This article has been written by Mr. Devesh Singh Chauhan, a 2nd year student of Manickchand Pahade Law College, Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra. 

Introduction

As we look around us, we can see a wide range of products that we use every day. Some of these products are easy to move, while others are not. Although some products may be made of the same materials, they are used for different purposes because of their unique designs. The design of a product shapes its materials and determines its purpose and characteristics. This is why industries use industrial design to create products and objects that focus on appearance, functionality, and manufacturability. With new designs being invented every day, we continue to enjoy new products that make our lives more luxurious and comfortable. In order to have full ownership over a design, it must be new and original and registered. Once registered, the industry has the right to use the design for production and for their financial gain, while holding on to their goodwill. Additionally, industries have the right to sell their designs if needed.

Origin of Industrial Design

The term ‘industrial design’ was coined during the industrial revolution, a period that occurred during the mid-18th century and early 19th century in Great Britain and later spread throughout the world. As industries and factories replaced manpower with new machines and techniques, the way objects were made changed dramatically, leading to advancements in machine designs. Although the first recorded use of the term ‘Industrial Design’ was in the year 1919 by Joseph Claude Sinel, the discipline had been in existence for at least a decade prior to this. Christopher Dresser, an independent designer and design theorist, is considered to be the first person to have contributed to the field of industrial design [1].

Legality of Industrial Design

In industrial design, the term “Design” refers to the visual features of a finished product that are evaluated solely by the human eye. These features may include the form, pattern, configuration, ornamentation or composition of colors or lines, applied in either two or three dimensions, using any process – manual, chemical, mechanical, separate, or combined. However, the term “Design” excludes any mode of construction, trademark (as defined in clause (v) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Trade and Merchandise Marks Act, 1958 (43 of 1958)), property mark (as defined in section 479 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860)), and artistic work (as defined in clause (c) of section 2 of the Copyright Act, 1957) [2].

Process of Industrial Design

The process of creating a product is crucial to its outcome. Designers use various approaches and methods to ensure that the final product is of high quality. They use techniques such as model making, prototyping, sketching, and testing during the design process.

Nowadays, industrial design processes often utilize 3D software and computers to save time and money. With the development of 3D printing machines, it has become even easier to create products within a short period of time. CT scans are also used to detect any cracks and interior defects before development. In the past, modeling was done using clay, paper, and wood. [3]. 

The process of industrial design involve:-

• Research and analysis: Before developing a design, it’s important to gather information to avoid copying and ensure uniqueness. Analyzing this information makes the product more compatible and able to fulfill the needs of the consumer. 
• Concept development: This stage involves using imagination to generate ideas from the research and analysis of societal needs. 
• Prototyping: After imagining what to make, it’s time to create it in a tangible form using different methods such as clay, 3-D printing, or paper. 
• Refinement and testing: Testing is a crucial process to detect any problems and consider feedback from various sources. This helps to make the product more compatible for consumer usage. 
• Finalization and production: This is the last stage of the process where the design is finalized after multiple changes and tests. Once finalized, it’s ready to go into production.

Requirement to be the Industrial Designer

An industrial designer is a professional who specializes in creating new products for various industries. Most designers work from an office, using 3-D modeling to take a more imaginative approach to their projects; however, some also engage in fieldwork.

The primary responsibility of a designer is to develop new products that meet the needs of the market and are well-received by the audience. They also conduct research to ensure that the design has not been previously made public. Some of the basic duties of an industrial designer include.

• To maintain quality of the product.
• Regulate the cost.
• Run all safety Test.
• Keep appearance attractive and easy to use.
• Make communication with client for marketing.

To become the professional designer some steps should be follow:

To become a successful designer, one should consider enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program in fields such as architecture or engineering. They should focus on subjects like drawing, three-dimensional modeling, and business management. After completing their undergraduate studies, they can pursue advanced education to earn a master’s degree for greater opportunities and to enhance their qualifications and expand their knowledge. The most praised course for designers pursuing a master’s degree is the Master of Business Administration (MBA), as it provides knowledge in the field of business management to handle business issues and generate revenue with their designs [4].

