As defined by the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA), “Industrial design is the professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer.” Anything that is mass-produced has been designed by someone – that’s the realm of the industrial designer.

Industrial design offices lists the following as the five most valuable skills:

• creative problem-solving skills
• ability to convey concepts with quick sketches
• good verbal and written communication skills
• computer proficiency in vectorbased or 3D programs
• mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of how things work

Industrial designers work in a wide range of industries and fields, including (but not limited to) transportation design, medical products and consumer electronics design, special effects for the entertainment industry, computer animation, furniture design, and environmental design, including building interiors and signs.