Design is crucial in every industry, from established organizations to start-ups. No matter the form of the product, it is critical to have a proper design, which is the main priority of industrial design. Proper designing requires time to sketch, innovate, and test everything within a deadline.
In all these processes, technology has become a significant player in making designing easier. There are now software solutions that can aid in every step of the design. Art and technology have formed marriage in recent years, influencing each other in design.
Green products with energy efficiency
More and more people are becoming aware of the dangers of unmitigated pollution that are affecting planet earth. Global warming is a serious matter both for international organizations and private individuals. Because of this, many are transitioning to eco-friendly products. Businesses might find that developing green products is worth it.
The internet also helped revolutionize the way consumers buy. Not only via e-commerce but also by providing information that can help with purchasing decisions. It is not just the consumers who are aware of the importance of reducing environmental footprint. Manufacturers are also becoming interested in reducing energy consumption and using recyclable materials to minimize waste.
Many products on the market are being developed to answer these environmental concerns, such as energy-efficient LED lights and wind turbines. Eco-friendly designs are fast becoming the norm.
The rise of smart products
The concept Internet of Things is becoming a buzzword for many. There are as many as 500,000 searches for this every month. The Internet of Things promises to revolutionize the way products are designed. Its impact is already being felt. Products are now becoming smarter, from watches, home appliances to automobiles.
Smart products come with software, connectivity, and sensors that help transmit data between product and user and the environment and other products. Examples of these are Amazon Echo, Siri, and Philips Hue.
Designing for emerging markets
The earth has a population of approximately seven billion people, and only a negligible amount of about 10% have access to well-designed products. However, this is about to change. Many experts believe that there will be an increase in products specifically created for emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Africa. These products are geared towards finding low-cost solutions for basic needs.
Source - Pixabay
Computer-aided design
Computer-aided industrial design is otherwise known as engineering simulation. It involves using computer software to mimic, validate, and optimize products in a virtual setting; the purpose is to test these products to improve them.
It is not a new technology and has been in use for over 50 years. However, it is now becoming widely used and not only a full privilege of large companies. Before, it was only utilized by automotive and aerospace companies that can afford an investment of over $40,000 in hardware and license.
Similar to CAD software, cloud-based solutions are being utilized for simulation. It helps alleviate the challenges that come with traditional on-site software. Engineering simulation provides a considerable advantage in reducing the design time and cost of actual prototypes. It helps create better products since it makes it possible to validate and test different designs. It is easier to predict a product’s performance and durability once it is physically manufactured.
Conclusion
Industrial design is crucial to create top-notch products. Businesses must be current with industrial design trends to help keep up with innovation and the market's needs. You may also find that these new design processes can help you save money and increase the efficiency and quality of your products.
