A conceptual model of industrial design practice

Disruptive technologies such as Generative AI, Additive Manufacturing, Computational Design, Industry 4.0, and the Internet of Things, have the potential to transform Industrial Design practice. To investigate this transformation, a model of design practice is necessary as a research and methodological tool. In this paper, we review the main contributions that defined the elements of design practice and based on the literature propose an overall model. The building process of the model and the model of design practice itself contribute to capturing real-life design practices and infer new theoretical constructs to understand how innovative technology is impacting design processes, design tools and relationships with clients and customers. Through the analysis of those elements, this paper proposes a conceptual model to support further studies on the evolution of Industrial Design and Product Design.