You're an executive in Industrial Design. How do you know which technical skills are essential?

1 Sketching and prototyping

Sketching and prototyping are fundamental skills for any industrial designer. They allow you to quickly generate and test ideas, explore different options, and communicate your concepts to others. You need to be proficient in both hand sketching and digital tools, such as CAD, Photoshop, or Illustrator. You also need to be familiar with different prototyping methods, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC machining. These skills will help you create realistic and functional models that can be evaluated and improved.

2 User research and testing

User research and testing are essential skills for creating user-centered designs. They help you understand the needs, preferences, and behaviors of your target audience, as well as the context and constraints of your design problem. You need to be able to conduct various types of research, such as interviews, surveys, observations, or personas. You also need to be able to test your prototypes with real users, collect feedback, and analyze data. These skills will help you validate your assumptions, identify opportunities, and refine your solutions.

3 Material and manufacturing

Material and manufacturing are important skills for ensuring the feasibility and quality of your designs. They help you select the most suitable materials, processes, and technologies for your products, considering factors such as cost, performance, durability, sustainability, and aesthetics. You need to have a solid knowledge of the properties and characteristics of different materials, such as metals, plastics, wood, or textiles. You also need to have a good understanding of the capabilities and limitations of different manufacturing methods, such as injection molding, casting, or welding. These skills will help you optimize your designs for production and functionality.

4 Software and hardware

Software and hardware are increasingly relevant skills for industrial designers, especially in the fields of smart products, IoT, or wearable devices. They help you integrate digital features and functionalities into your physical products, such as sensors, actuators, displays, or connectivity. You need to have a basic knowledge of programming languages, such as Arduino, Python, or Java. You also need to have a basic knowledge of electronics, such as circuits, components, or soldering. These skills will help you create interactive and intelligent products that can enhance user experience and value.

5 Collaboration and communication

Collaboration and communication are crucial skills for working effectively as an executive in Industrial Design. They help you coordinate and lead your design team, as well as collaborate with other departments, such as engineering, marketing, or sales. You need to have strong interpersonal and leadership skills, such as empathy, feedback, delegation, or motivation. You also need to have strong presentation and storytelling skills, such as visual aids, verbal skills, or narrative structure. These skills will help you inspire and influence your team and stakeholders, and showcase your design vision and value.