Industrial designers have inspired this week’s career memes, which take a tongue-in-cheek look at the profession that combines art and engineering.
“Industrial design is the professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimise the function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer,” the Industrial Designers Society of America states.
Industrial designers generally work in small-scale design with other colleagues, such as marketers, engineers and material scientists, to determine and fulfil customers’ requirements and expectations.
Students interested in pursuing a career in industrial design can find universities around the world that offer bachelor’s degrees in the subject, though industrial designers may also have an educational background in architecture or engineering.
Industrial designers should be creative, possess a good sense of balance and proportion, and solid communication skills. Knowledge of accounting, marketing, quality assurance, strategic planning and project management, as well as a portfolio of work, will also help them woo employers.
Industrial designers can expect to earn, in the UK, an annual salary of stg£27,000-stg£40,000, although the amount can vary depending on location and years of experience, according to Prospects.
