As stated in the Dictionary, "Industrial design is the art that deals with the design problems of manufactured objects, including problems of designing such objects with consideration for available materials and means of production, of designing packages, bottles, etc., for manufactured goods, and of graphic design for manufactured objects, packages, etc."
It is thus apparent that industrial design is the process to develop concepts for manufactured products through techniques and designs. The principal aspect is that design is kept apart from manufacture; the creative act of developing the concept and defining the form of a product takes place in advance of the manufacturing of the product. Indeed, it is an act of creative and artistic individual which incorporates the aesthetic aspect of design and development of product. The engineers work upon three dimensional features - shape, pattern and ornamentation, while keeping in mind its accessibility, functionality and marketability.
Although the process involves a great deal of creativity, many methodical approaches also take place. In fact, the professionals often incorporate various design methodologies to complement their creative process. The processes used by the professionals are user interface, drafting, sketching, model making, product research, testing and prototyping. The designers utilize latest software, computer aided designs and CAD programs to give their concept a final shape.
Industrial design also throws light on other side of the process- technical conceptualization, products and processes. Besides considering the aesthetics and ornamentation of the product, it also covers engineering, expediency, production and other concerns including psychology, users' state of mind and emotional attachment. These aspects of industrial design may vary among different designers and various schools of thoughts.
Designers should be multitalented to deal with diverse field of art, marketing and engineering. Moreover, they must have sound creative knowledge, clear sense of product design, and proficiency in practicality and aesthetics. Using these skills, professionals have to create design and carry out a strategy for giving a final touch to the product. It requires a thorough market research from a designer to make any product successful in the market. Therefore, every time when there is a production of new product or service, designers have to undertake a thorough market analysis and research. There are other factors that an industrial designer takes into consideration, and to create branding solutions for brand reputation is one among the most important tasks. To achieve this feat, he/she must have exceptional creative skills and the ability to think different from the rest of the world. If they are not capable of coming up with a right solution, it may be possible that anything worst will happen with the product.
As we see that the role of a designer is tough and complicated, they must combine the skill of an engineer, artist, and marketing expert and all rolled into one to have a perfect balance of the sense of aesthetics and strong practicality.
