Perhaps one of the most recognized names in sanitaryware and plumbing, Kohler is named after its founder John Michael Kohler, and also shares its name with the city it was founded in… Kohler, Wisconsin. Known for their world-class plumbing, the company was founded in 1873, and is responsible for many revolutionary plumbing solutions, including the drinking fountain, with the bubbling valve that allowed water to shoot vertically. As a privately-held family-run company, Kohler prides itself in being led by visionaries who believe in the power of great design. Responsible for creating some incredibly memorable products like the Kohler Kallista Grid faucet (above), Kohler has an incredibly design-forward framework, and is looking for an Industrial Design Intern to join their lead design team in Kohler, Wisconsin.
The Opportunity
Bold. Conservation. Are you drawn to beautiful designs and innovative technologies that help us live smarter easier lives with greater sustainability? Join the Kitchen & Bath group and be involved in the development of revolutionary products like the Karbon kitchen faucet; the DTV showering system that integrates water music steam and chromatherapy; and unique Nature’s Chemistry lavatories and kitchen sinks crafted from rich organic materials. Be part of the Kohler team and influence the next generation of kitchen and bath design!
Bring your passion for excellence to Kohler and build your future with an innovative organization. For more than 130 years we’ve been providing timeless style lasting quality and limitless potential to customers as well as our associates. We offer exciting challenges excellent benefits and a competitive compensation package. Consider joining a team where you are recognized for your technical contributions to new products leadership and contributions! Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity employer.
Timeframe of 2019 Internship: End of August/early September thru December
Key Responsibilities
To participate as a member of the Industrial Design staff in the research, concept development, and design of products for the kitchen and bath.
Responsibilities: • Participate in problem-solving exercises with the Industrial Design staff and/or project teams. • Contribute in concept development through sketching, CAID, and construction of mockups. • Assist designers with model making. • Assist in presentation preparation which will include mounting of drawings/renderings and construction of presentation stands, etc.
Relationships and Contacts Supervisory Relationships: Reports to Lead Industrial Designer or other Industrial Designers as project requires.
Skills/Requirements
Education and Experience Junior or Senior Level in accredited school or college of industrial design (working towards Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Science) with academic emphasis on product industrial design.
Course work on graphic design is helpful. Relevant work experience in industrial design, graphic design,engineering, or architecture is helpful.
How To Apply
Please submit your Portfolio in PDF or a link to your online portfolio/website, along with Resume. Due to size limitations, you may need to upload multiple attachments.
You’ve heard of Amazon, right? One of the world’s largest retailers? Run by the world’s richest man (even after his divorce settlement!)
Amazon is an absolute behemoth. Going from being a book-selling service in 1995, to being one of the biggest names in online retail, and even reaching a trillion dollar valuation along the way, Amazon is famous for investing heavily in research and development. For the longest time, all of Amazon’s profits went right into their research and development team, allowing it to become the immovable force it is today. While Amazon’s most profitable service is its web-server service, Amazon is most well known for its e-commerce, logistics and delivery. Having experimented extensively with unmanned delivery methods, including drones as well as self-driving robots, Amazon is looking for a Lead Industrial Design Engineer to join their Robotics team in North Reading, Massachusetts.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Are you inspired by invention? Is problem solving through teamwork in your DNA?
Do you like the idea of seeing how your work impacts the bigger picture? Answer yes to any of these and you’ll fit right in here at Amazon Robotics. We are a smart team of doers that work passionately to apply cutting edge advances in robotics and software to solve real-world challenges that will transform our customers’ experiences in ways we can’t even imagine yet.
We invent new improvements every day. We are Amazon Robotics and we will give you the tools and support you need to invent with us in ways that are rewarding, fulfilling and fun.
The Global Fulfillment and Transportation Solutions Team seeks a customer obsessed and innovative Lead Engineer to lead in the designs for our next generation Robotic Operations. The Lead Engineer provides technical, operational and analytical design leadership for a multi-disciplinary team. This role requires you to scope and design highly automated operations and supply chain workflows that scale, provide technical guidance on current generation designs and technologies that step towards the future vision, influence our technology R&D roadmap, and deliver on significantly complex programs often starting before the problem is well understood.
WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT YOU WILL DO
As a successful candidate you will have a passion for designing high-performance digital-physical systems leveraging your background developing industrial automation solutions and/or leading highly automated high-volume, high-mix, and short lead time operations. You will lead, develop, and/or contribute to cross-functional teams of passionate engineers to conceptualize, design and implement robotics technologies in next generation facilities and network designs all the way through facility construction and startup. You must have strong fundamentals in Industrial Engineering, Lean systems, technical problem solving ability, financial acuity, and the ability to effectively communicate with and influence decision makers at all levels. You are eager to get into the weeds to deeply understand your customer’s driving metrics using a variety of financial and data analytics techniques. You’re able to pull yourself out of the weeds to provide a holistic vision and cohesive strategy for next generation designs and network strategies. You have an intrinsic motivation and innate ability to simplify problems to deliver results in a fast-paced and often ambiguous environment. Amazon’s culture encourages innovation and expects engineers and managers alike to take a high level of ownership in solving problems. You will build a network of relationships with business, technology, and engineering leaders, product managers and systems architects across Amazon to align towards simple and coherent designs. At the same time you will bridge gaps you find between partner teams in order to build holistic integrated systems and architectures crossing multiple technology teams. You’ll advise executives and the broader tech community on solutions that resolve global system architecture opportunities that trade-off robustness, stability, scalability, cost-effectiveness, complexity and business value. You will lead and implement mechanisms to “force multiply” yours and the team’s collective technical knowledge, provide technical guidance, and be a resource for technical review across Robotics. This role is located in North Reading, Ma. Expect to travel up to 10%.
REQUIREMENTS
Basic Qualifications • Proven outcomes of your socially responsible business knowledge and strong technical insight to address customer challenges. Ability to anticipate and develop business priorities for future action. Ability to assess broader and deeper impact of decisions on the business. • Proven experience with Design for Operations and process design based on Lean Principles. Mastery of fundamentals in Industrial Engineering including Lean/Toyota Production Systems (TPS), value stream engineering, statistical process control (SPC), business case analysis, and ergonomic and safety assessment. • Demonstrated understanding of supply chain strategy, network architecture and business planning. Have detailed knowledge of global supply chain infrastructure and how different architectures scale. • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, or a related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred. Alternatively 2+ years of Amazon experience as a Principal Engineer preferred for internal transfer. • Minimum of 5 years of experience leading and managing relevant cross-functional programs. • Experience using CAD and commercial off the shelf data manipulation technologies.
Preferred Qualifications • Experience working with the designs of complex automated material handling systems including robotics and high-speed manufacturing in high mix and short lead time environments. • Experience working with Architects, General Contractors, and Engineers on greenfield and brownfield construction projects to integrate life safety, regulatory, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and low voltage requirements into the full project lifecycle.
Considered one of the biggest names in home appliances, Electrolux has, for long, had an approach that is best described as design-forward. As an organizer of the Electrolux Design Lab, a competition that encouraged innovative designers to help Electrolux envision the future of home technology, the company has always had an affinity for conceptual designs that push boundaries, resulting in products that have redefined categories. Electrolux is currently accepting applicants for its Industrial Internship program in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Electrolux is currently looking for two talented and highly creative Industrial Design Interns who will be part of the North American Major Appliances design team. The successful candidate will assist in creating new and innovative design solutions for the Major Appliances North America division of Electrolux. The position will be located in Charlotte, NC.
