Before we delve into the differences between the various meanings of the term “product design,” it’s important to understand the common denominator that unifies them. In its broadest essence, product design is the process of creating products. It is a multidisciplinary field that combines art, science, and technology with the aim of creating some kind of value through products – whether through problem-solving, improving quality of life, or encouraging critical thinking about the world around us. A product designer combines these elements to create innovative and impactful objects and experiences that resonate with users.

Now that we have a general understanding of what product design is, let’s start reviewing the different sub-meanings of the term. Ready? Let’s begin 😃

1 — First meaning of product design – A synonym for industrial design

The first common meaning of the term “product design” is essentially as a synonym for the term “industrial design”. Because these two terms are often used interchangeably, it sometimes creates a bit of confusion for those unfamiliar with the field. But that’s why we’re here to clarify things :) Many industrial designers can use both terms interchangeably, and actually mean the same thing. The choice between these two titles is usually individual and, as mentioned, does not necessarily indicate any difference in the speaker’s intent.

If you’re interested in understanding more about what industrial design is, we recommend reading a comprehensive post we wrote on the subject titled “What is Industrial Design?”. However, for those who prefer a brief summary: Industrial design is the process of designing, developing, and improving three-dimensional products which are mass produced or produced in large quantities, that holistically combine functionality, usability, manufacturability, user experience, sustainability, and aesthetics. Industrial design integrates knowledge and approaches from various disciplines such as engineering, art, and business strategy to transform ideas into tangible solutions and products.

 2 — The second meaning of product design – Designing products in limited editions or one-offs

In certain design circles, the term “product design” describes unique products that deviate from industrial design primarily by their non-industrial production methods. While these products generally adhere to most industrial design principles, they differ in their approach to manufacturing, deliberately avoiding mass production.

The absence of industrial production constraints often enables designers to explore alternative materials, technologies, work techniques, and new form languages that would be impractical in mass manufacturing. Due to their limited replication capabilities, such products are typically produced in small, limited editions or as singular, one-of-a-kind pieces.

8Bit-Drawers is an example of a one-off project (meaning unique). The project, which is a drawer unit designed by the studio, was created on commission for the “Dream Furniture” exhibition at Sotheby’s auction house. It is a complex and expensive project to produce, requiring extensive manual work, and for these reasons is not feasible for mass production.

Product design, in this sense, functions therefore as a kind of research laboratory for exploring the conceptual, material, and technological boundaries of ideas that have not yet reached industrial production readiness. However, by mapping potential pathways for applying these new materials and technologies, it provides glimpses into possible future applications, anticipating a moment when these emerging innovations might mature or when novel aesthetic approaches might gain broader acceptance.

This forward-looking approach makes product design important for investigating breakthrough concepts across diverse fields, from pioneering software applications, emerging technologies like 3D printing to innovative green products and sustainable materials that challenge conventional design norms.

Our studio’s “1/3, 2/3, 3/3” project is a conceptual product design project that explores humorous ways to represent first/second/third place through form, as opposed to differentiation based on material and color.

A distinct marketplace exists for such limited-edition design products and one-of-a-kind pieces. This specialized sector is served by dedicated galleries worldwide, prestigious international events like Design Miami/Basel, and premier auction houses such as Sotheby’s, where exceptional design pieces regularly command significant attention from collectors.

 3 — The third meaning of product design – Digital product design

The term “product design,” as used in this context, primarily refers to the design of digital products.” Since the 1990s, when computers became more widespread and accessible to a broader audience, the need to create user-friendly and intuitive interfaces—such as websites and software—emerged. Over time, the concept of “product design” expanded to encompass the design of these two-dimensional digital interfaces like applications, software, and websites. Today, digital product design is a well-established discipline with various sub-specialties, playing a critical role in the success of any digital product.

The primary goal of digital product design is to design products that are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable for users. It spans various aspects and sub-specialties, including User Experience (UX), which ensures the product is easy and seamless to use; User Interface (UI), which focuses on the visual design, aesthetics, and overall look and feel of the product; Information Architecture, which organizes and structures content to make information logical and accessible; Microcopy, which involves crafting concise, user-focused text that guides and enhances the user experience; and Digital Accessibility, which ensures the product is inclusive and usable for individuals with diverse abilities. Each of these components plays a vital role in creating products that meet users’ needs while delivering a positive and meaningful experience.

Digital product designers must account for a wide range of critical factors in their work. These include recognizing users’ cognitive and physiological limitations, understanding the context in which the product will be used, and adapting the design to suit the platform and its technological constraints. They also need to align the design with users’ prior knowledge or ensure compatibility with other products that interact with the one being designed. Additionally, they must guarantee adaptability across different devices (responsiveness) and address numerous other considerations to create effective and user-friendly digital experiences.

Summary: What is Product Design?

Product design is a multifaceted concept, as presented in this post. We hope we have succeeded in clarifying the different meanings of the term and providing helpful insights.

In our product design studio, we specialize in a variety of product design domains. Our experience spans across a wide range of industries and fields, which enables us to offer comprehensive and personalized solutions. If you are considering developing a new product or are interested in additional information, we would be happy to help. You can contact us for professional consultation by phone: 050-9001551 or by email: info@kuchikamitai.com