Become aIndustrial Designer

You’re not just a dreamer – you’re a creator! Industrial Designers have the superpower to bring ideas to life, making everyday objects more user friendly, sustainable, and visually appealing. Whether it’s designing the next generation of gadgets or creating furniture from recycled tyres, you’ll leave your mark on the world.

• Shape the future of products and technology.
• Combine creativity with engineering and design.
• Create solutions that improve everyday life.
• Innovate in industries like transport and technology.

Picture this: you’re sketching out concepts, experimenting with materials, and crafting prototypes. As an Industrial Designer, you’re the mastermind behind the products we love, solving problems and creating solutions through design.

At the heart of industrial design lies the fusion of artistry and engineering. You’ll harness your creative instincts to conceptualise new ideas and translate them into tangible designs, while also drawing on your technical skills to ensure feasibility and practicality. 

Whether you’re sketching out concepts by hand, using industry developed software to render 3D models, or prototyping physical products in a workshop, every step of the design process is an opportunity to innovate and problem-solve.

You’ll conduct research, gather feedback, and iterate on your designs to create products that resonate with people on a personal level. As an industrial designer, you’re not just shaping products; you’re shaping experiences, emotions, and memories, leaving a lasting impact on the world through your creativity and ingenuity.

Get ready to explore a world of possibilities! Industrial Designers can work in industries such as:

• Technology and electronics
• Furniture and interior design
• Automotive and transportation
• Product packaging and branding
• Healthcare and medical devices

To excel as an Industrial Designer, you’ll need skills like:

• Creativity
• Problem-solving
• Visual communication
• Technical drawing
• 3D modelling
• Collaboration

Fuel your passion for design with subjects like:

• Art and Design
• Maths and Geometry
• Physics and Engineering
• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• Materials Science
• Business and Marketing

From designing futuristic gadgets to creating sustainable solutions, Industrial Designers bring dreams to life. You’ll get to work on projects that shape the world around us, making everyday life more beautiful and functional.

Design prototypes for futuristic products
Develop concept sketches and 3D models of cutting-edge products like eco-friendly gadgets or electric vehicles that could shape the future.

Test materials for product durability
Experiment with different materials to see which ones work best for specific products, ensuring they are both functional and sustainable.

Collaborate with engineers and manufacturers
Work closely with engineers to bring your designs to life, ensuring the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements.

Create ergonomic designs for everyday use
Design products that are both comfortable and practical, like furniture or wearable technology, making daily life easier for users.

Research consumer trends and needs
Stay up to date with the latest market trends and consumer needs, using this knowledge to create products that solve real-world problems.

Present design ideas to clients or stakeholders
Pitch your innovative design concepts to clients, explaining how your product meets their needs while pushing the boundaries of design.

Australia is home to many talented female industrial designers who are changing the landscape of product design with their innovative and impactful creations. We have listed some of them below:

Simone LeAmon
Simone is a leading industrial designer and curator at the National Gallery of Victoria. Her work spans furniture, product design, and urban design, and she champions the intersection of art and industrial design.

Brooke Thompson
Brooke is a designer known for her work in sustainable product design. She has worked with leading Australian companies to create eco-friendly products that minimise environmental impact.

Victoria Tomlinson
Victoria is a product designer who has contributed to the medical and healthcare industries, designing ergonomic and life-improving medical devices that enhance user comfort and safety.

Cathy Veninga
Cathy is a renowned designer with experience in creating high-tech and user-centred products, especially in the transport and mobility sectors. Her work focuses on improving functionality and user experience.

Marc Newson

Renowned for his innovative and futuristic designs, Marc Newson is one of Australia’s most celebrated industrial designers. His work spans across various industries, from furniture and fashion to transportation and technology. Newson’s iconic designs, characterised by sleek lines and futuristic aesthetics, have earned him numerous awards and accolades, cementing his status as a design icon on the global stage.

Helen Kontouris

With a focus on creating emotionally engaging and sustainable designs, Helen Kontouris is a prominent figure in the Australian design scene. Her work often explores the intersection of art, nature, and technology, resulting in unique and thought-provoking creations. Kontouris’ designs can be found in public spaces, commercial settings, and private collections around the world, showcasing her ability to merge functionality with artistic expression.

Nick Rennie

Known for his minimalist yet functional designs, Nick Rennie has made significant contributions to the field of industrial design. His work spans across furniture, lighting, and homeware, with an emphasis on simplicity, elegance, and usability. Rennie’s designs often incorporate sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, reflecting his commitment to environmental responsibility and social consciousness.