At Electrolux, design is a global function with around 200 design professionals in seven locations worldwide. We are a diverse studio with a great mix of experience and emerging talent. This Industrial Design Internship role is the perfect opportunity for any individual looking to contribute content that would include but not be limited to initial concepts though final production intent content. You will have the opportunity to work on multiple product platforms and represent our design team whilst working with a wide variety of stakeholders across the Electrolux organization. Our brands in NA include Electrolux, Frigidaire and Vintec. Our team takes a user-focused approach, acting as a strong advocate for the consumer’s needs throughout the end to end journey of the brand experience. We are looking for a passionate and energetic individual to join our ambitious and hardworking family for a time period of no less than six months.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Able to use appropriate skills, sketching, 3D modeling, rendering, animation and video, to define and communicate product concepts • Ability to analyze market and design trends and apply through design thinking • Create broad differentiated and relevant scenarios/ themes/ concepts that explore potential or articulate an innovative proposition • Communicate ideas clearly and persuasively at an individual and group level, often using story-telling to bring a challenge or opportunity to life • Apply and define interface and interaction principles. Define and apply general usability principles (in partnership with other competencies Interaction Design, Product Graphics, CMF, etc.) • Assist in the creation of Industrial Design documentations specifications (2D and 3D data, check point presentation material etc.) at appropriate checkpoints • Ensure a high-quality Design output, respecting business requirements, brand values and design excellence • Define and articulate relevant insights by applying benchmarking tools • Build relationships, team-ship with internal & external stakeholders • Meet internal and external deadlines according to project planning • Support relevant involvement of consumers and expert reviews • Able to create design specification of a product or a range of products within a category in collaboration with Design • Manager as part of the multifunctional team • Align and co-operate with internal / external stakeholders, other design functions, development centers, purchasers, marketing, engineering, suppliers, etc. according to design strategy • Strive for best-in class design solutions to meet or exceed the needs of internal and external customers • Understanding of consumer segmentation and target groups • Create and support design quality standards in regards to appeal, usability and Fit Feel Finish from consumer perspective
REQUIREMENTS
• Current or enrollment in an appropriate field such as Industrial Design or Product Design • Second Year enrollment level • Shareable project work via web site or portfolio • Intern must be able to work full time from July 2019 – December 2019 • Great communicator (verbal, written, and visual) • Resourceful, self-driven, organized and able to motivate others • A sense for design • Solid understanding of design methods, tools and processes • Understanding the importance of good design and brand values, and their impact on the business • Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills • The ability to think outside of the box and look into the future • Strong organizational abilities • Drive, Energy & Passion • Learning agility • Team player, able to work effectively in a matrix organization and to build networks • Integrity, honesty and morale
Computer users with small desks often wish they had more desk space. However, workspace can be hard to come by thanks to big computer displays and keyboards. Samsung now has a slick display called the Space Monitor. Rather than having a regular stand, the Space Display comes with an arm that connects to your desk.
Simply clamp the display’s stand to the edge of your desk, and you can adjust the monitor’s angle and distance from right up against the wall, to a low profile similar to that of a laptop. It’s a really smart design that eliminates the need for a third-party monitor arm.
The 32-inch unit supports 4K resolution while the 27-inch supports WQHD resolution. The 27-inch Space Monitor sells for $399.99, and the 32-inch Space Monitor retails for $499.99. Both displays are available now over on Amazon.
Product and Industrial Design are terms that have become interchangeable, especially for those who don’t live and breathe these terms the way we do. Although there are many finer points of distinction between them, the write-up below by Will Gibbons ( Product Designer and Design blogger) simply sums up the similarities and the differences these two fields share. So the next time someone asks you the question of what do you design, do redirect them to this article for better understanding!
Looking to hire a talented designer? Post a job with us to source the best talent for your requirement.
Want an amazing internship or job opportunity? Check out YD Job Board to work at some of the best design companies in the world.
The definition and differentiation of industrial design and product design are debated, confused and sometimes vary given the context in which they’re used. Because many who visit this website may wonder why one term is used rather than the other, we’re going to take a deep dive and hopefully bring some clarity to the topic.
Let’s begin with a macro definition and progress to a micro level. We’ll start with a generic and practical explanation and end up arguing the semantics of the two, which should be fun. Maybe I’ll even ruffle a few feathers along the way. Also, I’ll break up each level of differentiation just to simplify things.
Micro
For all intents and purposes, industrial design and product design are the same damn thing! A product designer and industrial designer play nearly identical roles professionally and share virtually the same goals. If you’d like to, go ahead and use the titles interchangeably as the general public doesn’t know the difference.
That said, each connotes a different idea of what the designer does. To many, industrial design sounds more technical and engineering-based. Alternatively, product design sounds more straight-forward and simple… one who designs products. Of course, the connotation of each is totally subjective and depends entirely on the previous experiences of the person you’re talking to.
Macro
Now, to draw some distinction, we’ll establish that industrial design is a field of study as well as a career path. Many colleges offer Bachelors and Masters Degrees in industrial design, and when a company wants to hire a designer who graduated from an industrial design program, the employer will advertise an industrial design position. Industrial design programs at schools are often divided into more specialized majors such as automotive, transportation and product design as was the case with the college I attended (CCS). At this level, product design is one of the various occupations an industrial designer may choose to pursue.
Based upon the above, all product designers are industrial designers but not all industrial designers are product designers.
