What is Industrial Design?
Industrial design is the process of designing products used in everyday life in a functional, aesthetic, and user-friendly way. From cars to furniture, electronic devices to kitchen appliances, almost every product we see around us has passed through the hands of an industrial designer. For students who want to study industrial design, a strong portfolio is the most critical element for gaining admission to prestigious schools.
Why is an Industrial Design Portfolio Important?
Schools such as UAL, NABA, Pratt Institute, SAIC, and Royal College of Art use the portfolio as the primary evaluation criterion for industrial design applications. Your portfolio should demonstrate:
- Your problem-solving ability
- Your creative and analytical thinking process
- Your technical drawing and modelling skills
- Your user-centred design approach
- Your knowledge of materials and production
What Should an Industrial Design Portfolio Contain?
1. Design Projects
Design projects form the foundation of your portfolio and should cover the entire process from problem identification to solution. For each project present:
- Problem definition and research
- Initial sketches and idea development
- Prototype and model work
- Final design and technical drawings
- Usage scenarios and presentation
2. Perspective and Technical Drawings
Technical drawings are an indispensable part of an industrial design portfolio and should show your design from different angles and at scale. It is recommended to demonstrate both hand drawing and digital drawing skills.
3. 3D Models and Prototypes
Digital 3D models (Rhino, SolidWorks, Fusion 360) and physical prototypes strengthen your portfolio. Prototype photographs convey to assessors how your design looks in real life.
4. Research and Moodboards
Every design project should have a strong research process behind it. User research, material research, and moodboards showing your sources of inspiration add depth to your portfolio.
5. Process Work
Alongside finished products, sketches, notes, and experimental work documenting your design process are among the most valuable parts of your portfolio. Assessors want to see how you think.
Which Techniques and Tools are Used?
Hand Skills: Perspective drawing, technical drawing, model making, wood and metal workshop work
Digital Tools: Rhino, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Keyshot, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
Production Techniques: 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC milling, prototyping
Which Universities Accept an Industrial Design Portfolio?
Our students have been accepted to the following schools with industrial design portfolios:
- UAL: Product and Furniture Design, Industrial Design
- Royal College of Art: Industrial Design, Vehicle Design
- Pratt Institute: Industrial Design
- NABA: Product Design
- Glasgow School of Art: Product Design
Industrial Design Portfolio Timeline
- 6 to 9 months before: Development of core drawing and modelling skills
- 4 to 6 months before: Identifying and starting portfolio projects
- 2 to 3 months before: Completing projects and organising the portfolio
- 1 to 2 months before: Final editing and application preparation
Common Mistakes in Portfolio Preparation
1. Submitting only aesthetics-focused work: Industrial design is not just about aesthetics. Problem solving and functionality should be at the centre of your portfolio.
2. Not showing the process: The design process is just as important as the finished product. Always include your sketches and experimental work.
3. Staying in one discipline: Present projects across different product categories — furniture, electronics, transportation vehicles, and so on.
4. Skipping technical drawings: Hand drawing is still critically important for an industrial design portfolio. Showcase your hand drawing skills alongside digital tools.
5. Forgetting the user: In every design project, show that you have considered user needs and experience.
Industrial Design Portfolio Preparation with Da Vinci Akademi
At Da Vinci Akademi, we have worked with students accepted to UAL Product Design, Royal College of Art, and Glasgow School of Art. We offer:
- Personalised industrial design portfolio preparation
- Perspective drawing and technical drawing training
- 3D modelling and prototyping support
- Project development and presentation coaching
- Project development and presentation coaching
Get in touch with us for your industrial design portfolio.