Product design generally refers to the process of effectively generating and evolving ideas that leads to the invention of new advanced industrial products. Those engaged in product design conceptualize certain ideas and make them tangible by inventing new products through a systematic approach. Today, there are several digital tools that allow these industrial designers to communicate, conceptualize, and then evaluate concepts in a much more convenient and faster way. Although product design and industrial design are often used interchangeably, it basically refers to the process that helps to attribute artistic form and function to any craft design when producing mass production of goods.
Steps involved in product design:
* Analyze first the problem at hand without considering the solutions. Writing down the problem is the best way to start designing a solution for it.
* Write down all the necessary requirements for the creation of a product. These can include the retail price, the size of the object, the characteristics of the product in question (such as whether it must be waterproof or does it need batteries to work, etc.). This list helps industrial designers generate new ideas for products.
* After a brainstorming session, ideas are outlined and elaborated. Drawings may not be perfect. These are only made to investigate designs for flaws. Industrial designers at this stage interact with their clients to discuss ideas and you cannot sign a contract with them for such services rendered.
* When a good idea comes up, you should discuss it in detail with the product design team. Industrial designers often create a three-dimensional design on computers that shows the design in detail. At this stage, the idea is either accepted or rejected.
* Once the concept is finalized, industrial designers create three-dimensional models of all components, work out design problems, make assembly drawings for each part, and locate suppliers for purchased components.
* Finally, the product design undergoes testing where the product may be sent to a few clients for feedback or to a lab for professional testing. Ideally, those who are not part of the process should be asked to try the product to give an unbiased opinion.
* In the end, the design, once approved, is sent for manufacturing in the facilities determined by its industrial designers.
Industrial design is essentially a combination of applied arts and sciences in which the usability of products, the ergonomics of their use and their aesthetics can be improved to boost sales. Industrial designers seek to create and execute solutions for marketing and branding purposes by working on the form and usability of certain products. When you design a new invention, it’s a eureka moment in history because it’s perhaps the most ingenious and rewarding way to make money. Designing inventions means finding a niche or discovering a need, coming up with something to make human life better and qualitatively superior. Product design companies are here for this reason to turn something like an abstract notion into an actual item for your use. This next prototype is designed through industrial design processes to be durable and logical.
