Industrial Design Engineer Jobs

Industrial Design Engineers are a cross between a mechanical engineer and an artist. Industrial Design Engineers study both function and form, and the connection between the product and the user. Industrial Design Engineers do not design the gears or motors that make machines move or the circuits that control the movement. And usually, they partner with engineers and marketers, to identify and fulfil needs, wants and expectations.

Although the process of design may be considered 'creative', many analytical processes also take place. In fact, many industrial designers often use various design methodologies in their creative process. Some of the processes that are commonly used are user research, sketching, comparative product research, model making, prototyping and testing. These processes can be chronological, or as best defined by the designers and/or other team members.

What does an industrial design engineer do?

Industrial Designers often utilize 3D software, Industrial Design Engineers include computer-aided industrial design and CAD programs to move from concept to production. Product characteristics specified by the industrial designer may include the overall form of the object, the location of details with respect to one another, colours, texture, sounds, and aspects concerning the use of the product ergonomics.

Industrial Design Engineers may specify aspects concerning the production process, choice of materials and the way the product is presented to the consumer at the point of sale. Industrial Design Engineers use of industrial designers in a product development process may lead to added values by improved usability, lowered production costs and more appealing products. However, some classic industrial designs are considered as much works of art as works of engineering: the iPod, Coke bottle, and VW Beetle are frequently-cited examples.