Industrial design is a good example of how improving the world and conducting profitable business operations are in no way mutually exclusive.
Industrial design can create products that are more aesthetically pleasing and living and working environments that are more functional. It can also curb the unnecessary use of resources. And best of all, reaching all of these goals also promotes the realisation of business goals.
Aesthetics that stands out
“Beauty will save the world”, said Fyodor Dostoevsky in the 19th century. This quote is an apt description of the everyday operations of an industrial design office, as we strive to make the world more beautiful each and every day.
There is intrinsic value in beauty, but it also has other dimensions. The human mind yearns for harmony in this chaotic world, and this harmony is easier to reach when our environment and the objects in it are pleasing to the eye. When a product is stylish and thoughtful in appearance, it is also considered to be of high quality. Besides, when you get to work, you would rather pick up a pretty tool than an ugly one.
In addition to the impression of quality, aesthetically pleasing design also helps the product stand out, which is significant for the profitability of business operations. The more a product or machine stands out positively from the competition, the easier it is to justify its brilliance.
And it is also a fact that when a product stands out and seems to be of high quality, you can usually ask more money for it.
Beauty does not occur by chance, but it stems from factors such as balanced architectural modelling and carefully considered streamlining. Even slight changes can bring about a controlled overall appearance. For example, lining up the upper or lower edges of a machine’s hatches or holes creates a thought-out and finished look.
Usability improves well-being
Improved usability is another good reason to utilise the services of an industrial design office. After all, good design also means good functionality. For a machine or device to succeed, it needs to be functional not only for the user but also from the perspective of many other people. When a product works well for the assembler, packager and maintenance worker as well as the user, then the business will inevitably be good as well.
Usability and functionality are also crucial in terms of occupational health, safety and well-being. We are on the side of people and therefore we strive to design products that are harmless, ergonomic and pleasant to use in every way.
Surprisingly enough, good usability does not stem from the most extensive expertise possible. On the contrary: we always approach a product we design from a perspective that is as grounded as possible and with the attitude of a complete novice. We think about how a person who is totally unfamiliar with the product or machine would use it. What do their eyes focus on, where do they place their hand or foot, how do they grip the controls and how and from where do they seek information concerning the use of the device.
Maintaining the role of a first-time user is crucial, as familiarity that is too deep can lead to a certain kind of blindness and result in false conclusions. An expert user might find it self-evident that the handbrake must be disengaged before pressing the accelerator. But what if the handbrake is not visible when a first-timer sits behind the controls?
Fabricability saves resources
I doubt anyone wants to burden the world with unnecessary products. It is equally unnecessary to strain the environment with products that are made with too many parts or resources. Sound fabricability is a matter that is close to our hearts.
While being good for the environment, good fabricability also has a favourable impact on that famous bottom line. You see, smart fabricability both saves costs and improves the profit margin.
Fundamentally, fabricability is about simplification – which is anything but simple. In fact, it is easier to design something complex than something simple. It is easy to limbo under the bar by just adding a new part for each new function. Thinking about how features and functions can be combined into the same parts or structures is much more challenging.
When successful, simplification is rewarding. It is a titillating feeling when you manage to design smart solutions for smart products that result in a product that is more functional and more efficient to fabricate.
To conclude, I can reveal my secret wish that relates to everything I have laid out above, and which I believe many of my colleagues share: I hope to make myself obsolete. I dream of products that are perfectly ergonomic and of such high quality that they last longer than the human lifespan and can be repaired when needed. It would also be great if their aesthetics could withstand the test of time to such a degree that as trends change, working products would not have to be replaced with new, slightly more trendy alternatives.
This time may never come, but that is what we are striving towards.