Welcome to the second volume of "An Industrial Design Guide: Understanding the science of design research." A focused exploration of how industrial designers think, research, and act within complex and evolving contexts. This volume positions design research not as a secondary or purely academic exercise, but as a core driver of insight, innovation, and responsible decision-making in contemporary industrial design practice. Today's industrial designers operate at the intersection of human experience, technology, culture, business, and sustainability. Navigating these layered realities requires more than creative instinct alone. It demands structured ways of investigating problems, understanding people, and translating insight into meaningful, viable outcomes. This book responds to that need by presenting design research as an iterative, designer-centered process that connects thinking, making, and reflection into a cohesive practice.
The volume is organized into six interconnected parts that together form a comprehensive research-driven framework. Part One establishes the foundations of design thinking and research, examining creative, critical, strategic, and systems-based modes of thought while positioning design itself as a valid form of inquiry. Part Two introduces a hierarchy of design research, clarifying how methods evolve from early exploration to validation and implementation. Part Three focuses on problem framing and inquiry, emphasizing techniques for translating research into clear design opportunities through scenarios, prototyping, and iteration. Part Four deepens engagement with users through human-centered research, including ergonomics, personas, journeys, and interaction analysis. Part Five explores product design research areas such as culture, markets, aesthetics, branding, and speculative futures. Part Six grounds creativity in reality by addressing materials, manufacturing, sustainability, engineering feasibility, and collaboration.
This book is not supplemental reading. It is a working reference for industrial designers, written to support you from studio coursework through thesis and into professional practice. Unlike books that isolate skills or theory, it integrates research, problem framing, and industry-aligned workflows into clear, usable frameworks. You will return to it not to memorize content, but to structure research, validate ideas, articulate intent, and strengthen how you think, work, and communicate as a designer.
Andrisani, Carmen: - Carmen Andrisani, an alumna of Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" in Rome, Italy, stands out as a distinguished professional with a rich southern Italian design heritage. Armed with a Master of Science in Business Communications and a Bachelor of Arts in Business/Mass Communications, Carmen's academic journey showcases her commitment to mastering the nuances of effective communication within the vibrant landscape of business.A versatile professional, Carmen's passion for design and communication is deeply rooted in her southern Italian heritage. Her educational background reflects a harmonious blend of business acumen and a profound appreciation for the interplay between design aesthetics and impactful messaging. Carmen embodies a unique set of skills, driven by her commitment to bridging the gap between the visual allure of design and the power of strategic communication.Beyond her academic achievements, Carmen's journey is fueled by a genuine enthusiasm for merging design prowess with strategic communication to craft narratives that resonate across diverse audiences. With a heritage rooted in the rich design traditions of southern Italy, Carmen brings a unique perspective and a commitment to excellence in both her creative and communicative endeavors.
Songwe, Neville, Jr.: - Prof. Jr Neville Songwe is Chair of Industrial Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with 20+ years of international experience spanning product innovation, UX/UI, and entrepreneurship across the U.S., Africa, Europe, and Asia. He leads high-impact industry collaborations, including SCADpro studios with Apple and earlier engagements with Colgate-Palmolive and co-created SCAD's "Pro Practices in Teaching" onboarding for SCADpro faculty. Previously Acting Chair who launched and directed SCAD Atlanta's Industrial Design program, Songwe is also founder of Joneso Design & Consulting. His notable projects include BRIJO, a law-enforcement vehicle redesign that secured four USPTO utility patents and national media coverage. He authored An Industrial Design Guide, Vol. 01; Understanding the Science of Product Design, cited by BookAuthority among the top industrial design books of 2023. He holds an MID (RISD) and a BA (ISIA Rome).
