3 Industrial Design Books for Beginners to Build Strong Foundations

What happens when a seasoned industrial design educator distills decades of expertise into a single volume? Elivio Bonollo, known for pioneering industrial design education in Australia, offers a clear, structured introduction to design principles that speaks directly to newcomers. You’ll explore a systematic model of the design process that balances creative freedom with problem-solving, supported by real student projects and practical examples. This book walks you through foundational skills like design thinking and self-expression while respecting diverse cultural perspectives. If you’re stepping into design for the first time, this book lays a steady groundwork without overwhelming you.

Peter N. Dan's diverse background, spanning aviation to digital marketing, informs his approachable guide to product design. You start by mastering design thinking and user-centered research, learning how to gather insights that shape your concepts. The book then walks you through ideation, prototyping, and testing, all illustrated with real-world case studies that clarify each step. Particularly useful are the chapters on collaborative strategies and communicating designs effectively with stakeholders, making this a solid resource for anyone eager to understand how successful products come to life. If you're new to product or industrial design, this book offers a clear path without overwhelming jargon or theory.

This tailored book explores the core principles and foundational skills essential for beginners in industrial design. It offers a personalized learning journey that matches your background and skill level, focusing on the key concepts that build confidence and reduce overwhelm. You’ll engage with progressive content that introduces design thinking, sketching, materials, and ergonomics in a clear, approachable way. By concentrating on your specific goals and preferred pace, this book makes the learning experience comfortable and effective. It reveals practical insights into industrial design’s creative and technical aspects, helping you grasp essential techniques and develop a solid foundation tailored to your interests.

Drawing from the African philosophy of Ubuntu, Richie Moalosi and Yaone Rapitsenyane frame industrial design as a deeply empathetic practice centered on community and user needs. You’ll explore fifteen chapters that cover everything from design cognition and research to digital prototyping and intellectual property, all tailored for emerging economies. This book doesn’t just present techniques; it challenges you to rethink how design can be a tool for social impact and economic growth, especially in African contexts. If you’re starting out in industrial design and want a perspective that connects cultural values with practical skills, this offers a thoughtful and regionally grounded approach.