Industrial Design — an Abridged History
Back before many of us were born, objects were hand-crafted and cost much more to produce, which prevented most people from consuming at the level we do today. The industrialization of production made mass-production possible. Mass-production is how a product can be made in high volume at a low cost through a heavily automated process. Think of Henry Ford’s production line, which allowed his factory to crank out vehicles faster than ever before. The same thing happened to household products such as furniture, ceramics, tools, electronics and appliances. Prior to having a process that allowed for such high-volume production the cost per unit and production time of products didn’t matter much. When the mass-production became the goal, cost-per-unit, production time and efficiency surrounding the entire process became key to offering affordable products to the masses.
The need for engineers to optimize this whole process became clear, but lowering the price of a good wasn’t the only way to make a sale. Norman Bel Gedes is often credited with bringing sleek design to products that didn’t need to be sleek and sexy, but the result was that these beautiful products sold! It wasn’t long before the aesthetics of products were considered as important as function at the mass-production scale. Prior to the industrial design era, designers were artists and craftspeople. Primarily focused on creating quality objects that looked as good as they were built, designers weren’t designing for the masses, but were crafting low-production goods that were very expensive.
Now that mass-produced goods could be made, how do you get people to replace items that still worked just fine with newer versions? Designers filled the role of creating incentives for consumers to buy the new mass-produced products by adding features such as improving ergonomics, aesthetics and functionality. They did this through their knowledge of design. In order to increase sales, companies began hiring industrial designers to continually design new versions of the same products and sell them to customers year after year.
Product Design — an Abridged History
Alright, so there isn’t really a distinct history of product design, since separating it from industrial design is impossible. Over the years, designers or companies have chosen to use the term ‘product design’ rather than industrial design as it’s slightly more specific than the vast field of industrial design.
As previously mentioned, product design is a specialized field within the broader spectrum of industrial design. product designers are often hired to design everything except for vehicles. Vehicle design (land, air and water) is a field that has its own traditions and practices and often prefers to hire designers who have specialized in automotive or transportation design. This leaves virtually everything else up to product designers. Today, software or digital products as well as services are often in the territory of product designers. In some cases, product design includes a sub-field of specialists called engineering designers. Given the common goals and roles played by the field of industrial design and product design, using one term instead of the other certainly leads to confusion for some. The field of product design and industrial design do overlap and sometimes the distinction between the two isn’t so clear.
I like to think that product designers are responsible for the design of household and consumer products, whereas commercial products are often designed by specialists such as aircrafts, architects and automobiles. I understand though, that there will always be exceptions.
So What?
Some will think I wasted a whole bunch of words trying to distinguish between the indistinguishable. Perhaps. I just wanted to provide some contest to shed light on exactly why there is often times confusion between the two terms, product design and industrial design. The simplest way to bring clarity to an often ambiguous set of definitions is this:
Industrial design is the profession responsible for elevating function and aesthetics to all things manufactured. Product design is one of many niches within industrial design often defined by the kinds of products it designs. Just like a dentist is a specialist within the larger medical field.
The original write up by Will Gibbons published on Medium can be foundhere.
Our endeavor is to increase efficiency and speed by connecting you to your ideal candidates. Yanko Design has curated Industrial Design followers for the past 15+ years, and we know these are the best match for your company. To recruit now, Post a Job with us!
Ammunition Group was founded by Robert Brunner in 2007, after having led the design team as Director of Industrial Design at Apple (he was succeeded by Jonathan Ive), and having been a partner at design powerhouse Pentagram for nearly a decade. Ammunition’s reputation precedes it as the company went on to create some of the most memorable products we’ve seen and loved today, from Ember’s self-heating coffee mug, to Lyft’s reinvented taxi light, to the delightful Polaroid Cube, to probably their magnum opus, the Beats by Dre brand and line of products. Having secured multiple awards in the 11 years since it was founded by Brunner, and Matt Rolandson, Ammunition works across these disciplines to transform great ideas into satisfying, personal experiences, and absolutely delightful and iconic products that are the hallmark of great industrial design.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Ammunition is an international design group providing services in product design, brand strategy and identity, UX design, graphic design, and packaging. While Ammunition’s strengths are diverse across design disciplines, our real expertise is to redefine markets by using design to create new business territory, and to communicate and connect with customers. Whether it is a product, an interface, a package or an identity, our approach is to create new, exciting experiences for customers that communicate the unique proposition and the brand of our clients, and to differentiate in meaningful ways.
