Industrial Design Researcher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern era, the focus on industrial design researchers has never been more pronounced.

As technology advances, the demand for innovative minds who can delve into, enhance, and safeguard our industrial design processes increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an industrial design researcher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of industrial design research,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable industrial design researcher job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Industrial Design Researcher Duties and Responsibilities

Industrial Design Researchers focus on studying and understanding user experiences to create functional and aesthetically appealing products.

They utilize their skills in user research, design, and technology to improve the user interface and interaction with products.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting user research to understand their behaviors, needs, and motivations
• Applying research findings to design concepts and product strategies
• Collaborating with industrial designers and engineers to implement design concepts
• Creating and testing prototypes to ensure functionality and user-friendliness
• Developing and presenting design proposals to stakeholders or clients
• Monitoring and reporting on user experience and feedback
• Staying up-to-date with latest design trends and consumer preferences
• Ensuring designs meet safety, quality, and sustainability standards
• Documenting all stages of the design process for future reference and review

 

Industrial Design Researcher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and innovative Industrial Design Researcher to join our team.

You will be responsible for conducting research and trend analysis, collecting user insights, and applying this knowledge to create user-centered designs for our products.

Our ideal candidate is someone who has a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a passion for creating practical, appealing, and user-friendly designs.

Ultimately, the role of the Industrial Design Researcher is to contribute to the development of high-quality, innovative, and aesthetically pleasing products that meet the needs of our users and align with our company’s vision.

 

Responsibilities

• Conducting market research to identify new trends, innovations, and user needs.
• Collecting and analyzing user data to understand user behavior and preferences.
• Collaborating with product designers and engineers to integrate user research into product designs.
• Developing design concepts based on user insights and business needs.
• Creating design models and prototypes for testing and evaluation.
• Presenting research findings and design concepts to stakeholders and team members.
• Contributing to the development of design guidelines and standards.
• Participating in user testing and incorporating feedback into design revisions.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Industrial Design Researcher or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of design principles, techniques, and tools.
• Experience conducting user research and market analysis.
• Proficiency in design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, User Experience Design, or a related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Industrial Design Researcher
• Work Environment: This is primarily an office-based role, with occasional visits to production facilities or user testing sites as needed. Remote work options may be available depending on the project requirements.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Industrial Design.
• Salary: Salary is based on candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Industrial Design Researcher Do?

Industrial Design Researchers primarily work in product manufacturing industries, design firms, or as independent consultants.

Their key responsibility is to understand and investigate market trends, consumer needs, materials, and technologies to inform the design of new products or to improve existing ones.

They use various research methodologies such as ethnographic research, user interviews, surveys, focus groups, and observational studies to gather insights about user needs and preferences.

They also study competitors’ products and analyze their design and functionality.

Industrial Design Researchers collaborate closely with Industrial Designers and Product Developers to translate these research insights into actionable design solutions.

They also evaluate the success of previous designs, using data and customer feedback to improve and refine product designs.

This role involves a significant amount of documentation, preparing reports and presentations to communicate their research findings and design recommendations to internal teams and stakeholders.

In some cases, they may also participate in the prototyping and testing process, providing user feedback and ensuring that the design meets the identified user needs and market trends.

Ultimately, an Industrial Design Researcher plays a critical role in making sure that a product is not only functional and aesthetically appealing but also meets the needs and expectations of its target users.

 

Industrial Design Researcher Qualifications and Skills

An effective Industrial Design Researcher should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Research skills to gather, analyze and interpret data related to the development of new products or improving existing ones.
• Technical knowledge in industrial design principles, material properties, manufacturing processes, and environmental impacts.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with engineers, manufacturers, marketing teams, and end-users, among others in the product development process.
• Creative thinking to visualize new concepts and design innovative products that meet user needs and preferences.
• Communication skills to effectively articulate research findings, design ideas and concepts to non-design team members and stakeholders.
• Problem-solving skills to identify design constraints, challenges and come up with practical solutions.
• Proficiency in design software, such as CAD (Computer Aided Design) tools, and ability to create prototypes for testing and evaluation.
• Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining high quality.

 

Industrial Design Researcher Experience Requirements

Entry-level Industrial Design Researchers typically have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field, along with a year or two of relevant experience.

This experience can be gained through internships, cooperative education programs, or entry-level roles in design or product development firms.

Candidates with 2-5 years of experience often have worked on multiple industrial design projects, possibly in varied industries.

