Designer, Environmental Designer, Furniture Designer, Product Designer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Interest in co-ordinating information to conduct research into costs, properties of production materials and methods of production
Interest in speaking to consult with engineers and production staff during manufacturing stages
Interest in precision working to prepare manufacturing drawings and to construct design prototypes
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Industrial designers consider how products and systems work, and how to make them work better. They also think about:
Designers focus on maximizing the function, value, and appearance of products and product systems. Their primary goal is the mutual benefit of the user (often the consumer) and the manufacturer.
Industrial designers may specialize in a number of areas. They may focus on:
They may design one-of-a-kind objects or mass-produced items. For example, they may develop childproof bottle caps, safety equipment, appliances, sports and leisure products, or toys and games.
In general, the designer:
Industrial designers work closely with other members of the development group. These may include managers, marketing personnel, engineers, and manufacturers. They often are involved in activities such as new product planning and market research. Sometimes they monitor the manufacture of their designs in a factory.
More and more designers consider environmental concerns. They promote changes to the product design and manufacturing cycle. They design sustainable alternatives.
Industrial designers may also provide advice relating to client image or branding. This could include:
Industrial designers work in offices and workshops. Extended hours and weekend work may be required to meet deadlines.
Industrial designers need:
They should enjoy synthesizing information and conducting research. They should like to explore different ways of doing things. They should enjoy performing precise tasks with tools and equipment.
Industrial design combines visual arts and technology. It requires knowledge and skills in fields such as:
Computers are increasingly important in all aspects of design. They play a role in tasks such as:
However, it is still necessary for designers to have manual skills in drawing, drafting, model-making, and working with materials.
With this broad range of requirements, industrial designers come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Some may have a bachelor of design degree. However, many have bachelor’s degrees in industrial design, fine arts, engineering, or architecture. Or they may have a background in graphic design. After graduating, they must pursue ongoing professional development to keep up to date in this field.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Industrial designers may be self-employed and work on a contract basis, or they may be employed full time. Employers include manufacturers, not-for-profit organizations, and private design firms. Many graduates of industrial design programs find jobs in major centres. These may be within or outside Canada. Some students use their education to prepare for entry into architecture, design management, marketing, or other aspects of business.
Industrial designers may transfer their skills to other fields such as:
In Alberta, 75% of people employed as industrial designers work in the following industries:
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Most industrial designers work on a contract basis for specific product and system designs. They negotiate each contract separately. Designers with specialized skills can charge higher fees.
According to the 2017 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Industrial designers occupational group earned on average from $22.94 to $58.07 an hour. The overall average was $33.77 an hour. For more information, see the Industrial designers wage profile.
Association of Canadian Industrial Designers (ACID) website: www.designcanada.org
Association of Chartered Industrial Designers of Ontario (ACIDO) website: acido.info
Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) website: www.idsa.org
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.