Industrial Design

As described by the Industrial Designers Society of America, "Industrial Design (ID) is the professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer.

Industrial designers develop these concepts and specifications through collection, analysis, andsynthesis of data guided by the special requirements of the user, client, and manufacturer. They are trained to prepare clear and concise recommendations through drawings, models, and verbal descriptions.

Industrial design services are often provided within the context of cooperative working relationships with other members of a development group. Typical groups include management, marketing, engineering, and manufacturing specialists. The industrial designer expresses concepts that embody all relevant design criteria determined by the group.

The industrial designer’s unique contribution places emphasis on those aspects of the product or system that relate most directly to human characteristics, needs and interests. This contribution requires specialized understanding of visual, tactile, safety, and convenience criteria, with concern for the user. Education and experience in anticipating psychological, physiological, and sociological factors that influence and are perceived by the user are essential industrial design resources."

The internationally recognized program at Virginia Tech, fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, prepares individuals to enter this dynamic field through a rigorous curriculum and interaction with an experienced, dedicated faculty.