Currently, the San Francisco based industrial design team is seeking talented candidates for paid internships. We are looking for candidates with a strong talent in developing unique design concepts to help bring the brands of our clients to life. An ideal candidate has practical problem-solving skills and is driven to develop thoughtful design solutions that create meaningful user experiences. Candidates should possess strong attention to detail and the ability to communicate ideas through outstanding visualization skills. Interns are fully embedded into the ID team and contribute to every step of the industrial design process, from concept generation through final implementation.
A solid ID background is necessary, a strong graphic aesthetic will be well received, and practical experience with engineering and manufacturing constraints is preferable.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Maintain design intention from concept generation to final implementation
• A thorough understanding of design principles
• Personal commitment to quality, attention to detail
• Interface with UX, graphic and packaging designers to create seamless product solutions
• Ensure innovation by actively researching, sharing and implementing new trends and materials
• Excellent time management, organization & prioritization skills required to handle multiple projects simultaneously within tight timelines and meet deadlines
• Effective, articulate design communication and decision-making skills
• Coordinate with vendors to help define and spec materials and processes used in fabrication and assembly
• Report to the VP, Industrial Design Studio
REQUIREMENTS
• Industrial design experience
• BS/BA/BFA degree (or equivalent) in industrial design (or equivalent)
• 3D modeling skills – preferably Rhino, Pro/E or Solidworks
• Confidence with 2D and 3D design visualization tools
• Evidence of prototyping abilities
• Great communication skills (visual, verbal, and written)
• The ability to think quickly and problem-solve on the spot with a maturity that maintains a positive team environment
• A portfolio that demonstrates wide-ranging concept exploration, innovative solutions, a clear process and is visually appealing
Only those applicants who meet our stated requirements will be considered for this job. If you are a possible match for the position, we will contact you to learn more about your background and answer questions about our hiring process. Principals only. No recruiters, please.
NOTE: International candidates must hold a valid US working permit.
Standing at the very pinnacle of automotive design is Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a company that manufactures arguably the best luxury automobiles money can buy. A company first started by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce at the beginning of the 20th century, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is now a wholly owned subsidiary of German group BMW. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is looking for a bright young Industrial Design Intern for their Bespoke Internship for a 6-month period beginning September 2019.
THE OPPORTUNITY
A GOOD INTERNSHIP IS NEVER HANDS-OFF
Share your passion for getting hands-on with us.
We believe in creating an environment where our interns really can learn by doing during their time with us and where they are given their own areas of responsibilities from the start. That’s why our experts treat you as part of the team from day one, encourage you to bring your own ideas to the table – and give you the opportunity to really show what you can do.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is part of the BMW Group and its Goodwood manufacturing plant sits in the heart of the West Sussex countryside.
As the epitome of exclusive super luxury, a Rolls-Royce delivers unmatched quality, style and performance. Behind the legendary brand is a team of passionate and highly talented people who do their utmost to satisfy the wishes of clients who commission a Rolls-Royce. Each year we offer a number of internship opportunities and are keen to hear from you if you are currently studying an undergraduate degree and are looking to complete a 6 or 12-month placement.
The maxim of Sir Henry Royce – ‘take the best that exists and make it better’ permeates everything we do at Rolls-Royce. As a student, you will have hands-on experience from day one, while gaining practical insight into the corporate operations of a world-class automotive manufacturer.
Bespoke Design
The Bespoke Design Intern creates and steers desirable and profitable design features as part of existing and new model developments in line with Bespoke project and brand requirements. Working from within the Rolls-Royce Design team the design work is coordinated and managed by the Bespoke Project Team who steer the bespoke business. Design work can be modifications to existing features or from a blank sheet of paper and can derive from customer requests or be pro-actively offered as individual features or part of a Collection Car. Compelling theme development creates a strong framework of desirability for customer and collection cars and there is a need for both 2D graphical and 3D product design skills. Whilst there are specific Colour and Trim Designers within the team an appreciation of color and materials is expected.
Very strong creativity and presentation skills are required using both traditional sketching skills as well as digital techniques (Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator). Self-management skills are needed to work towards practical solutions with demanding deadlines and also to coordinate inputs from others and steer them effectively where necessary. An awareness of differing international cultures is helpful.
