25.1. Introduction
Industrial design is a discipline, distinct from engineering, that combines creative and intuitive elements of the visual arts with practical knowledge of markets, human behavior, materials, and manufacturing to create product designs of high value. It is important to note that the specific training for industrial designers produces a mind-set that is quite distinct from that of the engineering disciplines. Understanding the unique contributions of industrial designers will build a case for their substantive involvement in the product development team.
Industrial designers are employed by corporations and consulting firms, many of which also offer product development and engineering services. Some companies use both in-house industrial design groups and industrial design consultants; reasons for this vary, but include providing a fresh view of the product and problem-solving to the project team and/or resolving issues with overcapacity due to limited internal resources.
Industrial design is employed in various ways and at various points in the product development process. Involving industrial designers throughout the development process is the ideal way to maximize the value that industrial design can bring to the finished product. This chapter will describe a number of key points where industrial designers can make major contributions to the process.
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