Industrial design applies a blend of art and science for improving a product in a way that there is an addition to its market value through improved looks and functionality. It has application both for products which are in the development stage and those that have already been launched in the market.

Industrial design essentially focuses on how the customer will relate to a particular product. It means the consumers must consider the products as something desirable and worth paying for. Such a result can be achieved by making significant additions to the features or the looks of the product, which helps the product to entice the consumers to purchase it.

A detailed research into the purchasing habits of consumers and their choices and preferences is the first step in designing a certain product. This step is then followed by sketching, model making, sampling and final testing before circulation of the item in the market. These days, 3D software is employed to accomplish a lot of these jobs, and CAD programs are of great help to designers.

The primary goal of industrial design is enhancing the very essence of the product. Designers have to concentrate upon a number of factors other than the appearance of the product. These include sturdiness, functionality, ergonomics and the user friendliness of the product. In fact, a designer can even lower the manufacturing costs significantly by coming up with alterations in the design.

Industrial design also encompasses other aspects like packaging a product, study of a buyer’s psychological response to a product, and his or her degree of sentimental attachment to the item. This is the reason why industrial designers have to undergo years of strict training to make themselves suitable for the profession and start designing products.

Some of the renowned industrial designers are Raymond Loewy, designer of the Coca-Cola bottle, Jonathan Ive, credited with designing the iMac and Brooks Stevens, the extremely popular designer of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

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