Have you ever wanted to
redesign your dashboard?
With a blend of skills in art,
business, and engineering,
commercial and industrial designers
develop and improve concepts
for everyday products—
from cars and appliances,
to toys and sneakers.
These designers take into account the function,
appearance, production costs,
and usability of products
when developing new ideas.
Some designers specialize in a type of product,
such as bicycles or furniture,
but they all make their designs
with the client’s project requirements in mind.
Their work spaces often have drawing tables
to sketch designs,
meeting rooms with whiteboards
to brainstorm with colleagues,
and computers and office equipment
to prepare designs
and communicate with clients.
Engineers and other experts
help industrial designers ensure their designs
can actually be made.
They may travel to testing facilities
and to clients’ and users’ locations
to ensure their designs are on track,
and visit manufacturing facilities
to observe production.
Commercial and industrial designers
may need to meet with clients
on weekends or evenings.
Those who are self-employed
or work in consulting firms
also spend time looking for projects
and competing for contracts.
A bachelor’s degree in industrial design,
architecture, or engineering is usually required
for entry-level positions.
An electronic portfolio of design projects
is needed to apply for jobs.