Commercial and Industrial Design

Commercial and Industrial Design Overview

Commercial and industrial designers design products we use every day. They are responsible for the function, style, quality, and safety of manufactured products from the smallest household items, like water bottles or toys, to large industrial machines, cars, and airplanes. Industrial designers design products based on the needs of the clientele, functionality, scientific principals, aesthetics, and desired characteristics. Commercial and industrial designers are often proficient in computer aided drafting to make conceptual mock-ups of products, and savvy in market forecasting and corporate strategy to create products that fit in with a manufacturer’s product line and current market trends. Commercial and industrial designers may work for corporations or as consultants or freelancers.

Commerical and Industrial Design Training & Education

Almost all commercial and industrial design positions require a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering, and many positions beyond entry-level require a master’s degree. While many master’s candidates have bachelor’s degrees in commercial and industrial design, people from other fields, such as business, information technology, or engineering, sometimes choose to complete master’s degrees in the field. Aspiring commercial and industrial designers are also encouraged to take internships with manufacturers or at design studios.

Commercial and industrial designers are encouraged to create a solid foundation with coursework in design, sketching, computer-aided design, industrial materials and processes, manufacturing methods, and engineering. Other helpful fields of knowledge include physical science, mathematics, psychology, and anthropology.

Commercial and Industrial Design Career & Salary Outlook

While the number of new manufactured products is on the rise, some firms have begun to outsource their industrial design overseas, resulting in a competitive job market in the United States. Many of the best positions are predicted to be in firms where designers specialize in one product or industry.

In May 2006, the median annual wage of commercial and industrial designers was $54,560, with management earning a median of $64,700, providers of architectural, engineering, and related services earning a median of $61,890, and providers of specialized design services earning a median of $52,500.

Characteristics of Successful Commerical and Industrial Designers

Successful commercial and industrial designers have keen visual acuity, good spatial perception, and an eye for aesthetics and details. Problem-solving ability is required, because commercial and industrial designers are often tasked with using a product to solve a specific problem or improving on an existing product. Sketching ability is helpful when it comes to creating mock-ups of new products or concepts, as are good communication skills. Familiarity and ability with computer aided drawing software has also become increasingly important. A commercial and industrial designer generally needs a solid portfolio of designs before getting a job in the field.

Because commercial and industrial designers often work alone or as self-employed freelancers, they need good project management and time management ability.

Commercial and Industrial Design Careers & Specializations

Commercial Product Designer: Commercial product designers are responsible for every aspect of the design of commercial products, from the shape of toothpaste tubes to the colors found on food packaging. They evaluate commercial trends, a company’s needs and history, and a product’s characteristics and function, then design the product and its packaging.

Industrial Designer: Industrial designers design and improve manufactured industrial products. Like commercial designers, they take many factors into account and then design a product that is functional, safe, unique, and aesthetically pleasing.

Furniture Designer: Furniture designers take form and function, as well as safety and ergonomics into account when designing furniture. For example, they may design specialized ergonomic chairs for office workers or couches designed to fit in with a company’s logo and branding.

Article Resources:

Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Industrial Designers Society of America
American Society of Interior Designers