What are the characteristics of industrial design?
Industrial design is a field closely tied to the hard sciences and applied across many branches of industry. It covers the design of everyday objects — from simple accessories to advanced devices — so that they’re functional, comfortable to use, and visually appealing.
What is industrial design?
Industrial design is defined as the creation of new industrial designs for products made in both mass and custom production. Its main goal is to create solutions that raise quality and become part of our daily lives. Its job isn’t only to give products an attractive form, but above all to make them easier to use, depending on users’ needs and abilities.
At GRID, we’ve been doing industrial design for years. We create products that don’t just look good — above all, they’re easy to use and hold up in everyday life. We approach every product individually: we analyze its function, the environment it will be used in, and the expectations of the people who’ll use it. Our experience and design resources let us develop solutions that are ready for production, refined in form, function, and detail.
Key characteristics of industrial design
Industrial design is the professional design of objects, devices, and services used by people all over the world. It often involves more than shaping a product — it also means solving specific technical, ergonomic, or environmental problems.
A single project is usually worked on by a team of specialists — designers, engineers, 3D modelers, interface designers, branding and visual identity experts, and project managers. Combining their skills and perspectives makes it possible to create products that are intuitive to use, safe, visually appealing, and matched to real user needs.
Industrial design is also a search for the best, most forward-looking functional solutions. Designers use new technologies and materials to create products that respond to today’s challenges. Sustainability matters more and more as well — making sure objects are produced in an environmentally friendly way, with the option to reuse or recycle them. Another important trait is durability, which lets well-designed objects keep their function and appearance for years, making them more valuable for both the user and the economy as a whole.
Design projects — the foundation of modern industrial design
At the core of every industrial design process is the design project: developing the concept of an object, device, or service — its shape, its function, and how the user will interact with it. It covers both a product’s functionality and ease of use, and its appearance. It’s a process that doesn’t end with a single concept — it requires a constant search for new solutions, and draws inspiration from many fields of science and art.
Designing industrial forms takes knowledge of materials science, practical experience in technology, and a background in advertising graphics and visual communication. Every object we interact with each day — at school, at work, or at home — is the result of a design process. During that process, many decisions are made that produce objects that make everyday life easier.
At GRID, every industrial design project starts with a detailed brief and a conversation about your needs. We define the product’s function, form, materials, and how it will be used. From that, a concept takes shape, which we refine in the following stages. We work together with the client, test solutions, and make changes and corrections. The whole process ends with a finished design — technically and aesthetically refined, and prepared for rollout.
Why choose GRID for your industrial design project?
Our design team can be real support in delivering your project. Here’s what sets us apart in our day-to-day work:
- Experience and expertise — we’ve been working continuously since 2001. Our team is made up of designers, engineers, and specialists from different fields who have worked with companies across many sectors for years. We have many completed projects behind us, which shows we can adapt to an industry’s specifics and our clients’ expectations.
- A full-picture approach — we work with the Design Thinking methodology, which combines creativity with analysis of functionality and user needs. We don’t stop at aesthetics — we design with ergonomics, durability, the production process, and the product’s entire life cycle in mind. That gives every project solid foundations and real practical value.
- An individual approach — we treat every project as its own challenge. Before we start, we learn the client’s goal, context, and needs in detail. Our collaboration is built on communication, trust, and commitment, which lets us create solutions fitted to the specific user and the environment the product will operate in.
- Experience across industries — we work for companies in many sectors, from industry and technology to medicine, electronics, and food. Each of these fields calls for a different approach and different design standards, so flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly are part of our everyday work.
- Modern tools and technologies — we use advanced design tools, such as CAD software and 3D visualization systems. We support the design process with Rapid Prototyping technologies, which let us build precise models and quickly verify concept assumptions. As a result, our clients receive designs that are refined and ready for rollout.
Industrial design examples from our work
We work with companies from different industries, supporting them end to end — from concept, through modeling and rollout, to marketing materials and product display.
One of our largest and longest-standing partners is ES SYSTEM K, a manufacturer of refrigeration equipment, along with its subsidiary LAKO, which specializes in lighting design. As part of our ongoing collaboration, we handle a wide range of work:
- developing concepts for new devices and designs,
- supporting engineering teams in rolling out and optimizing products,
- preparing visualizations and promotional materials for the marketing department,
- creating custom solutions in cooperation with the sales department,
- and, together with the GRID Architektura team, designing interiors, trade show stands, and exhibition spaces.
