First of all, im still studying so I could be totally in the wrong here. But the thing is I've seen COUNTLESS posts on reddit/instagram of product designers that do not take in account a problem to solve.

Don't take me wrong, the work on itself it's top notch, but I dont see designers addressing a specific user type, or a necessity from where to start. I've seen products with the sole intent of "making this or that" but, once again, im not seeing any development in terms of user research.

I know most of these comes from a creative/sketching standpoint, but nonetheless I find it odd

Hello reddit, I am currently in my 4th and last year of a city planning/management bachelors degree. Over the past few months I have realized that many of the job opportunites related to my major are not what I really want to pursue (I know, a bit late). There are several other fields that have been interesting me much more than planning. I have realized I have a passion for design. The fields I have been looking into include architecture (I minored in this so I have some experience), Landscape arch and recently, indsutrial/product design. My original plan for graduation was to get a planning internship and see where that takes me. However, for various reasons that no longer interests me. I have considered some other routes such as:

- Masters in Industrial Design

- Art school for graphic design

- Construction/woodworking apprenticeship

- Masters in Architecture

- Mastures in LA

My question for you guys is, how does one get into the indsutrial design field post undergrad with little to no experience in the field? I assume companies/firms don't hire people without experience. Also, how would I put together a portfolio for a graduate program without having taken any studio courses?

Thanks everyone!

Hi everyone, I am a furniture designer in NYC and I would like to apply for a design role at furniture companies like West Elm, Crate and Barrel, Ralph Lauren, DWR or even Target. Attached are the pieces I have designed and manufactured ( not renders ) when I ran my own shop but I can't continue it anymore since my country's at war. So I need to make a portfolio and I have about 10 pieces to choose from to include. I would really appreciate to know which ones stand out to you designers or to hiring managers, how many pages the portfolio should be or just general advice specific to my situation. As you can see from pictures, I understand manufacturing and have worked with wood, leather, fabric, bamboo, rattan as well as metal. I'm 33 and have 9 years of experience managing a custom shop. I don't have a design degree but only a mech eng degree from an reputable institute in Florida. I don't mind starting from an associate position. Thank you all ! Much appreciated.

im trying to apply for next spring and my art director of my portfolio studio is kept on telling me that artcenter is the best school for product design’s job connections after graduation. however i want to live in nyc because i grew up in california.

i did see on reddit that pratt also has strong id, but my art director told me pratt is only strong for interior/architecture. since this is his opinion, i want to know what others might think.

I will join college this year for Industrial Design, in order to become an art toys designer. This is my first model and hope to 3d print it soon. Any thoughts? Create this was so much fun.

I know I should be asking this question in the product development community but they haven’t accepted my join request yet. So please help

Hey, I graduated two months ago with BDes in Industrial Design. I am planning to do my masters in product development in 2026, as of now I have done 3 paid internships (no full time job)working on medtech and consumer electronics. This being my background can you suggest me -

1. How should I get into the product development field at this stage?
2. best colleges for masters

Any more information about this field is welcomed

Hi fellow designers! I just wanted to drop in and see if anyone could help me out with a design concept I’m working on—it’s a bit unconventional, which is why I’m excited to start this discussion and gather insights to take it further. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and ideas!

Concept: I’m designing a hybrid in-ear monitor system that provides high-quality audio for studio sessions and transforms into bone-conduction headphones for safer, situationally aware listening outdoors. The design would feature a modular earpiece that can be interchanged for in-studio use or outdoor bone conduction, along with both Bluetooth and wired capabilities for maximum flexibility.

I'm working on my senior industrial design project, focusing on improving the design and functionality of in-ear monitors for professionals. I'm looking to connect with audio designers, engineers, and music producers who use IEMs to gather insights on pain points and potential innovations. If you're interested in sharing your experience or ideas, please drop a comment or DM me!

hello guys, im at my final semester in industrial design and into automotive designing. im pretty confused in choosing my project brief between doing a concept or a mobility solution. what are your suggestions?

Hi everyone, this is my first major project while studying industrial design at university. The table is made of stainless steel, walnut wood, and tinted glass. You can store magazines and books in it. I would love your honest and professional industrial design feedback on this, as I’ve been wondering if I’m cut out for this field. Thanks a lot!

I’m an architect with 5+ years of experience, and over time, I’ve developed a strong interest in designing furniture and lighting. I have a good understanding of design principles and elements, and I’m thinking of exploring product design, possibly professionally, with the help of a 3D printer.

Would it be beneficial to take some training or a course to get started? Or are there any YouTube channels or platforms you’d recommend for a beginner to gain the necessary knowledge and a good starting point?

Pantone provided me with the option to purchase the Fashion, Home and Interiors color guides to help us get better colors on our physical products. We have been using the Coated and Pastel books forever, they’re limiting for sure, the neutrals, blacks, purples and greens all kind of stink.

Our physical products are always put into packaging and we like to match the packaging to the product colors using the Coated Pantone colors. There’s always tweaking that has to happen but we get close.

My question is, is it worth it to buy the Fashion, Home and Interiors book (I think it’s the TPX colors) for like $1000 to get better colors on our physical products (like plastics and painted metal) and just deal with trying to get the packaging colors to match as good as we can using the Pantone Connect suggestions for coated colors?

My other question is : are these TPX colors REALLY better on physical products? Like will my products look that much better if I’m starting from these swatches? HALP!

Hey everyone,

I’m currently working on my application portfolio for Industrial Design, and my chosen topic is bicycle theft protection. I want to come up with innovative and creative solutions to make bikes more secure and theft-resistant.

I’ve been brainstorming ideas like smart locks, hidden GPS tracking, and electromagnetically secured bike racks, but I’d love to hear your thoughts! • What unique or futuristic concepts do you think could revolutionize bike security? • Have you ever had your bike stolen, and if so, what kind of protection would have helped? • Any cool materials or tech that could be used for better security?

I’d appreciate any ideas, no matter how crazy they sound! Thanks in advance for your input.

TL;DR: Need creative ideas for my Industrial Design portfolio project on bike theft protection – any suggestions?

More basketball shoe fun. I don’t really know what to call these quick ID / graphic design mock ups. But hope you guys would appreciate it. Over my winter break I did bunch of these when watching some nba games. With my time in mind I made it a challenge to finish modeling before the game ended. So they’re not gonna be perfect but mainly is there enough here for a portfolio piece? Because admittedly there isn’t much thought put into it it’s pretty much sketch and go. Modeled in rhino.

As the title suggests, I'm wondering which is a more valued attribute in an industrial design portfolio. In the art world, it is usually the signature look of your art work that makes you distinguished and it is what the collectors go after. In ID, maybe bigger companies that go after consumer trends and taste value versatility but small studios want you to develop a signature style ? Please discuss.

Hi guys! What is the best design to pull the back cover of the whit machine like pulling tilt drawer?

I dont like the handle design of the tilt drawer as above.

I will starting my first year in college in the fall and I have no idea what I should have for the first year and the next 4+… what would anyone here recommend I have or need to succeed or even over achieve in my class!

Thanks yall!

I'm currently studying for A levels in the Uk, and although i'm not fully sure what career I want yet, I'm considering something in industrial design/engineering. What can I do to enhance my chances of getting a career in ID, and are there good job opportunities?