Industrial Designer ? Y/N
Industrial Design is essentially the first stage in marketing a product. An Industrial designer’s role is to make a product usable, functional, comfortable, aesthetic and of course mass manufacturable. All of these elements are critical in marketing, a product lacking in any of these areas is not representing itself well. After all, the product itself is its own best marketing ambassador.
In a world inundated with products and brands desperate to catch the eye of the consumer, its not only important to stand out, but also to deliver an honest product that delivers what it promises in an exceptional, #innovative way. The question is less about weather or not an Industrial designer is needed, but rather, to what extent do you require industrial designer’s services?
Some Products Need More Love
Different products require a different Industrial Design process. A product with moving mechanical components and complicated functions will need the input of both electrical and mechanical engineers as well as extensive project management on the part of the industrial designer to tie everything together into a cohesive, manufacturable product. This involves market research, form characterisation, ergonomic investigation, #mock-ups, #prototyping etc. These types of projects are producing a more complicated product and require a more complicated design process.
Simpler products do not require as many stages in the industrial design process. This doesn’t mean that the designer is giving you an express, or “fast food” design. Its just simply a matter of necessity. Product lacking entirely in #technology will be more of a form based project concentrating on optimisation for mass manufacturing.
It Pays to Come Prepared
Customers who come to us with elements of the project already covered make our job easier. #Electronic and #mechanical components that are already resolved means less liaising with engineers and project management for an #industrialdesigner. A resolved package of interior components and a clearly outlined set of functions and expectations for interface, gives the industrial designer clear boundaries to work within. This can refreshingly simplify the design process for a product designer, who instead of worrying about electrical components, can devote more energy to other important elements in the design like #ergonomics and #interface.
Pre prepared branding is also a major advantage, its gives a guide in the direction of aesthetics. The collaboration between an industrial designer and a graphic designer in branding is extremely important. It’s an essential start to establishing a strong brand identity. Graphic design tells just as much a story as the product itself, you don’t want these two elements of your brand clashing and sending mixed messages to would be customers.
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