This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.
Industrial design is a field where creativity meets functionality, shaping the objects we use every day. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a curious beginner, this A-Z guide will walk you through key concepts and terms that define industrial design.
A – Aesthetics
The visual appeal of a product combines elements like shape, colour, and texture to create a pleasing design that resonates with users.
B – Biomimicry
Design inspired by nature’s solutions, such as ergonomic chairs mimicking the structure of a spine or water-efficient systems inspired by plants.
C – CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
CAD software is a critical tool in industrial design. It allows designers to create detailed 3D models and simulations of their products.
D – Design Thinking
A problem-solving methodology focused on understanding user needs, ideation, prototyping, and testing to arrive at innovative solutions.
E – Ergonomics
The science of designing products that fit comfortably and efficiently with the human body, enhancing usability and reducing strain.
F – Form Follows Function
A design principle states that the shape of a product should be determined by its intended purpose or function.
G – Green Design
A focus on sustainability, using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient production processes, and designs that minimize waste.
H – Human-Centered Design
A design approach that prioritizes the needs, behaviours, and emotions of the user to create intuitive and meaningful products.
I – Iteration
Refining a design through multiple cycles of prototyping, testing, and feedback.
J – Jointing
The method by which different parts of a product are connected, such as welding, gluing, or bolting.
K – Kinetic Design
Products that involve movement, whether mechanical (like a folding chair) or powered (like a smartwatch).
L – Lifecycle
The journey of a product from its initial design and production to its use, maintenance, and eventual disposal or recycling.
M – Minimalism
A design philosophy that emphasizes simplicity, removing unnecessary elements to focus on functionality and clean aesthetics.
N – Niche Markets
Specialized market segments include products designed for specific industries or user groups.
O – Open Source Design
Design projects are shared freely online, allowing others to contribute, modify, or replicate the designs.
P – Prototyping
The creation of a preliminary model or sample of a product, used to test and refine ideas before full-scale production.
Q – Quality Assurance
Processes that ensure products meet specified standards, focusing on reliability, durability, and safety.
R – Rapid Prototyping
Using technologies like 3D printing to quickly create prototypes, speeding up the design and testing process.
S – Streamlining
Designing products with smooth, aerodynamic forms that enhance both function and aesthetic appeal, often associated with modernist design.
T – Tactility
The physical feel of a product, such as texture, weight, and grip, influences user experience.
U – User Interface (UI)
The design of interactive elements, such as buttons, touchscreens, or controls, ensures intuitive operation.
V – Visual Hierarchy
The arrangement of design elements to guide the user’s focus, emphasizing key features or functions.
W – Wearables
A growing industrial design category focused on technology-integrated accessories, like fitness trackers or smart glasses.
X – X-Factor
The unique element or feature of a design that sets it apart, capturing attention and adding value.
Y – Yield
Material usage efficiency in production aims to minimize waste and optimize resources.
Z – Zero-Waste Design
An approach that ensures all materials in the manufacturing process are utilized, leaving no waste behind.
Conclusion
From Aesthetics to Zero-Waste Design, industrial design encompasses a broad spectrum of principles, tools, and philosophies that shape our daily products. This A to Z guide highlights the essential vocabulary every designer should know, providing a foundation for understanding the complexities of this dynamic field.
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