An industrial designer can design anything from the look of machines for use in factories to furniture and appliances for homes.
An industrial designer is also known as a product designer and must be able to create a drawing of a product from basic shapes.
Much like an animator, an industrial designer needs to be able to transfer their ideas onto paper, then onto a computer with the goal of seeing their product being made in factories.
Industrial design was first created in the Industrial Revolution. Designing has been around since the human race began, but industrial design is the first form of design to produce products for mass distribution.
An industrial designer has been labelled as a stylist with a basic insight into mechanics and the field being described as the link between art and engineering. It is a unique combination of applied art and applied science to design ergonomic and functional products.
In order to get into this career, you need to get a three year degree in industrial design, with a fourth honours year being optional.
This course is only offered at three universities in South Africa, being Tshwane University of Technology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the University of Johannesburg.
Designers are taught to be creative, problem solving as well as logical thinking. It is an exciting career to get into because you will not be doing the same thing over and over, you will get to design different products and invent some as well.
“Industrial design allows me to be both creative and technical at the same time,” says Kirby Downey, third year industrial design student at Tshwane University of Technology.
“I love figuring out how my designs will work and pushing the limits of conventional design.”
The industrial design field is a challenging one that will keep you on your toes and always thinking and planning. It requires discipline and an experimental mind.
