If you’re stepping into the world of ” Mechanical Design “, you’re likely to hear things like: “Why does it look like this?” or “That can’t be manufactured!” These are common remarks in the back-and-forth between mechanical design engineers and industrial designers.
While both teams work toward the same product goals, they often come from very different perspectives. Let’s break down why these conflicts happen—and more importantly—how to resolve them.
1. Different Goals, Different Priorities (Mechanical Design vs. Industrial Design)
The primary reason for friction is simple: each team has a different mission.
| Team | Mechanical Design | Industrial Design |
| Objective | Functionality, durability, manufacturability | Aesthetics, user experience, visual appeal |
| Main Concerns | Materials, tolerances, strength, assembly | Form, color, texture, ergonomics |
| Key Focus | Feasibility and performance | Emotional impact and brand expression |
Example:
- Designer: “Curved surfaces look beautiful!”
- Engineer: “Curved surfaces triple the machining cost…”
When each side pulls toward its own priority, it’s easy to see how misalignment happens.
2. Real-World Conflict Examples (Mechanical Design vs. Industrial Design)
✅ Case 1: Design-Led Shapes
- Issue: The form is visually pleasing but impossible to mold or machine.
- Why: Designer didn’t consult with engineering about production constraints.
✅ Case 2: Function-Led Structure
- Issue: Structure is solid but awkward to use or visually unappealing.
- Why: Engineer focused on durability but ignored user ergonomics.
✅ Case 3: Assembly Problems
- Issue: There’s no room for tools or fasteners.
- Why: Form design took priority over accessibility and tolerance stacking.
In all these scenarios, the key issue was a lack of cross-functional understanding.
3. How to Bridge the Gap
Here are practical ways to reduce friction between design and engineering teams.
💬 Involve Both Teams Early
Bring industrial designers and engineers into the same initial planning meetings. Define both aesthetic and technical goals before prototyping.
📐 Use Integrated CAD & Visualization
Tools Platforms like SolidWorks + KeyShot or Fusion 360 support collaboration by letting each team visualize the impact of changes.
📄 Share Design Guidelines
Engineers can help designers by providing clear rules:
- Minimum fillet radius
- Draft angles for injection molding
- Standard fastener sizes
- Tolerancing and fit standards
🤝 Respect Each Other’s Expertise
Design is the face of the product. Engineering is the skeleton. You can’t have one without the other. Mutual respect is the foundation of product success.
✅ Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
| Root Cause | Conflicting goals and lack of shared language |
| Engineering Focus | Function, durability, feasibility |
| Design Focus | Visual appeal, user interaction |
| Collaboration Tips | Early meetings, shared standards, integrated tools |