Good interpersonal skills (both verbal and written) are required in order to pursue design solutions and ‘sell’ ideas both internally and externally. The Design Intern needs the ability to juggle different demands, sometimes conflicting, whilst delivering attractive and customer focussed design solutions in a timely fashion. There is a need to appreciate technical and packaging issues and concepts must have a high level of practicality as designs move from concept to reality in a short and at times demanding timeframe.
The Intern role will join the team to work on developing design themes for customer cars and new Bespoke features using a combination of sketched images and retouched images from the Rolls-Royce Configurator. There will be further opportunities to be involved in concept feature development and a personally driven project.
BENEFITS
We offer a competitive salary of £17,500 per annum and a range of benefits including a pension scheme, generous holiday allowance and a subsidized on-site restaurant. As well as being surrounded by many fellow interns throughout your internship you will be supported by our experts in your chosen field.
REQUIREMENTS
Working towards a B.A or M.A. in Industrial Design or Automotive Design or equivalent with proven skills by way of portfolio and CV – please attach a portfolio of recent work to your application (PDF recommended max size 10Mb). Some previous relevant work experience is helpful in a related field. Technical understanding and acumen to work on practical solutions within short time frames and manage time effectively. Some understanding of different manufacturing methods is helpful and an appreciation of regional markets. The Intern should be able to display knowledge of luxury trends (both current and emerging innovations).
• Strong personal presentation skills • Strong visual imagery to sell ideas – sketching techniques plus Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator • Experience of 3D modeling and visualization tools is an advantage • Very good English language skills required – German language skills may be useful • Driving licence may be an advantage
HOW TO APPLY
The application process is as follows:
Stage 1: Online application form* Stage 2: Online ability tests (To be completed within 5 days of receipt) Stage 3: Telephone interview with the recruitment team Stage 4: Face to face interview with the hiring manager
*If you do not complete the free text questions your application will not be progressed.
Applications close on Friday 25th January 2019.
Please be aware that we complete rolling recruitment. As such, those candidates that have made an early application and have successfully moved through the recruitment process will be invited to the first face to face interviews.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please note that our undergraduate placement opportunities are only open to students who will be returning to their final year of study following their placement with us.
Ammunition Group was founded by Robert Brunner in 2007, after having led the design team as Director of Industrial Design at Apple (he was succeeded by Jonathan Ive), and having been a partner at design powerhouse Pentagram for nearly a decade. Ammunition’s reputation precedes it as the company went on to create some of the most memorable products we’ve seen and loved today, from Ember’s self-heating coffee mug, to Lyft’s reinvented taxi light, to probably their magnum opus, the Beats by Dre brand and line of products. Having secured multiple awards in the 11 years since it was founded by Brunner, and Matt Rolandson, Ammunition works across these disciplines to transform great ideas into satisfying, personal experiences, and absolutely delightful and iconic products that are the hallmark of great industrial design.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Ammunition is an international design group providing services in product design, brand strategy and identity, UX design, graphic design, and packaging. While Ammunition’s strengths are diverse across design disciplines, our real expertise is to redefine markets by using design to create new business territory, and to communicate and connect with customers. Whether it is a product, an interface, a package or an identity, our approach is to create new, exciting experiences for customers that communicate the unique proposition and the brand of our clients, and to differentiate in meaningful ways.
Currently, the San Francisco based industrial design team is seeking talented candidates for paid internships. We are looking for candidates with a strong talent in developing unique design concepts to help bring the brands of our clients to life. An ideal candidate has practical problem-solving skills and is driven to develop thoughtful design solutions that create meaningful user experiences. Candidates should possess strong attention to detail and the ability to communicate ideas through outstanding visualization skills. Interns are fully embedded into the ID team and contribute to every step of the industrial design process, from concept generation through final implementation.
