skillfactor-pipeline/skills/industrial-designer/references/tasks.md

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.