The collaboration with EBS, a manufacturer of modern security systems, was quite different in character. We began by developing a design brief that detailed the initial brief and set out the main concept assumptions. We then analyzed the market and design trends, which helped us set the direction for further work. From that came a concept design with several design variants, from which the final solution was chosen. The result was the rollout of a family of modern electronic devices that are a key part of the SMART alarm system.
The elements of an industrial design project
An industrial design project includes a series of stages that lead to the final product. Here are the core elements of the process:
- Defining goals and requirements — the first step is setting the project’s goals and understanding the requirements the final product has to meet. This includes market analysis, identifying the target group, and defining functionality and technical constraints. The result of this stage is the design brief, a set of project assumptions.
- Research and analysis — at this stage, we carry out market research, analyze the competition, and identify trends and consumer preferences. Research can include surveys, interviews, statistical data analysis, and other methods.
- Concept design — based on the information and research results gathered, the designer creates different product concepts. The material developed at this stage includes hand-drawn sketches and early visualizations showing possible design solutions. Various techniques are used in the process, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and functional analysis.
- Design development and prototyping — at this stage, the designer creates more detailed designs, using tools such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software and 3D modeling. Prototypes are built to verify functionality, ergonomics, aesthetics, and other aspects of the design.
- Testing and evaluation — prototypes go through various tests and evaluations. These can include strength tests, usability tests, aesthetic evaluation, market research, and more. Based on the results, the design may be refined or changed further.
- Production and rollout — once the design is approved and any necessary changes are made, production begins. This can include choosing the right materials, technologies, and tools. When production is complete, the product is launched on the market. At this stage and the next, the design team provides design supervision over the rollout, to ensure the best possible results, in line with the directions and decisions set during the design stage.
- Monitoring and improvement (also carried out as part of design supervision) — after the product reaches the market, we monitor its performance, customer response, and other factors. Based on that information, modifications can be made and the design improved, to make the product better and increase its market success.
It’s worth remembering that the industrial design process can vary depending on the project, the industry, and specific requirements. The elements above are only a general outline, which can be adapted to each case.
What does an industrial designer do?
A thoughtful industrial designer has to be empathetic — able to tune in to the needs of the social group or individual users they’re designing for. That matters all the more because users can differ in culture, background, wealth, gender, ability, and age, and may have various limitations. That’s why industrial design is practiced mainly by people who are sensitive to the needs of users, the environment, and society.
An industrial designer is responsible for extensive, wide-ranging research and for establishing the technical and marketing assumptions, as well as the project’s general assumptions. In the early phase of design, the designer produces sketches and 3D models and builds prototypes, which make it possible to test options and see which one best meets consumers’ needs.
In later stages, the designer works with engineers, materials science experts, contractors, and branding and marketing specialists. The whole process often takes many months, and sometimes even years, before the final product goes on sale and consumers start using it.
How to become an industrial designer
The best way to prepare for a career as an industrial designer is to study the subject. Degree programs give you a solid artistic and technical foundation in design, teach you to work with modern tools, and show you what the whole design process looks like.
The curriculum of industrial design or industrial design engineering programs covers design fundamentals, freehand drawing, industrial design, the basics of designing industrial forms, visual techniques, design and product design courses, ergonomics, spatial design, public space design, visual communication, and prototype development. Graduates of industrial design faculties are ready to run an independent design practice or work in interdisciplinary teams.
FAQ
How is industrial design different from graphic design?
Industrial design is about designing the objects and services we use every day, while graphic design deals with visual communication — for example brand identity, advertising materials, or interfaces. The two fields complement each other, but they have different goals and scope.
Is industrial design only about how an object looks?
No. Industrial design covers not only aesthetics, but also functionality, ergonomics, safety, and manufacturability. A good design combines an attractive look with comfort and practical use.
How much does it cost to implement an industrial design project in a company?
Costs depend on the scale of the undertaking — from simple changes to an existing product to developing a completely new solution. The price is affected by factors such as user research, prototyping work, testing, and technical preparation. That’s why every project is quoted individually.
Is industrial design limited to physical objects?
No. Although it’s traditionally associated with physical products, modern design also covers services, interfaces, and entire user experiences. That’s why today we talk not only about designing things, but also about designing processes and brand interactions.
Choose industrial design with GRID
The specialists at GRID have deep industry experience and a broad range of skills. If you’re looking for a professional design studio, we invite you to take a look at our offer!