Formulating a unique product design, illustrating this design’s possibilities with applied science principles, and creating a plan that demonstrates the new product’s marketability are some tips for writing an industrial design thesis. Due to the lack of a stated argument to be proven, an industrial design thesis differs from a standard written academic thesis in other disciplines. An aspiring industrial designer’s goal is usually to identify a current production flaw and propose unique design solutions. A good thesis project combines aesthetics and practical usability to create a unique design that appeals to a wide range of potential customers.
Many students find that coming up with an interesting idea that hasn’t been covered in another project is the most difficult part of writing an industrial design thesis. Some people prefer to brainstorm potential future product design problems rather than focusing on a current problem. A number of current products have ergonomic problems that limit their usability for certain groups of people. Thesis projects that improve usability are frequently valued as highly as those that improve other aspects of design, such as aesthetics. A design thesis topic does not have to be large or complicated; it could be something as simple as a well-designed handle that is more comfortable to hold.
An original industrial design thesis must also be justified, described, and illustrated with polished drawings. The body of a thesis should be divided into several sections, each devoted to a specific purpose, according to established industrial designers. A description of the current design problem and an explanation of why it fails can be included in one section. Plans for solving it using established industrial design practices can be included in the following section. The actual design process, in the form of hand drawings or slides of computer aided design diagrams, can be included in the thesis’s final sections.
As a final project requirement, well-organized design theses are the easiest to read, describe, and defend. The business aspects of a new product design must also be addressed in an industrial design thesis. While a thesis does not have to include a full marketing strategy, it should usually include a description of how the designer intends to communicate the improvements to consumers. When space and time permit, including a practical demonstration in an industrial design thesis can be beneficial.