The Aim of Industrial Design
Industrial designers exist to solve problems through creative product design and streamlined manufacturing.
Some product designers achieve results through intricate design and complex products. However, more often than not, the most impactful products are those that solve everyday problems simply without complication.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most famous industrial design examples and a few lesser-known quantities that impact your everyday life.
Inspiring Examples of Industrial Design
The Anglepoise Lamp
Designed in 1934 by British Automotive Engineer George Carwardine, the Anglepoise Lamp is an example of a simple solution that most people need to solve a problem they didn’t know they had.
This lamp uses springs that make the bulb easy to maneuver into any position. Perfect for late-night readers with annoyed roommates.
Today, it’s a staple in most offices and homes across the globe.
Swinging Doors For Hospitals
Have you ever been to a hospital and noticed how easy it is for doctors and nurses to burst through doors? While not all hospital doors are on swing hinges for the safety of patients, visitors, and caregivers, the ones that make it easier for people to move around the hospital unobstructed.
Furthermore, the ability to push through the door from either side makes germ transfer more difficult, reducing potential infection spread throughout healthcare establishments.
This is another simple yet incredibly effective design.
Two-Button Toilet Flushing
To this day, some people still don’t understand why many toilets have two buttons for flushing.
It’s to save water.
Invented in the mid-1970s and implemented in the early 1980s, a two-button flush features a half-flush and full-flush option.
With water waste, eco-friendliness, and sustainability still high on the agenda today, this is an example of industrial design that transcends generations and will remain relevant for many years ahead.
The great thing about the dual-button system is it doesn’t impact user-friendliness and contributes to solving an ever-growing global problem.
Coca-Cola Bottle
While not an example of solving an everyday problem, the iconic Coca-Cola glass bottle demonstrates how industrial design can help establish brand identity.
The history of the contour bottle began in 1914, with it finally coming to market in 1916. To this day, no matter the size of the bottle, the contours have been reworked to use the same proportions. Even the aluminum bottle carries the same design.
Dyson Vacuum
Today, everybody knows the Dyson brand of vacuum cleaners. The Dyson journey started in 1970 with a simple mission – eliminating vacuum bags.
Until this point, everyone using a vacuum cleaner faced the nasty task of emptying the bag, cleaning the bag, and, when necessary, replacing the bag. It was messy, unhygienic, and definitely not cost-effective.
Along came James Dyson, with a concept that used cyclones and centrifugal force to separate the dirt and airflow. Since then, Dyson technology has constantly evolved, but the impact of that first cyclone system still stands today.
The brand is still considered forward-thinking and ground-breaking in the products it develops, and that reputation began with the creation of its first vacuum.
Tupperware
Another iconic brand that you might not know is a brand. These air-tight sealed containers became so prominent that Tupperware is now used when referring to similar products.
Before Tupperware released its unmistakable containers, people relied on plastic wrap and aluminum foil to keep food fresh. The problem everyone faced was perishables going bad very quickly. Tupperware solved that problem, and to this day, their boxes (and thousands of other brands modeled on the same design) are a staple in most kitchens.
iPhone
The iPhone was the brainchild of Steve Jobs, and in 2007 it was released to the world. This was the moment that defined the history of the smartphone. In Steve Jobs’ own words, he said Apple was reinventing the phone.
With its revolutionary touch screen and storage capacity, the first generation iPhone was the beginning of the smartphones we see today, bringing together our entire lives into a single device.
Fitbit
The popularity of wearable technology can partly be credited to the creators of FitBit. A simple, small, and unobtrusive design that included a pedometer, altimeter, and sleep monitor.
In a society rapidly falling into an obesity and health crisis, FitBit gave everyone a simple way of monitoring their activity and understanding their bodies more. It was the platform for mass-market and affordable wearable tech, which continues to improve to this day.
In Summary
Overall, some of our industrial product design examples are ground-breaking inventions, while others are simple yet well-thought-out solutions to everyday problems. One thing you must remember is to find a problem and stick to solving it. That’s the only way you’re going to be successful.
Here at Shark Design, our experienced industrial designers are ready and waiting to discuss your ideas and upcoming projects, so get in touch today.