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Why do companies use industrial design to make products more competitive?
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Industrial design
Octagonal electric teakettle of hammered silver, with cane-wicker handle, designed by Peter Behrens for AEG (Allgemeine ElektricitÀts Gesellschaft), Berlin, c. 1909.
Companies utilize industrial design to enhance the competitiveness of mass-produced consumer products by ensuring they are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By focusing on how a product looks and performs, designers help create items that stand out in the marketplace compared to similar offerings.1
Beyond the product itself, industrial design contributes to a competitive edge through:
- Branding and Identity: Designers often integrate graphic design, packaging, and corporate imagery to establish a consistent and recognizable brand identity.1
- Retail Environments: Companies like Apple use specialized, well-designed retail spaces to present products in an approachable, ennobling way, which effectively engages consumers and encourages interaction with the goods.2
- Strategic Planning: By controlling the look and function of merchandise, companies can better align their offerings with consumer needs and market trends.3
Ultimately, the goal is to produce items that are not only useful but also desirable, providing a distinct advantage over competitors.1