May 1, 2024
Updated May 30, 2025
19 minute read
An Introduction to Industrial Design: Shaping Our World
Industrial Design is a multifaceted discipline focused on the creation and development of concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value, and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer. At its core, it's about problem-solving, taking human needs, technological possibilities, and business requirements into account to design objects we interact with daily, from a simple toothbrush to complex medical equipment or transportation systems. It is a field that blends art, engineering, and commerce, striving to make products not only aesthetically pleasing but also usable, manufacturable, and marketable.
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Reading list
We've selected 31 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Industrial Design.
Foundational text for understanding user-centered design principles, which are crucial in industrial design. It provides a fundamental understanding of what design is, what it does, and why effective design is important, making it an excellent starting point for those new to the field. It is widely recommended for students and professionals alike and is often used as a textbook.
This influential book presents a new paradigm for sustainable design and production, moving beyond simply reducing harm to creating systems that are restorative and regenerative. It is crucial for understanding contemporary issues in industrial design related to environmental responsibility. It is widely acknowledged as a seminal text in the sustainability movement.
Offers a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary reference of design principles. It is highly useful for gaining a broad understanding of recurring concepts in design, applicable across various disciplines, including industrial design. It serves as an excellent reference tool for both students and professionals.
A follow-up to The Design of Everyday Things, this book explores the role of emotion in design and how products can be designed to evoke positive emotional responses. It is crucial for understanding the psychological aspects of product design and creating meaningful user experiences. It adds more depth to the foundational concepts in 'The Design of Everyday Things'.
Presents a comprehensive overview of industrial design, covering the entire process from concept to production. It includes detailed explanations of design principles, materials and manufacturing processes, and case studies of successful industrial design projects.
Written by the CEO of IDEO, a renowned design firm, this book outlines the principles and practices of design thinking, a human-centered approach to innovation. It is highly relevant for understanding contemporary design methodologies used in product development. It offers theory, practice, and case studies from a leading industry perspective.
Serves as a comprehensive reference guide covering a wide range of topics relevant to industrial design practice, including materials, manufacturing, ergonomics, and visual design. It practical tool for students and professionals needing quick access to key information and specifications. It useful reference tool.
Considered a classic in the field, this book challenges designers to consider the social and environmental impact of their work. It valuable resource for understanding the ethical responsibilities of industrial designers and provides a historical perspective on socially conscious design. It mandatory text in many design schools.
Explores the life and work of Dieter Rams, an iconic industrial designer whose principles of good design have had a profound influence on the field. It provides inspiration and insights into minimalist and functional design. It valuable resource for understanding the philosophy behind influential design.
Understanding human behavior and psychology is fundamental to designing effective products. provides practical, science-backed guidelines for designing with human capabilities and limitations in mind. It highly useful reference for ensuring designs are user-friendly and intuitive.
This textbook delves into the principles of form and aesthetics in industrial design, bridging the gap between visual appeal and practical objectives. It is particularly relevant for students learning to create visually appealing and satisfactory designs. It is aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and includes case studies and exercises.
Understanding how products are made is vital for industrial designers. provides a comprehensive overview of manufacturing processes and their implications for design. It valuable reference for ensuring designs are feasible and cost-effective, directly relating to the practical aspects mentioned in the online courses.
Explores contemporary issues and approaches in product design, considering factors like globalization, technology, and sustainability. It is particularly relevant for students and professionals interested in the current state and future direction of industrial design. It text and image book covering factors impacting contemporary product design.
By Jonathan Ive, the former chief design officer of Apple, provides a unique insight into the design process at one of the world's most successful companies. It includes case studies of iconic Apple products, such as the iPhone and the iMac.
Written by the general manager of IDEO, this book offers insights into the creative process and the methods used by one of the world's leading innovation and design firms. It provides practical strategies for fostering creativity and implementing innovation in a design context. It offers theory, practice, and case studies from IDEO's perspective.
This extensive collection showcases iconic product designs from various eras, providing a visual history and overview of influential objects. It is an excellent resource for inspiration and for understanding the breadth of industrial design. It serves as a comprehensive visual reference of classic products.
Visual communication core skill in industrial design, and this book provides essential techniques for sketching and drawing products. It is particularly helpful for students and those looking to improve their rendering skills, a fundamental aspect touched upon in the online course list. It is considered a must-own for aspiring industrial designers.
Offers a look into the product development process through 50 case studies, illustrating how designs evolve from initial concept to manufactured product. It provides practical insights into the realities of bringing a product to market. It good resource for understanding the practical steps involved in industrial design projects.
This classic book by the influential Italian designer Bruno Munari explores the presence of design in everyday life and advocates for a holistic view of design as a tool for improving the quality of life. It offers a philosophical and artistic perspective on industrial design. It is an enlightening and entertaining read that sets out ideas about visual, graphic, and industrial design.
Presents a collection of case studies of successful industrial design projects. It includes projects from a wide range of industries, including consumer products, transportation, and medical devices. The case studies provide valuable insights into the design process and the factors that contribute to success.
This concise book explores how simplicity can be used to achieve clarity and effectiveness in design and technology. It offers valuable principles for creating user-friendly and intuitive products, a key consideration in industrial design. It quick and insightful read for designers at any stage.
Provides a comprehensive history of industrial design, from its origins in the Arts and Crafts movement to its current status as a major industry. It covers the major design movements and the work of key designers.
This classic book by Don Norman, a cognitive scientist and design expert, explores the principles of human-centered design. It provides practical guidance on how to design products that are both functional and user-friendly.
While focused on service design, this book provides valuable frameworks and methods for applying design thinking in a practical context, which is increasingly relevant for industrial designers working on product-service systems. It offers hands-on descriptions of methods and how to embed design thinking in an organization.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
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