To get ahead in the world of industrial design, you’ll need traits like:

• Creative
• Innovative
• Detail-oriented
• Curious
• Collaborative
• Persistent

Here are some degrees to begin your journey as an Industrial Designer:

Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design)
This degree covers all aspects of industrial design, from concept development to prototyping and material testing. Students learn how to design products for mass production while keeping usability and aesthetics in mind. Curtin University offers a strong industrial design program in Western Australia.

Bachelor of Engineering (Product Design Engineering)
For those interested in the technical side of design, this degree combines product design with engineering principles, focusing on creating innovative products that are both functional and manufacturable.

Bachelor of Creative Industries (Innovation and Design)
This course explores how design and creativity intersect, teaching students to think innovatively about how products can be designed to meet future needs in industries like transport, technology, and health.

• Bachelor of Industrial Design
• Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design)
• Bachelor of Arts (Industrial Design)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial Design)
• Bachelor of Product Design

Get ready to mix and match your studies to create your own unique pathway to becoming an Industrial Designer! Here’s how:

Combine Degrees

Blend your passion for design with other disciplines like engineering, business, or sustainability to expand your skill set and explore new opportunities.

Hands-On Learning

Don’t just stick to textbooks; get involved in design projects, internships, or workshops to gain practical experience and learn from industry professionals.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Collaborate with students from different fields such as architecture, graphic design, or environmental science to tackle real-world design challenges and broaden your perspective.

During your studies, you’ll dive into a world of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation! Here’s what you’ll learn:

Design Principles

Master the fundamentals of design, including form, function, aesthetics, and usability.

Technical Skills

Learn to use design software, create prototypes, and work with materials to bring your ideas to life.

Human-Centred Design

Understand the needs and preferences of users to create products that are intuitive and user-friendly.

Market Research

Analyse market trends, consumer behaviour, and industry standards to design products that meet market demands.

Sustainability

Explore sustainable design practices and eco-friendly materials to create products that minimise environmental impact.

Project Management

Develop project management skills to plan, execute, and deliver design projects on time and within budget.

Ready to gain real experience as an Industrial Designer? Here are some ways to get started:

Internships

Join design firms, manufacturing companies, or creative agencies as an intern to gain hands-on experience and build your portfolio.

Freelancing

Offer your design services to clients or businesses on a freelance basis, working on projects ranging from product design to branding and packaging.

Industry Placements

Collaborate with industry partners during your university studies through industry placements or cooperative education programs, gaining valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Not sure about pursuing a full university degree? Here are alternative pathways to becoming an Industrial Designer:

Vocational Training and Certifications
For students who prefer practical, hands-on experience, vocational training in design or manufacturing offers direct entry into industrial design roles.

• Certificate IV in Product Design
  This course provides a foundation in designing consumer products, covering areas such as sketching, 3D modelling, and material selection.
• Diploma of Manufacturing Technology
  This diploma focuses on the production side of design, helping students understand how to turn creative ideas into manufacturable products.

Micro-Learning and Online Courses
For students wanting flexibility, online courses offer specific training in design software, materials, and product development.

• Introduction to Product Design
  Learn the basics of designing consumer products, from concept to completion, using industry-standard tools and software.
• 3D Modelling and Prototyping for Designers
  This course focuses on the technical skills needed to create detailed 3D models and prototypes of products, ideal for aspiring industrial designers.

On-the-Job Training

Start working in design roles or apprenticeships in design studios or manufacturing companies, learning from experienced professionals and gaining practical skills on the job.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, industrial designers are in demand across multiple sectors, including mining, resources, and manufacturing. Companies such as Woodside Energy and Fortescue Metals Group rely on designers to improve the functionality and ergonomics of their equipment. Industrial designers also find opportunities in architecture and construction, creating designs that balance form, function, and sustainability. The growing manufacturing sector in Western Australia provides additional opportunities for designers interested in production and product development.

Australia

Nationally, industrial designers contribute to a wide range of industries, including product design, consumer electronics, and automotive manufacturing. Companies like Cochlear require designers to create cutting-edge medical devices that enhance users’ lives, while Bespoke Design focuses on high-quality furniture and consumer products. In the automotive sector, firms such as Holden hire designers to develop innovative vehicle interiors and accessories, offering roles that combine creativity and engineering in transportation design.

Rest of the World

Globally, industrial designers are highly sought after in design consultancy firms, consumer goods companies, and tech startups. Major companies like Tesla and Apple emphasise design innovation, providing opportunities for designers to work on the development of revolutionary products. In Europe, design-focused firms such as IKEA offer roles for those passionate about creating functional and sustainable products. In Asia, leading technology firms such as Samsung present exciting opportunities to work on the next generation of consumer electronics and tech innovations.

No matter where you are, the world is your playground as an Industrial Designer, with endless possibilities waiting for you to explore!