Abstract
This article explores the current state of industrial design in relation to future manufacturing technologies and paradigms. To date, no empirical research has been conducted that specifically examines the role of practising industrial designers in relation to their understanding and preparedness for technologies and systems as part of the next manufacturing revolution—Industry 4.0. As industrial design historically emerged in response to mass production, its continued relevance depends on how the profession evolves alongside technological transformation. We argue that changes in current production influence the development of the design profession and therefore its education. Although new technologies and systems are being implemented within manufacturing, industrial designers must reflect on their core competencies and evaluate how these align with the new manufacturing paradigm. Our investigation used a global questionnaire completed by 190 practicing product/industrial designers from 53 countries. Findings offer a rare practitioner perspective on the impact of Industry 4.0 and reveal a misalignment between current educational preparation and professional expectations. Outcomes show how best industrial designers can engage and demonstrate value within the new manufacturing ecosystem, and how this can be facilitated through targeted adjustments to the industrial design curriculum.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drslxd.2025.042
Citation
Koch, C., Kuys, B.,and Renda, G.(2025) Is Industrial Design Education Prepared for Industry 4.0?, in Clemente, V., Gomes, G., Reis, M., Félix, S., Ala, S., Jones, D. (eds.), Learn X Design 2025, 22-24 September 2025, Aveiro, Portugal. https://doi.org/10.21606/drslxd.2025.042
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Is Industrial Design Education Prepared for Industry 4.0?
This article explores the current state of industrial design in relation to future manufacturing technologies and paradigms. To date, no empirical research has been conducted that specifically examines the role of practising industrial designers in relation to their understanding and preparedness for technologies and systems as part of the next manufacturing revolution—Industry 4.0. As industrial design historically emerged in response to mass production, its continued relevance depends on how the profession evolves alongside technological transformation. We argue that changes in current production influence the development of the design profession and therefore its education. Although new technologies and systems are being implemented within manufacturing, industrial designers must reflect on their core competencies and evaluate how these align with the new manufacturing paradigm. Our investigation used a global questionnaire completed by 190 practicing product/industrial designers from 53 countries. Findings offer a rare practitioner perspective on the impact of Industry 4.0 and reveal a misalignment between current educational preparation and professional expectations. Outcomes show how best industrial designers can engage and demonstrate value within the new manufacturing ecosystem, and how this can be facilitated through targeted adjustments to the industrial design curriculum.