Industrial Design

An industrial design specialist combines his or her knowledge of engineering, art, and business to develop products that help make our lives easier. In many cases, an industrial design professional specializes in one particular area. Some of the most common areas of focus for an industrial design specialist include appliances, medical equipment, technology goods, automobiles, toys, furniture, construction equipment, and tools.

An industrial design specialist must consider the needs of the consumer when developing new products. After considering these needs, the industrial design specialist develops a product to help meet those needs in a way that does not already exist. This process involves creating sketches and then prototypes in order to determine the effectiveness of the product.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial design professionals earned a median annual salary of $54,560 in 2006. Those who worked as managers of companies and enterprises earned the most, with a median annual salary of $64,700. Those who were employed in specialized design services earned the least, with a median annual salary of $52,500.

In order to obtain an entry-level position as an industrial design specialist, you must earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Coursework typically involves sketching, design, computer-aided design, manufacturing methods, industrial materials and processes, mathematics, and engineering.

A good candidate for a career as an industrial design specialist is someone who is creative, yet has a passion for technology. Those who have a strong eye for aesthetics, a good imagination, solid problem-solving skills, and an interest in using technology to solve every day problems are particularly well suited to this career.