Industrial design

Definition
Industrial design broadly refers to the creation of the form and function of objects of everyday use.

Overview
Virtually every manufactured product, including such items as automobiles, clothing, computers, footwear, furniture, and telephones, embodies an industrial design. Industrial designers perform the tasks previously accomplished by individual artisans with respect to mass-produced goods, commonly endeavoring to make products more convenient to use and more visually appealing.

Source

 * John R. Thomas, Intellectual Property in Industrial Designs: Issues in Innovation and Competition 1 (Cong. Res. Serv. Rpt. RL34559) (Jan. 5, 2011).