When you think of the products used in industrial settings, your mind must jump to the complex and intricate designs with which these machines and tools are created. However, when examining their functionality and purpose, their designs often become more straightforward than you would imagine. Regarding product design and minimalism, let’s look at how some of today’s leading industrial designers think outside the box by looking within it.
What is industrial product design?
Industrial design is a term used for creating products in factories, warehouses and other similar environments. Industries that utilise industrial product design are often found within manufacturing or distribution industries. The goal of industrial product design is typically efficiency and functionality.
Industrial designers are responsible for coming up with the idea, sketching it out and then creating a 3-D rendering with computer software before sending it off to production, where engineers will work on the final details of the design. A lot of time goes into designing objects for an industrial setting because they need to be easy to assemble and disassemble and withstand harsh working conditions.
What are the benefits of a simplistic and minimalistic design?
Industrial product designs often have complex, intricate, and sometimes cluttered elements. A simplistic and minimalistic design simplifies the design and can give the product a cleaner and more sleek look. Not only is this beneficial aesthetically, but it makes the production and manufacturing processes easier. Simplicity also has a calming effect on the consumer, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction in the end.
Overly complicated products may scare customers away from purchasing them. These products may not be made as efficiently because of all the various components added. The lack of simplicity leads to many parts needing replacing more frequently, thus costing you more money overall. With a minimalist design, your product will last longer due to its quality materials and precise construction. It will save you money in the long run by eliminating future repair costs or replacement expenses.
How can you create a minimalist design?
When you design a minimalist product, the focus should be on what is necessary and functional. Every detail should serve a purpose and not just exist for decoration. Designing a minimalist product is to make it as simple as possible but still functional. To create a minimalist, industrial design, take these steps:
1) Simplify your design;
2) Eliminate everything non-essential;
3) Remove all superfluous ornaments;
4) Emphasise what is left with subtle colour or other features.
What are some examples of successful minimalist industrial product designs?
The medical devices industry exemplifies the importance of simplicity and minimalism. Of course, there are many different medical devices with varying purposes and functions, but they all share a common characteristic: they are efficient in their design. The primary purpose of any medical device is to get the job done with the least amount of wasted resources. Medical devices need to withstand rough usage to be helpful in traumatic situations, which means materials must be durable, and parts should not break easily. In addition, a medical device should not cost more than it needs or weigh too much, as this will limit its accessibility.
Conclusion
Industrial products have been designed in many different ways over the years, but there has always been a common purpose behind each. Whether transporting materials or products from one place to another, industrial equipment has always been intended to make the work environment safer, more efficient, and more aesthetically pleasing. However, as minimalism has become increasingly popular over the past several years, it may seem that a minimalist, industrial design approach would be the most beneficial way of simultaneously achieving all of these goals.