Title: The state of industrial design or industrial design in a state: an exploration of the current status of industrial design

Authors: Matthew Tommey; Karl Hurn; Mark Evans

Addresses: Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK ' Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK ' Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK

Abstract: Industrial design appears to be losing relevance in the post-industrial world, overtaken by newer fields of the digital information age. As a consequence, industrial design finds itself in an uncertain position, lacking clear definition, identity and purpose. This paper attempts to identify the current status of industrial design via a survey of individuals (n = 120) with an understanding of the field and an appreciation of design movements. Focus was directed towards the definition of industrial design, the existence of design movements and the extent to which these factors impact upon present-day industrial design. Conclusions drawn from the results suggest that the field requires reform and reassessment of core values, towards reassertion with a clear and concise identity to enforce relevance and position.

Keywords: industrial design; design movements; industrial design definition; industrial design progression; current state of industrial design; industrial design purpose; industrial design history; contemporary industrial design; post-industrial society; industrial design academia; industrial design practice.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2021.124218

Journal of Design Research, 2021 Vol.19 No.4/5/6, pp.273 - 289

Received: 24 Jul 2020
Accepted: 02 Mar 2021
Published online: 18 Jul 2022 *

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