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ESCO occupation

industrial designer

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Industrial designers work out ideas and develop them into designs and concepts for a wide variety of manufactured products. They integrate creativity, aesthetics, production feasibility, and market relevance in the design of new products.

2163.1 ISCO 2163 ESCO source
Competences
67
Groups
4
Essential
20
Optional
47

Competences and skills

67 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 10 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
design management

The way in which design principles are incorporated to help achieve business objectives, create products and services, obtain new customers, and support marketing activities.

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engineering processes

The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.

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Cross-sector

8 competences
aesthetics

Set of principles based on which something is appealing and beautiful.

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copyright legislation

Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.

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design principles

The elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.

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engineering principles

The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.

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ergonomics

The science of designing systems, processes and products that complement the strengths of people so that they can use them easily and safely.

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industrial design

The practice of designing products to be manufactured through techniques of mass production.

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manufacturing processes

The steps required through which a material is transformed into a product, its development and full-scale manufacturing.

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mathematics

Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

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Essential skills and competences 10 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
perform ideation activities

Implement the different techniques to generate ideas. Sketching, prototyping and brainstorming are examples of these techniques.

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Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

9 competences
conduct research on trends in design

Conduct research on present and future evolutions and trends in design, and associated target market features.

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determine suitability of materials

While designing products, determine if materials are suitable and available for production.

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draft design specifications

List the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.

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draw design sketches

Create rough pictures to assist in creating and communicating design concepts.

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follow a brief

Interpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.

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liaise with engineers

Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.

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meet deadlines

Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.

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perform market research

Gather, assess and represent data about target market and customers in order to facilitate strategic development and feasibility studies. Identify market trends.

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present artistic design proposals

Prepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff.

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Optional knowledge 13 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

7 competences
CAM software

Different tools for computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.

digital
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ceramic ware

The production process and characteristics of various types of ceramic ware such as pottery, whiteware, stoneware, chinaware, porcelain or earthenware.

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cost management

The process of planning, monitoring and adjusting the expenses and revenues of a business in order to achieve cost efficiency and capability.

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human-robot collaboration

Human-Robot Collaboration is the study of collaborative processes in which human and robot agents work together to achieve shared goals. Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) is an interdisciplinary research area comprising classical robotics, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, design, cognitive sciences and psychology. It is related to the definition of the plans and the rules for communication to perform a task and achieve a goal in a joint action with a robot.

digital
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jewellery processes

Materials and processes involved in creating jewellery items like earrings, necklaces, rings, brackets, etc.

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types of glazing

Various types of glass, insulating glazing and mirror glass and their contribution to energy performance. Their usage cases, advantages and disadvantages, and price points.

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types of toy materials

Field of information which distinguishes the nature and different types of toy materials, such as wood, glass, plastic, steel, etc.

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Cross-sector

6 competences
3D modelling

The process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of an object via specialised software. The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering or used in a computer simulation of physical phenomena. The model can also be physically created using 3D printing devices.

digital
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CAD software

The computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.

digital
Scope note
CAD software should be differentiated from computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software. CADD systems are CAD systems with additional drafting features. For example, CADD systems enable an engineer or architect to insert size annotations and other notes into a design.
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hydraulics

The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.

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industrial engineering

The field of engineering concerned with the development, improvement, and implementation of complex processes and systems of knowledge, people, equipment, etc.

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pneumatics

The application of pressurised gas to produce mechanical motion.

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types of packaging materials

Properties of materials that make them suitable for packaging. Conversion of raw materials into packaging materials. Different types of labels and materials used which comply with the correct storage criteria depending on the goods.

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Optional skills and competences 34 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

13 competences
adapt existing designs to changed circumstances

Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.

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adapt to new design materials

Without neglecting more traditional techniques and materials, monitor materials innovation such as new resin, plastic, paints, metals, etc. Develop ability to use them and include them in design projects.

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apply 3D imaging techniques

Implement a variety of techniques such as digital sculpting, curve modelling and 3D scanning to create, edit, preserve and use 3D images, such as point clouds, 3D vector graphic and 3D surface shapes.

digital
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attend design meetings

Attend meetings to discuss the status of current projects and to be briefed on new projects.

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build jewellery models

Construct preliminary jewel models using wax, plaster or clay. Create sample castings in moulds.

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calculate design costs

Calculate design costs to make sure the project is financially viable.

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consult with design team

Discuss the project and design concepts with the design team, finalise proposals and present these to stakeholders.

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design package

Develop and design the form and structure of a product's package.

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develop jewellery designs

Develop new jewellery designs and products, and modify existing designs.

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identify customer's needs

Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.

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prospect new customers

Initiate activities in order to attract new and interesting customers. Ask for recommendations and references, find places where potential customers can be located.

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think creatively about jewellery

Generate innovative and creative ideas to design and decorate jewellery.

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use CAE software

Work with computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools to perform analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics.

digital
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Cross-sector

21 competences
analyse production processes for improvement

Analyse production processes leading toward improvement. Analyse in order to reduce production losses and overall manufacturing costs.

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apply desktop publishing techniques

Apply desktop publishing techniques to create page layouts and typographic quality text.

digital
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build a product's physical model

Build a model of the product out of wood, clay or other materials by using hand or electrical tools.

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calculate materials to build equipment

Determine the amount and the kind of materals necessary to build certain machines or equipment.

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collaborate with engineers

Work closely and communicate with engineers on designs or new products.

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coordinate manufacturing production activities

Coordinate manufacturing activities based on production strategies, policies and plans. Study details of the planning such as expected quality of the products, quantities, cost, and labour required to foresee any action needed. Adjust processes and resources to minimise costs.

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create a product's virtual model

Create a mathematical or three-dimensional computer graphic model of the product by using a CAE system or a calculator.

digital
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design prototypes

Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.

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determine production feasibility

Determine if a product or its components can be produced by applying engineering principles.

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draw blueprints

Draw layout specifications for machinery, equipment and building structures. Specify which materials should be used and the size of the components. Show different angles and views of the product.

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manage contracts

Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes in line with any legal limitations.

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monitor production developments

Monitor parameters to keep an eye on the production, developments and costs within your area of control.

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perform physical stress tests on models

Perform tests on products' models to analyse the ability of products to endure temperature, loads, motion, vibration and other factors.

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perform project management

Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.

research
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plan event marketing for promotional campaigns

Design and direct event marketing for promotional campaigns. This involves face-to-face contact between companies and customers at a wide range of events, which engages them in a participatory position and provides them with information about a specific product or service.

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prepare production prototypes

Prepare early models or prototypes in order to test concepts and replicability possibilities. Create prototypes to assess for pre-production tests.

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produce sustainable products

Manufacture goods in a sustainable manner throughout the product lifecycle which involves promoting social responsibility, conserving resources, and minimizing negative environmental impacts.

green
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use CAD software

Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.

digital
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use specialised design software

Developing new designs mastering specialised software.

digital
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use technical drawing software

Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.

digital
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write manuals

Write down instructions about how to properly and safely use equipment, machinery, and systems.

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