Interview Tips - Selection for Industrial Design

If you are interested in studying industrial design for most universities you will need to prepare a folio and attend an interview. The selection interview for industrial design programs will require some preparation so here are a few tips.

Industry knowledge: 
Select one or two designers or companies and know a little about their work. Select designers that interest you and work that is the type of design you are interested in.

The career:
Industrial designers work in many disciplines and across a broad spectrum of industries. What is your interest? Product, Automotive, Furniture, Exhibition, Interaction, Lighting, Service/Systems, Eco/Sustainability. Share your interest and knowledge of this field of industrial design.

Industrial Design History:
Some knowledge of the history of industrial design is helpful. (see tabs in this blog: 1950s, 1960s etc)

Alumni and Employers:
Who are the companies that employ graduate industrial designers from the program? Research alumni and where they are working.

Knowledge of the program and institution: 
Identify what is unique with each program and ask questions that demonstrate your interest in this offering.

Your Folio:
Your freehand sketches and drawings are important because they represent your potential to think in 3D. Rough creative concept sketches offer a very personal insight into your potential in an interview that is about exactly that....your potential. Don't judge your drawing....let the interview panel see your raw potential.

Your folio may have projects you have completed as part of your formal studies. Think about design projects you have done in your own time and because you are 'already a designer'. Made a birthday present for someone, made an item of clothing or a costume, decorated a room. What demonstrates your passion for design?

Open Day and Exhibitions:
Ensure you mention your attendance at Open Days and exhibitions and discuss your impressions of work on display.

Industry websites and journals:
http://www.core77.com
http://www.curvelive.com
http://www.icsid.org
http://www.design.org.au
http://www.designboom.com
http://www.berniewalsh.blogspot.com
http://www.gooddesignaustralia.com

Industrial Design Courses in Victoria
Monash University
RMIT University
Swinburne University

How to use this blog:
Search box (type your search topic) - Top left e.g. sketch, keep cup, Mark Armstrong
Tags: Topics have been tagged see right column: Design Icons, Monash,
Company logo links will provide background to industry leaders - right column
Google image search: Most of the posts have images and a google image search on 'industrial design in victoria' will offer many options from the blog topics and previous posts.

I wish all applicants well in interviews and every success in your chosen area of study.