Application Review: Industrial Design

Process:
Industrial Design

Applicable Industries:
Aerospace, Computer, Toys, Inventors, Consumer Products, Packaging, Sports Equipment & Auto

Procedure:
Industrial design was the term that Joseph Sinel used, in 1919, to define how science and art become involved with creating machine-made parts and products. Moving a product from concept to market is never an easy task. This task can be simplified if one applies the principals of Industrial Design. Let’s examine the process.

Essentially the role of the Industrial Designer (ID) is to take someone’s idea and move it forward. Keep in mind that an ID can enter in the development process at any stage of the cycle. Once an idea is conceived, the ID will create preliminary sketches. In this part of the process the ID will generate several concepts of the same idea. This gives the client a variety of directions to take his concept. The concepts are reviewed by the client and, in turn, the client will give the ID feedback.

Creating sketch models is the first stage of having a 3D prototype. The sketch model is fabricated with the chosen manufacturing method in mind. Here variables such as material, color, etc. are considered. An ID can create sketch models out of foam, wood, plastics, metals, etc.

The ID will then refine the concept. He or she will know at this point the best direction to take the design. They will know what direction is feasible in terms of manufacturing and price point.

Once the design is finalized, you can choose such methods as Injection Molding, Epoxy Tooling, Rapid Prototyping, RTV Rubber Tooling, etc. as possible methods to create a final prototype. The process ends with the finished product successfully created.

At Harrington Product Development Center, we have an experienced Industrial Designer on staff. We develop a real understanding of our customer’s needs and requirements. Contact us with your project and let us show you why we create the edge in product development!