What is Industrial Design?
From my understanding industrial design is the study of the relationship between users, object, space, and function, in which the empathy with the users is the foundation while the demand of the manufacturer is fulfilled. The focus of industrial design changes throughout the history depending on the target audience the product is for and the development of technology. For instance, the design of the products before industrial revolution is specialized as they were designed for a few individuals at a time, and there was limitation on technology for mass production. In contrast, starting from industrial revolution, goods have to be identical for broad audience to be mass produced, as a result, the industrial design work to service the bigger needs. The products are designed to be useful, comfortable, and easy to follow for everyone or the broad audience.
How does Industrial Design Impacts our World?
Industrial design has a broad and far-reaching impact on our world, influencing the way we live, work, and interact with the environment and technology. Firstly, since products are designed to not only be functional but also user-friendly, the design of everyday items, from smartphones to kitchen appliances, influences how easily and effectively people can use them. In addition, with wide variety of designs and the ways products perform similar functions, customers’ preferences and purchasing decisions are also affected. From my research, I found that industrial design also have sustainability and environmental impact through incorporating sustainable practices into the goods such as the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and a focus on recyclability. For an example, Nike pushed the boundaries of sustainable innovation through reusing existing plastics, yarns, textiles, and inventing sustainable materials for their products. Moving on, industrial design can also impact the way people communicate and interact through the design of websites, apps, and other interactive softwares that may play a crucial role in people’s lives.