What is the difference between industrial design and industrial engineering

Having worked with different customers of different backgrounds, I realized that industrial designers and design engineers very rarely recommend that their customers see the other unlike doctors do. This is a matter of pride and business.

There is a fear that the customer will think one is incompetent or that the customer will finish the project with the other one, although unbeknown to the customer the other one is not the expert in both. They most often times need a draft angle added in order to eject the part from the mold or a wall thickness increased to accommodate the material specification. Somebody has to spend the time to redesign the part, and that has to be paid for by the customer.

Often times, the customer does not understand the need to redesign and the sequence of events to validate. This situation creates confusion, frustration, and mistakes. When a customer pays for a design, they expect the design to be ready for manufacturing. However, many times customers find themselves paying more and waiting longer for product redesign so that it is suitable for manufacturing.

Therefore, know the difference between industrial design and design engineering, and ensure you know which one you are dealing with. Featured Video. Brian Korbelik, President Precision Additive. Christian Buckner, VP Altair. Submit More Videos. These are more likely to include classes in sculpture, drawing, painting, metals and contemporary art jewelry.

Most are science degrees. Students who want to combine the art form with the science of design may look for a bachelor of science in ID.

Through the combination of engineering and design, students study marketing principles, research methods, artistic skills, 3D techniques, materials, color application, ergonomics, and manufacturing processes. Western Washington University provides access to manufacturing facilities. There are CNC machines computer numerical control , waterjet cutters, laser cutter, 3D printers, injection molders, extruders, milling machines, welding equipment, and paint booths.

All of the standard shop equipment that students need to make almost anything they design. A check of online employment websites, such as Indeed, reveals different careers between the two professions-ID and DE. As you might expect, a search for design engineering positions shows more jobs associated with scientific and technical fields.

Examples are oil and gas services, lighting, computer science, packing equipment, medical scanning, and x-ray equipment. The majority of these jobs require a degree in design engineering or mechanical engineering. The same employment site Indeed has numerous jobs listed requiring individuals with a degree industrial design.

The consensus appears to favor consumer products. Examples are televisions Vizio , cookware Williams and Sonoma , portable fans Vornado , furniture, music technology Alesis drums , bicycles, gear and components Specialized , wearable technology Garmin , Toys Little Kids , and many more.

One thing many of these jobs have in common is the collaboration of design with engineering, marketing, and management. The partnership unites the disciplines of design and engineering.

Meaning, whichever degree you choose, it benefits you to be knowledgeable in ID and DE. AD Degreequery. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. You are now subscribed Email. Tweet Share Pin Share Up next. Posted by Ben Mazur Product design vs industrial design. It depends who you ask, where they are from and where they studied The difference is subtle and there is no answer everyone can agree on Product design is primarily concerned with the user interaction and involves research, observation and prototyping Industrial design can incorporate product design but is usually also more concerned with the wider view of how a product works and is manufactured Download PDF.

You might also like How prototyping and user-centred design leads to better products. Product design is less about how to make something and more about why we make it and for whom. What is the answer? Was this Helpful? Yes No. Have a question? Ask the author Ben Mazur. If you enjoyed this Sign up for more. Email Subscribe.