Design Discussion 1

Industrial Design

Industrial design stands out from other fields of design for its focus on usability, practicality, and inclusivity. It is rooted in empathy; designers must sympathize with issues that potential users encounter in their daily lives, and offer solutions with these users’ comfort in mind. 

Industrial design has dramatically changed how we interact with our surroundings. In China, this is evident in how our modes of payment has changed. From carrying cash and coins, we now only have to carry our phones in which we can access a payment app. If we wanted to get to know someone better, gone are the days where you would need to know their address to send letters. All we have to do now is ask for their usernames in relevant social media apps, which would allow us to converse with them anytime and anywhere. 

This reading made me realize just how surrounded we are with industrial design. It is evident in everything we have; from the intuitivity of our mobile phones to the optimization of space in our closets. It also helped me realize how industrial design is also an indication of technological development. When I was younger, all I could dream about was getting a flip phone one day. However before I was old enough to get my own phone, touch screen phones were suddenly introduced to the market. This change in phone design indicated the beginning of a much more technology-focused world. It also shows just how fast the industrial designers adapt to the changing times.