Some basic skills require to works as designer are:

• Drawing and sketching: These skills help in quick and effective communication of their ideas through sketch and drawing.

• Computer-aided design (CAD) software: CAD software helps in the quick formation of detailed 3D models of design.

• Materials science: Before crafting the design on the material it is very important to choose the correct material and control its quality which can sustain the design and make it worth it.

• Manufacturing processes: The Designer should be well aware of the manufacturing process in order to design products that can be manufactured efficiently.

Importance of Industrial Design

Industrial design leads to innovation and the development of products, benefiting both the designer and the consumer. In addition to features, industrial designers also focus on details such as ergonomics, interface design, and packaging techniques to make products easy to use and to resolve problems. As human needs evolve, designs must adapt to provide comfort and convenience. For example, the wheel was invented for easy transportation, and as needs changed, vehicles were developed to meet those needs. As designs evolve, prototypes and products change multiple times, presenting new solutions and attractive designs. It is important for designers to keep in mind that the design should be both attractive and easily usable [5]. A famous example of the importance of product usability is Edison’s invention of the light bulb, which illuminated the world but was difficult to travel long distances with and wasted energy. Edison’s alternative to this was the development of direct and alternating current, which we use today. If a product is hard to use and does not have worth, it is not worth consuming.

Here are some points which relate you to the importance of industrial design are:

• • Enhancing User Experience: The role of industrial designers is to enhance the user experience by meticulously considering the needs and preferences of users, and continuously developing products that are easy to use and pass safety checks, to gain the trust of people and ensure comfort. 

• Strengthening Brand Identity:  Designers also focus on creating attractive and useful designs that strengthen the brand identity of the company, ultimately building goodwill in the market. For example, when people refer to toothpaste, they often use the brand name “Colgate” as a reference. 

• Improving Product Safety: It is crucial for products to surpass all safety measures before launch to avoid any future problems and prevent any negative impact on the company’s reputation.

• Promoting Sustainable Design: Designers should also prioritize sustainable practices in their work, considering the materials used, manufacturing processes, and product lifecycles to minimize environmental impact. Products should be eco-friendly to promote sustainable design.

The future of industrial design

The industrial revolution marked a pivotal moment in human history, transforming the way people lived, worked, and interacted with their environment. With urbanization on the rise and a rising demand for new products and machines, designers and engineers were compelled to create innovative solutions to meet the evolving societal standards. As a result, new designs were invented that catered to the growing need for luxury and comfort. Over time, consumer needs continued to evolve, leading to a constant development of new designs that could match the changing demands of society. To keep up with this ever-changing landscape, designers are now turning to cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and artificial intelligence to create products that are both innovative and sustainable [6].

Conclusion

Industrial design is the art of shaping the material into products that surround us in our daily lives. It is a dynamic and creative field that is constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of people. Through research, industrial designers are able to create products that are not only effective but also provide the utmost comfort and user experience. They strive to create designs that are sustainable and innovative while keeping in mind the needs of the public. Continuous development in industrial design plays a vital role in shaping the products of tomorrow. It ensures that they remain relevant and functional in the market. As the needs of people evolve, industrial designers are compelled to create more innovative and sustainable products that meet these needs and enhance the user experience.

Reference

1. This article was originally written by Design Museum, published on Design Museum: London – design, architecture and fashion. The link for the same herein. http://design.designmuseum.org/design/christopher-dresser
2. Section 2(d) of The design act, 2000
3.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_design#Design_process
4. This article was originally written by Indeed editorial team, published on Indeed. The link for the same herein. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-industrial-designer
5. This article was originally written by 123 design, published on Medium. The link for the same herein. https://medium.com/@123.design1962/the-importance-of-industrial-design-9d6fdac52a69
6. This article was originally written by Made by Makers, published on Linkedin. The link for the same herein. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/future-industrial-design-how-ai-revolutionizing-field/