These professionals have honed their skills in market research, prototype development, and user experience evaluation.

They may have also gained experience in using design software and equipment, like CAD, 3D printers, or CNC machines.

Industrial Design Researchers with more than 5 years of experience are likely well-versed in the entire design process, from initial research to final product development.

They may have experience in leading design projects or teams, and are familiar with navigating patent processes and compliance regulations.

In addition to technical skills, these professionals are expected to have strong teamwork and communication abilities, as they often work closely with engineers, marketers, and manufacturing personnel.

Continuing education and professional development are also important in this rapidly-evolving field.

Therefore, many experienced Industrial Design Researchers have advanced degrees or certifications, and keep up-to-date with industry trends through professional organizations or continuing education programs.

 

Industrial Design Researcher Education and Training Requirements

Industrial Design Researchers typically have a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, engineering, or a related field.

In addition to their degree, they need to have a strong foundation in research methodologies and design principles.

A comprehensive understanding of ergonomics, manufacturing processes, and materials is also crucial for this role.

Advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or PhD in Industrial Design or a related field, can provide an added advantage, especially for those interested in pursuing a research-focused career path.

Some positions may require Industrial Design Researchers to have experience with CAD software, sketching, and physical prototyping.

Knowledge in user experience (UX) design and understanding human behavior could also be beneficial.

Obtaining certification in industrial design, such as the Certified Industrial Designer (CID) offered by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), can indicate professional competency and commitment to the field.

Continuing education is also important in this role due to the rapid advancements in technology and manufacturing processes.

Therefore, many Industrial Design Researchers engage in lifelong learning, often through workshops, conferences, and additional courses.

 

Industrial Design Researcher Salary Expectations

An Industrial Design Researcher earns an average salary of $71,567 (USD) per year.

The earnings may fluctuate based on experience, educational qualification, location, and the company’s size and industry.

 

Industrial Design Researcher Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Industrial Design Researcher need?

Industrial Design Researchers require excellent research skills to gather and analyze data about consumer trends, materials, manufacturing processes, and design principles.

They should have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to interpret research findings and translate them into actionable design strategies.

Communication and presentation skills are also critical for sharing insights with design teams or stakeholders.

 

Do Industrial Design Researchers need a degree?

Yes, Industrial Design Researchers typically need a degree in Industrial Design, Engineering, or a related field.

This education should include coursework in design principles, materials science, and manufacturing processes.

Many employers prefer candidates with postgraduate qualifications in design research or a related field for senior roles.

 

What should you look for in an Industrial Design Researcher resume?

An Industrial Design Researcher’s resume should demonstrate a strong background in research, including experience in conducting market research, user research, or materials research.

Look for candidates who have worked on a variety of design projects, showing their ability to apply research insights to practical design challenges.

Proficiency in design software and data analysis tools is also a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Industrial Design Researcher?

A good Industrial Design Researcher is innately curious, always seeking to understand why things are the way they are and how they can be improved.

They should be detail-oriented and analytical, able to gather and interpret complex data.

They should also be creative, able to envision new design possibilities based on research findings.

Good Industrial Design Researchers should also be excellent communicators, capable of conveying complex ideas in a clear and compelling way.

 

What is the role of an Industrial Design Researcher in a design team?

In a design team, an Industrial Design Researcher plays a crucial role in guiding the design process based on research insights.

They conduct market research to understand consumer trends, competitive landscape, and technological advancements.

They also conduct user research to understand user needs, preferences, and pain points.

Their findings help inform the design strategy, influencing everything from the product’s features to its aesthetic appeal.

They also evaluate design prototypes, testing them for usability, functionality, and user satisfaction.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve explored the intricate world of an industrial design researcher.

Surprised?

It’s not just about designing products.

It’s about shaping the future of the industrial world, one innovative design at a time.

With our comprehensive industrial design researcher job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step up your game.

But why stop at this point?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards crafting pinpoint-accurate listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every design is a piece of the larger industrial puzzle.

Let’s shape the future. Together.

How to Become an Industrial Design Researcher (Complete Guide)

Find Your Happy Work Place: Enjoyable Jobs with Attractive Pay

The Intriguingly Unusual: Careers That Capture the Imagination

The Smiling Side of Work: Enjoyable Jobs That Are Pure Joy

No Sweat, Big Checks: Effortless Jobs That Will Boost Your Bank Balance!