Understanding the difference between industrial design vs product design can make all the difference when you’re creating something new.
At its core, industrial design focuses on making products that can be mass-produced efficiently.
Think of cars, smartphones, or kitchen appliances — products where manufacturing needs to be streamlined.
On the other hand, product design focuses on how the end user interacts with the product.
It’s about creating something that not only works but feels right when you use it.
Both are essential in bringing a product to market, but they serve different purposes.
Let’s explore how they overlap, how they differ, and how you can decide which one is right for your next project.
What Is the Difference Between Industrial and Product Design?
The primary difference between industrial design and product design lies in their focus.
Industrial design is all about making sure a product can be built on a large scale while looking good and functioning well.
Product design centers around how a good product feels and works for the user.
For example, an industrial designer might think about how a product can be made efficiently in a factory, while a product designer will worry about how easy it is for someone to use it at home.
How Do Industrial and Product Design Work Together?
These two disciplines often collaborate.
Industrial designers look at the big picture, working to make sure a product can be manufactured smoothly.
Product designers then come in to fine-tune the user experience, making sure every detail is perfect for the person using it.
This collaboration is key during prototyping, when ideas get turned into physical models.
What Does a Product Designer Focus On?
A product designer focuses on how a product works in real life.
They design with the user in mind, thinking about how a product will be used and even how it might break or wear down over time.
They consider everything from usability to the look and feel of the product.
Examples of Good Product Design
A great example of product design is the OXO Good Grips line of kitchen tools.
Designed to be easy to hold and use, these products improve daily life for all kinds of people, including those with limited hand strength.
Another strong example is YETI drinkware, designed right here in Atlanta, combining toughness with everyday usability.
What Are the Essential Skills in Industrial Design vs Product Design?
Both industrial and product designers use similar skills like sketching, prototyping, and research.
However, industrial designers focus more on understanding the materials and processes involved in manufacturing at scale.
Product designers, meanwhile, focus on how people use the product — things like user interface (UI), ergonomics, and aesthetics.
Steps Involved in Industrial and Product Design
The steps in industrial design include market research, concept sketching, technical detailing, prototyping, and testing for mass production.
Steps for product design also involve research and prototyping but places a stronger emphasis on user testing to see to it that the final product is functional and enjoyable for the end user.
When Should You Choose Industrial Design Over Product Design?
If your goal is to mass-produce an item, like furniture or tech devices, you need industrial design to figure out the logistics.
But if your focus is on the user experience, like developing a new piece of wearable tech or a kitchen gadget, you’ll want a product designer to refine the details.
How Does User Experience Differ in Industrial and Product Design?
While both types of designers think about the user, product designers prioritize how a product is used, while industrial designers balance that with the need to make products at scale.
For example, a vacuum cleaner needs to be easy to push and operate, but it also needs to be made efficiently in a factory.
At the End of the Day
Whether you need industrial design for mass production or product design for creating a smooth user experience, both are crucial for bringing successful products to life.
By understanding the strengths of each, you can make better decisions and bring your vision to market — whether it’s a complex new device or an everyday product.
Comments are closed.