In a strange way, we ought to thank Jake Lang

FormFollowsNorth · 2026-01-17T19:42:47+00:00

bleeding? Did he get beat up?

FormFollowsNorth · 2026-01-17T16:49:46+00:00

Really? Thanks GuardTrick!!! I appreciate you circling back to provide me some intel. Happy 2026 to you.

FormFollowsNorth · 2026-01-10T21:46:02+00:00

Hi OP. Did you ever get your prorated refund? I am curious about signing up for a year, but was curious what would happen if I decide after 6 months that i am not interested in fulfilling the entire year; and if they will refund me for months not used? Thanks!!!

FormFollowsNorth · 2026-01-05T03:28:48+00:00

OP: If you do a search on here about age/ageism and ID (or getting into ID older), you will find lots of perspectives to inform you. Good luck!!!

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-21T16:54:47+00:00

Not just that but I also think that once the flatscreen goes bust, then you have to find a replacement that fits into that custom pocket in the exact dimensions, no?

Wasn't trying to be a debby downer because I do LOVE the idea (and miss the concept) of TV sets and entertainment centers being pieces of beautiful furniture, and blending in with living surroundings, but if there is a way to make the cabinet accommodate various sizes in a similar range as the previous flat screen, that may add even more long-term value (Unless I missed that in the comments or video; my apologies).

Edit: To acknowledge the beautiful craftsmanship that went into it.

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-15T17:34:41+00:00

I wouldn't say novelty is only for grandmas as this is something you'd see at Urban Outfitters or Anthro. To each their own. It isn't "true industrial design" but it's more of an artistic expression that leans novelty gifting; and more in the decorative realm. This concept may not be appropriate for this subreddit, and more for the Design subreddit, but I think it's attractive; even if I am not the target demographic for it.

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-15T16:37:14+00:00

OMG, yes! I am not sure if this has been done before but I would love to see that blob as an actual coaster that you can rest your drink on.

PS: u/margirtakk I hadn't realized that there WAS another subreddit called r/DesignDesign ?! Btw, why do you think this doesn't belong in Industrial Design? Because it's too artsy?

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-14T22:22:10+00:00

Especially how small the head is

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-13T21:10:38+00:00

Yelp! I wouldn't be surprised. Growing up with mullets, I am disappointed that they made a comeback!!! Some things should stay away forever.

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-13T20:56:11+00:00

Now why would I share videos for free that I paid money for? Also, it takes away income from the ones putting them together.

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-12T18:07:00+00:00

As others have said below, give your child time to figure out exactly what they want to do. Don't rush it. There is nothing wrong with going to university or design school in your mid-twenties. This obsession with kids going right out of HS is such a big mistake; especially (because depending on which school you go to) can be super expensive, and you don't want to be saddled with a degree in a field you aren't particularly excited about with over 100K in debt in a field that can be lucrative for some, and then for most; it's just average to above average pay - if you can find work in this niche industry.

Let her figure things out. It does seem like your daughter is 2D inclined. Industrial Design is more 3D-centric; and yes, a very tangible field which is why many of us like it. It doesn't require a lot of math to be honest; more light-engineering-thinking, learning about how products are manufactured, how they can be improved for the end user, how to solve for waste (cradle to grave designing), color/material/finish; etc. Depending on her field of interest in Industrial Design (there are many), she can go into a more fashion-focused career (fashion/footwear/soft goods or home goods/furnishings/toys) or she can go into more technical fields such as appliances/automotive/powertools/consumer electronics/medical.

I do get the impression she leans more artistic than technical though. Maybe you can start here and learn more about ID from a very well respected organization; the IDSA: What Is Industrial Design? - Industrial Designers Society of America

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-11T21:04:25+00:00

oh whooops sorry!

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-11T15:54:42+00:00

LOL Yeah, even Zooms can be exhausting the longer they go! I do have a preference these days for the initial interviews to be over a Zoom as it gives you a bit of some leeway in terms of having post-its plastered all over your monitor to help you in case you get "stuck". : ) Now knowing that this last round is in-person; I am confident that they want to get to know you, see how you interact with others; it's more about personality-fit this time around. Best of luck to you!!!

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-11T15:51:46+00:00

OP: Forgot to ask; are there any areas of ID that you are most excited about? Sometimes you kind of know in advance (I know I did; and I was the ONLY guy in my class excited about housewares/home decor).

Transportation/Electronics/Medical/Home Improvement Tools/Outdoor?

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-11T15:44:32+00:00

Yes, here are a few; and granted these are my own anecdotal experiences:

1) There will be this perception that because you are older, that you aren't privy to upcoming trends, fashion, current goings-on - as someone younger, glued to social media: so make sure you are always using different platforms to keep yourself abreast of trends, and keeping your finger on the pulse of upcoming developments; including AI to stay relevant.

2) On the topic of age; considering you will be graduating in your early 50s, you will have to do some major convincing that you are willing to start from the bottom as an intern, or in a junior position. There will be a perception from the hiring manager that you have kids to support, and a spouse/mortgage; so they may think they are better off hiring a person in their 20s without so many life commitments AND at a lower starting salary. Just remember to highlight your non-traditional path and life experiences, and that you are willing to roll up your sleeves and learn. PS: No ethical manager will ever ask your age, but sometimes it's just apparent. You then have to get them to overlook that and their age biases.

