What Do We Mean by Industrial Design? Terminology, Misrecognition, and Identity Negotiation

This study examines the confusion and misunderstandings surrounding the language and terminology of industrial design, an interdisciplinary profession encompassing diverse activities. Drawing on a mixed-methods survey of practising industrial designers from 53 countries, it explores how designers define their profession, negotiate misunderstanding, and articulate their roles across cultural and collaborative settings. The findings reveal persistent ambiguity around the term ‘industrial design’ and widespread role misrecognition—often shaped by language, region, institutional framing, and cultural context. Rather than proposing a fixed definition, the paper positions language and terminology as a strategic concern. It argues that the language impacts how designers are perceived, understood, and engaged across contexts. We argue that the ways designers talk about their work directly influence how they are perceived, understood, and engaged across interdisciplinary contexts. The paper concludes by suggesting that clearer and more situated terminology could improve collaboration and better reflect the evolving scope of industrial design.

keywords: industrial design; terminology; professional identity; communication; product design

• with: Chris Koch (lead), Gianni Renda, Blair Kuys
• year: November 2025 — ongoing