Market size
Global: The global industrial design market will reach a certain size in 2023 (specific data varies depending on the reporting source), and according to Bergers Consulting, the global industrial design market size will grow further in 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of a certain percentage during the forecast period.

China: The China Industrial Design Market size was valued at USD 5774.41 MN in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 10470.65 MN by 2032, CAGR of 6.83% during 2024-2032, with broad market growth prospects.

Technological innovation
AI and multi-modal interaction and integration: Multi-functional products have evolved from single-function superposition to intelligent co-evolution, such as smart blenders that identify ingredients through sensors and AI algorithms, automatically switch modes, and generate nutritional analysis reports.

Edge Computing and IoT Synergy: The modular design combines edge computing technology to enable dynamic expansion of product functions, such as Samsung's Folio tablet that can be linked to smart home devices through IoT protocols.

Digital Twin & Virtual Verification: BMW iFACTORY reduced the design verification cycle from 6 months to 72 hours through virtual production line simulation, while optimizing equipment layout and reducing manufacturing costs by 18%.

Material innovation
Eco-friendly materials and restructuring: Bio-based materials (e.g., mycelium, algae-based polymers) are driving sustainability in multifunctional products, such as the PulpaTronics tag developed by the Royal College of Art in London, which uses laser-engraved carbon-based circuitry to replace traditional RFID chips, reducing carbon emissions by 70%.

Flexible electronics and miniaturization technology: breakthroughs have been made in the field of wearable devices, such as smart hangers integrating multiple functions and relying on flexible circuit boards to achieve ultra-thin form; Medical-grade testing equipment condenses a variety of detection functions into the form of a ring through nano-coating technology.

Design Concept
Ergonomics and scenario-based design: The design shifts from static optimization to dynamic response, focusing on invisible complexity management, such as the 8° forward-leaning seat and the golden triangle load-bearing structure for children's luggage, taking into account the needs of carrying items and children's rest; The MUJI Home Collection combines multiple functions into a minimalist look with hidden interfaces and color simplification.

Sustainability & Circular Economy Practices: Products are designed with repair, upgrade, and recycling paths in mind, such as LG Chem's biodegradable battery module, which supports independent replacement of functional components of smart devices, reducing material waste by 92% compared to the traditional end-of-life model.

Pain points in the development of the industry
Lack of standards: The lack of a series of standards such as professional standards for industrial design practitioners, evaluation standards for the ability level of professionals, and standards for the industrial design innovation system of the manufacturing industry has led to chaos in the industry, such as shoddy quality, low-price competition, and false publicity.

Innovation dilemma: the group effect of industrial design companies is obvious, and the manufacturing industry and professional industrial design companies have no basis to follow and no standards to refer to in the process of carrying out docking cooperation and building their own capabilities, which restricts the breakthrough of China's industrial design innovation level to the world's advanced level.

Talent demand
Employment threshold: The threshold for employment in industrial design is relatively high, and the professional skills requirements for talents are relatively strict, and graduates of 985 and 211 colleges and universities have relatively more advantages in employment and can enter some good enterprises.

Popular fields: medical fields, low-altitude economic fields (such as aircraft), humanoid robots, etc., have a large demand for industrial design talents.

Geographical distribution
In China, the industrial design market is mainly concentrated in key industrial center cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing. These regions have a strong manufacturing base and are able to attract a large number of professionals, forming a good innovation ecosystem and providing favorable conditions for the development of industrial design.