The field of industrial design involves the use of the concepts of design, safety, technology, marketing and ergonomics to create user-friendly products for consumers. Industrial design services are very useful for various industrial applications.

There are many basic and advanced level programs available in the field of industrial design. In addition, you can also read various industrial design research articles, magazines and journals to find the latest trends and technologies.

You can find many educational opportunities for pursuing a career in industrial design. Start by:

1. Joining various professional associations that provide educational materials.
2. Hiring a professional organization to train your employees.
3. Enrolling for basic and advanced training programs for industrial design.
4. Subscribing to magazines and journals.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find basic and advanced training programs for industrial design

Both basic and advanced level courses in industrial design are available, depending on your or your business's needs, for industrial design education and training.

I recommend: The School of Art and Design at the University of Illinois, Chicago offers a degree program in industrial design. Savannah College of Art and Design offers various graduate and postgraduate programs in the field of art and design, including industrial designing. University of Cincinnati also offers a full time bachelor’s degree in the science of industrial design. You can also opt for the Art Institute of California-Orange County, which offers various bachelor and associate's degree programs, including industrial design.

Subscribe to magazines and journals for further industrial design info

Updating your knowledge about industrial design is very important to stay ahead of your competitors in the industrial design industry. You can access online journals that keep you up-to-date on the developments in the industry.

I recommend: Core77 is an online journal that provides industrial design information through various articles, lecture series, discussion forums and other events that it conducts. Inventables is another resource that helps product developers create differentiated products and provides information about ongoing research and innovations in the field of design.

Join various associations for industrial design companies

Associations of industrial designers and industrial design companies provide a platform for communication and interaction between the experts, service providers and customers. To become a successful industrial designer, you can join the associations that provide information about the developments in the industry.

I recommend: Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) is an organization dedicated to industrial design professions and students, with a motive to elevate the business of industrial design. International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID) is another global not-for-profit organization for industrial design companies.

The industrial design industry works with concepts of design, technology, safety and marketing to create packaging that promotes your brand or product while benefiting the consumer. The industrial design business works in all industries including automotive, technology, retail and construction. Industrial design companies, depending on industry specialty, can employ engineers, software developers or artists as part of the staff.

Industrial design info is necessary for manufacturers bringing their products to market. Manufacturers would do best to use industrial design firms with experience in their businesses.

1. Industrial design info is essential for manufacturers that are bringing their products to market.

2. Industrial design is a collaboration between the manufacturer and the industrial designer.

3. The industrial design industry focuses on the visual end of a product but brings many different concept designs including safety, product instructions, engineering or technical expertise to the table.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Test your image with industrial design research

Industrial design research is a component of what industrial design firms provide to clients. Research can include marketing niche, safety issues, quality control and government regulation. An industrial design firm can also test or research the appeal a certain image has on consumers.

I recommend: Industrial Design Research works with a gamut of industries ranging from automotive to film industries. It has a high profile client list and is equipped to work with diverse and high-end products. Phase One Design has a diverse client list and works on smaller products in the medical field and consumer/retail, industrial and small technological industries.

Get industrial design info from professional associations

If you are looking for industrial design information, you can find it through professional groups that define the industrial design industry. Most associations provide a list of design firms and contact information including phone numbers, email addresses and physical addresses.

I recommend: The Industrial Designers of America is an industry association. It provides information on design firms and vendors. Find a freelance industrial designer through the directory at Freelance Designers.

Use technology to do your own industrial design

Technology has informed every aspect of our lives and industrial design is no different. Many architects use CAD for their drawings. Industrial designers offer a range of choices and prices. Look for one that provides what you need at a price you can afford.

I recommend: Industrial designers use Autodesk's 2D Drafting to create 3D models that clients can view before the company pays to make prototypes. Rhino 3D is less expensive and has good customer ratings for its design development.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can find more information on industrial design through university websites that offer courses in industrial design.