Theory and Practice
of
Industrial Design
by Angela Dumas
Abstract
Design must be understood as a word that describes both a process and an outcome. It is the
process of turning ideas into material things. The word design can be used with legitimacy in
many activities, the design of a sales or financial plan, the design of a new organisation, or the
design of a home construction project like building shelves. Many individuals have followed a
design process in the course of their everyday activities. At some level, it is a natural human
ability along with the other innate capabilities such as communication and language.
Industrial Design is the term used when the activity is pressed into service as a formal part of
a business enterprise dedicated to creating artefacts as a part of wealth creation. Prior to
industrialisation, individuals undertaking design were artisan craftsman, we might speculate
on what expertise and knowledge those active in design might need in a future post
industrialist age.
Currently, though, the activity of industrial design is generally linked to product development
in a manufacturing context. It is a factor in the following:
· The creation of products that attain and reach beyond style.
· The integration and application of new technology.
· Activities that enhance or create new markets.
· Activities that enhance and guard brands.
Industrial Design is inextricably a part of innovation and it can make a contribution in the
three broad categories of innovation activity:
· Incremental innovation – improvement.
· Variety innovation - styling/restyling.
· Radical innovation new capability.
The conditions for effective innovation include: good cross functional communication and
understanding; a base of shared knowledge and experiences and the ability to draw on the
tacit knowledge of individuals. These are also essential requirements for effective industrial
design. While industrial design is a specialist activity, the role of non – designers is critically
important. Managers have always had a vital role to play in ensuring the effective use of
specialists and it is no different with industrial design specialists. In relation to industrial
design, managers must be the integrators across all aspects of the process. They must ensure