportion. Sketching skills are helpful for many jobs. A good portfolio (a collection of a person's best work) is often the deciding factor in getting a job.
Computer-aided design (CAD) increasingly is used in all areas of design. Many employers expect new designers to be familiar with the use of the computer as a design tool. This is particularly true in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries.
Employers look for designers who are imaginative and persistent. They seek designers who can communicate their ideas visually and verbally. Employers need designers who are well read, open to new ideas, and quick to react to changing trends. Problem-solving skills and self-discipline are also important.
Advancement Opportunities
Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job training. They normally need one to three years of training before they advance to higher level jobs. Experienced designers in large firms may advance to chief designer, department head, or other supervisory positions. Some designers become teachers in design schools, colleges, and universities. Some experienced designers open their own firms.
Job Title Examples
Creative Director, Electrical Designer, Mold Designer, Package Designer, Product Development Engineer, Designer, Design Engineer, Product Designer, Product Engineer
Similar Careers
Below are careers similar to Industrial Designers you may be interested in reading about.
If you are looking to broaden your job search,
these careers require similar skills. Click on the names to link to their career profile.
Drafters
Fashion Designers
Graphic Designers
Interior Designers
Landscape Architects
Orthotic and Prosthetic Specialists
Sales Representatives
Set and Exhibit Designers
Surveyors
Related Industries
Below are industries related to Industrial Designers you may be interested in reading about. Employers in these industries typically hire
Industrial Designers. Click on the names to link to their industry profile.
Business Management And Support Services
Computers And Electronic Products
Electrical Equipment
Engineering, Accounting, And Architecture
Fabricated Metal Products
Machinery Manufacturing
Research And Development
Rubber And Plastic Products
Toys, Sporting Goods, And Other Products
Transportation Equipment
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
