# Tasks & work activities — industrial designer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 27-1021.00 (Commercial and Industrial Designers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment.
- **[Core]** Direct and coordinate the fabrication of models or samples and the drafting of working drawings and specification sheets from sketches.
- **[Core]** Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends.
- **[Core]** Confer with engineering, marketing, production, or sales departments, or with customers, to establish and evaluate design concepts for manufactured products.
- **[Core]** Present designs and reports to customers or design committees for approval and discuss need for modification.
- **[Core]** Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, serviceability, budget, production costs/methods, and market characteristics.
- **[Core]** Read publications, attend showings, and study competing products and design styles and motifs to obtain perspective and generate design concepts.
- **[Core]** Research production specifications, costs, production materials, and manufacturing methods and provide cost estimates and itemized production requirements.
- **[Core]** Develop manufacturing procedures and monitor the manufacture of their designs in a factory to improve operations and product quality.
- **[Core]** Fabricate models or samples in paper, wood, glass, fabric, plastic, metal, or other materials, using hand or power tools.
- **[Core]** Investigate product characteristics such as the product's safety and handling qualities, its market appeal, how efficiently it can be produced, and ways of distributing, using, and maintaining it.
- **[Core]** Participate in new product planning or market research, including studying the potential need for new products.
- **[Supplemental]** Coordinate the look and function of product lines.
- **[Supplemental]** Design graphic material for use as ornamentation, illustration, or advertising on manufactured materials and packaging or containers.
- **[Supplemental]** Supervise assistants' work throughout the design process.
- **[Supplemental]** Develop industrial standards and regulatory guidelines.
- **[Supplemental]** Advise corporations on issues involving corporate image projects or problems.

## Detailed work activities

- Build models, patterns, or templates.
- Collaborate with others to develop or refine designs.
- Conduct market research.
- Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.
- Coordinate construction or installation activities.
- Coordinate design activities.
- Develop artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes.
- Develop promotional strategies or plans.
- Develop safety standards, policies, or procedures.
- Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
- Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
- Estimate costs for projects or productions.
- Evaluate characteristics of products.
- Evaluate potential of products, technologies, or resources.
- Evaluate quality of materials or products.
- Monitor current trends.
- Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
- Present work to clients for approval.