A solid ID background is necessary, a strong graphic aesthetic will be well received, and practical experience with engineering and manufacturing constraints is preferable.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Maintain design intention from concept generation to final implementation
• A thorough understanding of design principles
• Personal commitment to quality, attention to detail
• Interface with UX, graphic and packaging designers to create seamless product solutions
• Ensure innovation by actively researching, sharing and implementing new trends and materials
• Excellent time management, organization & prioritization skills required to handle multiple projects simultaneously within tight timelines and meet deadlines
• Effective, articulate design communication and decision-making skills
• Coordinate with vendors to help define and spec materials and processes used in fabrication and assembly
• Report to the VP, Industrial Design Studio
REQUIREMENTS
• Industrial design experience
• BS/BA/BFA degree (or equivalent) in industrial design (or equivalent)
• 3D modeling skills – preferably Rhino, Pro/E or Solidworks
• Confidence with 2D and 3D design visualization tools
• Evidence of prototyping abilities
• Great communication skills (visual, verbal, and written)
• The ability to think quickly and problem-solve on the spot with a maturity that maintains a positive team environment
• A portfolio that demonstrates wide-ranging concept exploration, innovative solutions, a clear process and is visually appealing
Only those applicants who meet our stated requirements will be considered for this job. If you are a possible match for the position, we will contact you to learn more about your background and answer questions about our hiring process. Principals only. No recruiters, please.
NOTE: International candidates must hold a valid US working permit.
Studying design at University is a big decision. I was invited to give a talk at the V&A Museum in London to share my thoughts on design as a career path with students who are currently weighing up their options, as there are a lot of reasons why it’s a great subject to study. If you are coming to the end of high school and it’s something you are thinking about, this post is for you.
OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE REAL IMPACT FROM DAY 1
If coursework wasn’t your thing at school, and you preferred exams – a degree in Industrial Design may not be for you. It’s mainly project-based. In a lot of subjects, it can be highly theoretical. However, if you study design you will be identifying and creating solutions to real-life problems. All good design schools run live projects with established brands. If you’re good, you can expect to be presenting your solutions to Design Managers of global brands by your second year. On another note, presentations are something you will be giving A LOT. My point is – it’s highly practical and it’s REAL from day one. Aiming to solve real problems for real people, improve quality of life and help grow businesses through innovation. It’s meaningful and you’ll take pride in the work you do.
EVER-EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE (IN SOME NICHE AREAS)
When you study Industrial Design and get deep into a project, you immerse yourself in research of a specific area. You study the market, analyze user behavior, understand consumer perceptions and organize focus groups. You reverse engineer competitor products, research patents and record the opinion of experts. This continues in more depth for projects in industry, and it’s great because you get to learn so much about so many different areas. For me recently, I’ve been learning all about a particular surgical procedure and a new technology that goes with it. It’s fascinating. You will constantly learn about new materials, manufacturing processes and technologies.
DEPLOY A WIDE VARIETY OF SKILLS
For me, Industrial Design was an easy choice because I loved how it brought together so many different skills that I enjoyed. As a designer, you can meet with users and conduct observations, develop the visual language of a product through sketching, build models, refine designs in CAD, do some testing and deliver a client presentation – all in the space of a week. When you mix this across different projects, you get a lot of variation in the work you do and it keeps it exciting. It’s also not the type of job where you are locked in a room by yourself for 8 hours a day. You have very interesting debates and collaborate with lots of different types of people.
MEET AND WORK WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
One thing I found at University and also in the different design teams I’ve worked with is that you get a diverse melting pot of people – and these characters tend to be quite interesting. Pro-active and driven individuals. Creative go-getters. Self-starters with unique interests. When you get into design, you don’t tend to work with people who hate their jobs. It’s never like that. It’s more uplifting and optimistic. People in design are usually passionate about what they do. Most of them LOVE it. It’s a good environment to be in.
OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL
As an Industrial Designer, it’s likely that you will travel to the Far East. I’ve been to quite a few different cities out there now, with trips lasting a few weeks at a time – and I love it. I’m not saying all design jobs offer the opportunity to travel, but it’s highly likely considering the amount of manufacturing done in the Far East and the global nature of business. I’ve traveled abroad for different reasons in different jobs. For research, presentations, testing and for extra resource required in other offices. It’s not a certainty – but if travel is something you’re looking for in a career, then depending on the role, design can offer it.
A VALUED SKILL SET IF YOU WANT TO GO INTO OTHER AREAS
If you want to be an Industrial Designer, then you really need to study design or engineering. However, don’t think that you’ve just pigeon-holed yourself by getting a Degree in design. I truly believe that studying design gives you a highly sought-after skill set that can stand you in good stead for many types of roles. Perhaps it’s the ‘problem solving’ nature of design. I know people who have studied Industrial Design and gone on to be successful in Marketing, Branding, Business Development, Buying, Sourcing, Compliance, Sales, Graphics, Lighting, Engineering, Web Design, UX Design, Soft Goods Design, Packaging, Retail Design and Recruitment. There is also the opportunity to start your own business developing your own products and taking them to market or setting up shop as a consultancy.
