Product Design VS Industrial Design
Are you confused about the difference between product design and industrial design? Well, you're not alone! While both terms may sound similar, they are quite different from each other. In this blog post, we'll help you understand the difference between product design and industrial design.
Product Design
Product design is a process of creating new products that are aesthetically pleasing and functional. The primary focus of product design is on the appearance of the product, its usability, and functionality. A product designer will typically work on designing products that are meant for direct consumption by the end-users.
The product design process involves several stages, including ideation, sketching, 3D modeling, prototyping, and testing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for product designers is $68,890.
Industrial Design
Industrial design, on the other hand, is a process of designing products, systems, and services that are meant for mass production. The primary focus of industrial design is on the functionality, usability, and manufacturability of the product. An industrial designer works on designing products that can be mass-produced and are meant for commercial use.
The industrial design process involves several stages, including idea development, conceptualization, product rendering, 3D modeling, prototyping, and testing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for industrial designers is $66,590.
Now, let's compare the two in detailed form:
| Product Design | Industrial Design |
|---|---|
| Focuses on the appearance and function of the product. | Focuses on the function and manufacturability of the product. |
| Designed for end-users. | Designed for mass production. |
| Involves ideation, sketching, 3D modeling, prototyping, and testing. | Involves product development, conceptualization, product rendering, 3D modeling, prototyping, and testing. |
| Median annual wage: $68,890 | Median annual wage: $66,590 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, both product design and industrial design are important for creating successful products. While product designers focus on designing products for end-users, industrial designers focus on designing products for mass production. Understanding the differences between product design and industrial design can help you determine which type of designer you need for your project.
Remember, product design is all about form, function, and usability, while industrial design is focused on function, manufacturability, and commercial use. Choosing the right designer for your project is crucial to creating a successful product.
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Industrial Designers." September 2020. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/industrial-designers.htm
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Product Designers." September 2020. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/product-designers.htm