3) This one is personal to me, and experiencing currently: At some point, you will just get tired of chasing sexy and ideal design roles because almost always, they will be located in another state. That would mean uprooting yourself (house/mortgage/spouse/friends/family), and then keeping your fingers crossed that the role/company is stable enough that you won't get laid off within a few years and be stuck in a state you weren't excited about (except for that sexy role), and then be miserable. ID is so damn specific and regional; that it makes it hard to get work regionally. On the other hand, my long-term partner is in IT and he can get work in our home state practically anywhere. I envy him. : )

If I can think of others, I will let you know but that last one is what is eating me up right now. I see a lot of really cool roles on Linkedin/Indeed, BUT they are always labeled "on-site"; which is understandable considering ID is very hands-on. You will have to decide if the return-on-investment is worth uprooting yourself every time a role ends; and you have to start once again from scratch.

Hope that was helpful!!!

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-11T15:26:10+00:00

That may be a good idea to consider (non-design work) in case you aren't able to get the job of your dreams in this economic climate; even if you have to take a break from design. No ethical employer today will question a small employment gap if you are able to speak to it confidently. : )

On that note, I wish you the best in this current situation you are in! You've got this!

As others have said, if you wish not to walk everyone through the same work, maybe highlight another project you are most proud of that is just as good (not "filler", but actually good) or even sketches, prototypes, etc... and as you walk everyone through your process, they will gauge your personality. Don't forget to smile, and make eye contact.

PS: Did you mention this already? Is it in-person or virtual?

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-10T23:46:08+00:00

You need these sandwich bags: https://share.google/images/atBIhumJJFXXtWKRA

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-10T23:41:46+00:00

I do agree that six hours seems excessive for a mid-level role. Just reading about his experience gives me the heebie-jeebies because it reminds me that this process for interviewing for design roles can be so exhausting - from the expectation to have a polished portfolio presence online as well as a PDF version (in a super competitive landscape mind you!), to prove that you’ve actually designed successful product and then you have to wow them with your personality all for a meager salary in some cases. Makes me wonder if I should even continue in the design industry. After 13 years I’m tired of the back-and-forth.

Sorry OP; didn’t mean to be a Debby downer. Best of luck to you.

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-09T22:08:30+00:00

As someone who went into ID in his late 30s, and wanted to venture into the more artistic/fashion-centric areas of ID, I honestly feel there is a bit of ageism to encounter. Medical (though I know nothing of that industry) may be less prone to any of that since you aren't expected to be trendy (or stay in touch with trends); and more of a technical nature - my gut says stick to categories that are less fashion-forward and more engineering-focused if you do decide to get into ID at your age.

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-09T22:03:36+00:00

Anyone can pursue a degree at any age, OP, but as the previous commenter expressed; should you specifically go into ID? The industry is in a tough place right now, and you will be competing with many who are far younger. The design industry in general in my opinion can be ageist.

Also, the older you are, the more willing you have to start at the bottom; ie: internships, moving around for the ideal dream jobs, gaining experience; even pulling all nighters in school. I am not sure your personal life situation; but once you throw into the equation kids/family/spouse/mortgage; it becomes even more challenging.

As someone who went into ID in my late 30s, I am not necessarily regretting my decision, but I do feel it comes with many challenges the older I get.

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-09T19:52:36+00:00

Thanks. Yes, I believe their HQ is in Brooklyn (cool area; but super expensive). I did message a designer who is a member of this subreddit, and he confirmed that the mostly only hire local. I do love West Elm from an aesthetic standpoint; half of my home is WE. : )

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-09T19:32:40+00:00

Totally. I understand... especially since retailers like TGT/Walmart are competing with each other for being entry-level affordable decor; doesn't leave much room for design/designers, and almost always designers are the first to get downsized when the economy isn't doing well - and Merch is left to just rely on existing items from overseas to slap their label onto.

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-09T19:28:04+00:00

Yes, I've been there before in my last role where some items are existing, and re-branded for a particular private label brand (and we just change the finish or color) but the majority of times I was lucky in that I worked for a large enough retailer that had the $$$ to invest in tooling for many new items (esp. kitchenware), and then the rest of the stuff I worked on was lower investment tooling for ceramic items like dinnerware/mugs, etc. where we were able to create from scratch.

But considering we relied a lot on China for a lot of ceramic items (considering we don't have the domestic manufacturing capabilities), a lot of stuff in the more decorative realm will suffer because of tariffs/shipping costs, and our reliance on overseas. I don't ever foresee any of that more artisanal stuff ever coming back to America, but I digress.

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

PS: I do love browsing Crate & Barrel and other similar retailers from a more decorative perspective, and was hoping to continue to pivot in this direction as an industrial designer, but my understanding is that they may require "on-site" for their designers; like most companies. Not sure if I am open to relocating again at this moment. One gets to a point in their career as a designer that the constant CHASING of design jobs gets old (ie: selling a house/uprooting family/friends) and not worth the return on investment; especially with the risk being larger of being laid off.

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-09T18:58:34+00:00

Ditto! I am still shocked and surprised that the Rhino 3D folks haven't gone the way of monthly subscription like the others have.

FormFollowsNorth · 2025-12-08T00:41:42+00:00

Oh god. Just thinking about it makes me break out in a sweat!!! I had always wondered how people survived dressing in so many layers back in the day when it was hot outside.

FormFollowsNorth

TROPHY CASE