The Role of Industrial Designers in the Industry 4.0 Transformation 

An Industrial Designer in the industry 4.0 is responsible for designing and developing new products for companies that operate in a digital and automated factory environment. They work with engineers and other designers to come up with creative solutions to manufacturing problems, and often use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create prototypes of their ideas. In a 4.0 factory, industrial designers may also be responsible for programming and operating robots and other automated machinery.

 Industrial designers need to have a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and materials, as well as an eye for aesthetics. They must be able to think creatively to solve problems and come up with innovative solutions. Good communication and collaboration skills are also important, as they will often be working with other professionals in a team setting.

BENOMIK is your recruitment partner for professionals and experts in Industry 4.0. The industrial design industry is part of our specialisation. Our multi-channel search is constantly improving, so we can reach more people and fill jobs in an average of 12 weeks. We're able to do so by leveraging our active network of over 770,000 contacts - one of the largest in Europe. 

‍

What makes a great Industrial Designer?

A great industrial designer can think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems. They can also communicate their ideas effectively to others so that they can be brought to life.

To be successful in the field of industrial design, one must have a strong understanding of both art and science. They must be able to create prototypes and models that not only look good, but also function well. Additionally, they need to be aware of the latest trends and technologies so that they can incorporate them into their designs.

The industrial designer industry is constantly evolving, so it is important for designers to keep up with the latest trends. One of the biggest trends right now is the move towards sustainable and environmentally friendly design. As more and more people become aware of the impact that their consumption has on the planet, they are looking for products that are made with recycled materials and that have a minimal impact on the environment.

Another trend that is affecting the industrial designer industry is the rise of digital fabrication. This is where products are made using computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing technologies. This allows for a much more efficient production process, as well as the ability to create complex designs that would be impossible to create using traditional manufacturing methods.

‍

What are future industry 4.0 trends an Industrial Designer needs to know about?

An industrial designer must be up-to-date on the latest industry 4.0 trends to create products that are compatible with the ever-changing technological landscape. Some of the key trends to watch out for include:

1. The increasing use of robotics and artificial intelligence in manufacturing processes.

2. The increasing importance of sustainability and environmental consciousness in product design.

3. The ever-increasing use of data and analytics in product design and development.

4. The growing trend towards personalised and customised products.

5. The trend towards more connected and smart products.

6. The increasing use of additive manufacturing technology in product development.

7. Growing importance of user experience in product design.

8. Shorter product development cycles are on the rise.

9. The increasing use of virtual and augmented reality in product design and development.

10. The trend towards more collaborative and open product development processes.

‍

The trend towards more collaborative and open product development processes is one that industrial designers should watch out for. This trend will see companies sharing their ideas and designs with each other earlier in the design process, which will result in better products. Industrial designers who can work collaboratively and integrate feedback from multiple sources early on in the design process will be well-placed to take advantage of this trend.

Are you already implementing these trends in your company? BENOMIK is your top recruiter and specialist for the digitalization of industrial design. We place specialists and executives in this area with experience in Industry 4.0 solutions.