POSITIVELY IMPACT PEOPLE’S LIVES
Design has the power to solve meaningful problems for people. If you get into design, you can positively impact people’s lives. You could argue that this impact is more direct for medical projects compared with others – but products of many different types have the potential to bring someone pleasure and value. The things you buy that you love, whatever they may be, had to be designed by someone – and now that someone can be you if you choose this path.
Products can also make things easier for people, and give them more time to do the things that they REALLY want to do. Take a washing machine as an example. Nobody wants to wash clothes by hand. Before the washing machine was designed, people all over the world were spending hundreds of hours doing something they didn’t want to do, and now they can spend that time however they want. This is one example that people can easily connect with. My point is – you can impact the way we live and help shape the world of tomorrow.
FUSE DESIGN WITH YOUR OTHER INTERESTS
For me, design IS the main thing I love, regardless of the subject area of the project. However, if you love cycling, and design comes second to that, then guess what? – someone needs to design bicycles and cycling gear! Design gives you the opportunity to combine your other interests with your work.
The truth is, it’s a competitive game to get into. But don’t let that stop the journey from getting started in the first place. There are so many reasons why it’s an incredibly fulfilling career. If it’s what you like doing the most and it appeals to you, then jump in. Take the first step and get moving. See you at the top!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nick Chubb is a Senior Industrial Designer at IDC in London, designing consumer products and medical devices for some of the world’s leading brands. He has a 1st Class Masters Degree in Product Design and assesses hundreds of design portfolios each year. He acts as lead portfolio advisor at Arts Thread, and is often invited to give talks at leading Universities on the subject of design. Learn more at nickchubbdesign.com
ONE-TO-ONE PORTFOLIO IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
If you wish to take your design portfolio to the next level and land more interviews at the companies you love most, check out Nick’s One-to-One Portfolio Improvement Program. Learn more at nickchubbdesign.com/portfolio-improvement-program
Ever wanted for the things you write down in a paper notepad to show up in an app? MultiAdaptor’s connected notebook achieves this, albeit in a simplistic manner, and the app it interacts with is Google’s marketing service, Think With Google.
MultiAdaptor, a British branding agency based in London, was commissioned by the Mountainview tech giant to make the marketing research publishing tool better known in creative companies. While the initial request was to design an exhibition, MultiAdaptor figured out that developing an interactive product and sending it to potential customers could be far more effective for promoting Think With Google.
Industrial designer Roland Ellis, the one who was in charge with developing this notepad, created a conductive bookbinding glue that brings together the reusable Arduino circuit board found at the back of the work book with the printed pages. MultiAdaptor went as far as to claim that the conductive glue is the first of its kind, so the agency is definitely worth some praises for that. As for the notebook’s pages, they are covered with screen-printed conductive ink that can be activated using even common graphite pencils. This way, the developers not only did way with cables and circuits, but also made sure not only that the Arduino circuit board could be reused with another set of glued printed pages, but that the notebook itself can be used with regular writing tools.
“Our notepad had to be compact and convincing,” explained MultiAdaptor. “Conductive ink allowed us to interface with digital content using a pencil, but we wanted to avoid the expected ‘R&D’ aesthetic of cables and circuitry and create something more simple and human.”
As seen above, the notebook is delivered in a blue box, with a blue graphite pencil and an USB cable that’s used for activating the product. Basically, you need to connect it to a computer with the provided cable, then head over to the Think with Google website and pick two options from a list, using either the provided pencil or just any other one. However, I don’t know whether mechanical pencils are as good. After selecting articles, stats, or case studies, the respective content is shown on a dashboard called ‘My Edit.’ Ripping a page off the notepad will enable users to start over with their content selection.
Needless to say, the notepad can be used independently of the Think With Google app and website, and viceversa.
“The digital experience is also designed to reflect the Google brand – something simple and helpful, but playful and innovative too,” concluded MultiAdaptor.
There has been no word on the final number of connected notepad that will be printed and assembled, but for the time being, 1,000 of them are on their way to creative agencies in the UK and Italy. The following video provides more details on how MultiAdaptor’s connected notepad came to be.
kitchen faucet; the DTV
