Industrial Design - Definition, Examples, Practical Application In Interior Design

The industrial design is a discipline aimed at the development and optimization of objects used in many areas of human life which is done through scientific means, and through artistic practices. Simply put, it aims to perfect a product both functionally, and aesthetically. In the context of mass production, the design and manufacture of objects are autonomous processes. The creative act determining the shape and characteristics of a given product precedes the physical fact of its manufacture, which is often automated. It is essentially this particularity that differentiates industrial design from craft activities, where the shape of the product is most often determined by its creator at the very moment of its creation.

Industrial design - what exactly is it?

Logically, all the products that surround us on a daily basis are the result of a process starting with the conception / design phase. The nature of this trial, however, can take many different forms. For example, it can be carried out by an individual or by a large team; it can emphasize intuitive creativity or calculated scientific decision-making (and often both at the same time).

However, industrial design can be influenced by a large number of external factors of a more or less subjective nature. Their order can be as varied as: the characteristics offered by the materials to be used, the specifics of the planned manufacturing process, the business strategy targeted by specialists in the field, the dominant social attitudes of the mass and even the fashion inclinations of the moment.

Many people wonder about the role of an industrial designer. It can be said that its main task is to invent and implement conceptual solutions to overcome problems of form and ergonomics, functionality and aesthetics and sometimes - marketing, brand development, sustainability and sales. Many industrial designers from different countries of the world are widely recognized as true geniuses thanks to their inventions.

Speaking of industrial design in the framing of the layout and decoration of the house, we can cite a host of items that have become quite iconic and immediately recognizable by a large number of people from all over the world. The iconic designs of Raymond Loewy, Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, among many others, are just a few of the good examples that immediately spring to mind.

Industrial design as a synonym of practicality and aesthetics, even iconic

Here is a completely fabulous dining room which dazzles the view with its mismatched black chairs. But do you know that they have other things in common except their color? All of these models were created around the middle of the previous century by world famous designers such as Philippe Starck, Harry Bertoia, Verner Panton, Konstantin Grcic and Charles Eames, among others.

And it is in the light of this information that we can say that these small pieces of furniture are of industrial design - in the sense of “super practical and attractive at the same time” and sometimes - downright revolutionary! In the same way, in the paragraphs and the gallery to follow, we will use the expression “industrial design” as a synonym for “(multi-) functional”, “exceptionally aesthetic” or, more often, both at the same time.

We continue with a designer object, the purpose of which is probably not clear at first glance. We are pleased to present Armstrong - a spherical shaped LED table lamp. Since the light emitting diodes are quite economical in themselves, this device is more useful since it can assume several positions.

In addition, it can be powered by a built-in battery and be plugged directly into an electrical outlet. The diagram above perfectly illustrates the inspiration behind this illuminating object of industrial design, that is to say ingenious and attractive at the same time. It is the only natural satellite of the Earth which borrowed from it its spectacular ergonomics!

The icing on the conceptual cake is that the user can easily increase / decrease the amount of light as needed. You simply have to remove or replace the cork lids of the craters of the Moon to obtain the desired brightness! It is especially because of this type of clever solutions that we say that industrial design is fantastic!

Gradually perforated metal "In The Fog" industrial design wall shelves

We continue our list of captivating creations with a set of wall-mounted storage shelves whose industrial design does not concede to the previous article. As you can see by looking at the photo above, the lockers in question are made from perforated metal sheets, folded and subsequently powder coated in various trendy colors.

But what is the most impressive feature of these industrial design furniture is that the diameter of their round perforations gradually increases and their specific arrangement creates the optical illusion that the shelves partially disappear in a mysterious haze! This is also why the collection bears the name "In The Fog" (in the fog).

Resin-reinforced felt folding stool with mechanisms inspired by origami

Then we can admire a folding stool, the material of which is surprisingly some kind of normally soft fabric. It is indeed the felt, but we must admit that it is not in fact a felt among others. This is reinforced with special resins applied at strategic places which allows to obtain a robust and flexible texture at the same time!

As you can guess, the mechanisms of the folding stool are inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding known around the world as origami. The industrial design chair is named Morgan and the photo collage above illustrates some of the phases of its birth - inspiration and design, prototype making and end result.

Check out the rest of our industrial design items in the gallery to follow

Super chic living room furnished with Papa Bear armchairs with footstool via Hans Wagner

Super comfortable and aesthetic wooden armchairs designed by designer Alvar Aalto

Set of vases and other glass objects in blurred shapes of industrial design by the same designer

Ladle Nessie imagined by Jenny Pokryvailo which will transform your soup into Loch Ness

Finally, we could not do without some decorating ideas inspired by industrial design

The spiral staircase, riveted wall and light fixtures immediately catch the eye

An elegant loft proper with a mezzanine floor and industrial glass roof below

Cable suspensions and rust-effect coatings are typical for industrial design

Although the eclectic touches are multiple, the overall atmosphere remains industrial