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CHAPTER  

6 

THE ROLE OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN PRACTICE IN NIGERIAN 

DEVELOPMENT, VIS-À-VIS VISUA COMMUNICATION DESIGN 
 

Godwin O. Uka and Chidiebere O. Onwuekwe 

Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 

 

 

Abstract 

One of the cardinal objectives of the Federal Government of Nigerian policy on education is the 

acquisition of required creative skills, abilities and competence both mental and physical as 

equipment for individuals to live in and contribute to the development of the society. In 

cognizance of the above-stated objective, it is imperative to say that education is an integral part 

of formulating a national ideology for a developing country like Nigeria. This research paper 

discusses the role and contribution of industrial design in a developing economy 

 

Introduction 

Industrial design practice involves the application of design principles and techniques to 

the development of products and services that are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and user-

centered. The industrial design process typically involves several stages, including research, 

ideation, prototyping, testing, and production. Industrial designers work closely with engineers, 

marketers, and other professionals to ensure that the final product meets the needs of the target 

audience and is economically viable. 

Industrial design practice has a significant impact on the economy and society. Well-

designed products and services can improve people's lives, increase productivity, and promote 

economic growth. In addition, industrial design can help to address social and environmental 

issues by promoting sustainable practices and creating products that are accessible to people of 

all abilities. 

In recent times there is growing interest in the importance of industrial design. The 

reason for such growth and interest is that industrial design is being understood as a tool for 

enhancing products’ international competitiveness.  In the continued quest for appropriate 

growth strategies all over the world, the function of industrial design has become formalized in 

most developed and developing countries. Its practice is virtually established as the most viable 

tool for long-term corporate growth.  Rapid technological development, fast-changing consumer 

needs and tastes, shortened product life cycles and intense market competition, among several 

other corporate strategies, are being re-defined by fundamental changes in the market, changes in 

industrial infrastructure and growing sophistication in consumer needs.  



The Role of Industrial Design Practice in Nigerian Development 

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Industrial design is increasingly regarded as invaluable in resolving the complexities of 

changes with the emotional and practical needs of the consumer.  In this way, design can greatly 

enrich the nature and quality of the end product.  The importance and awareness of industrial 

design, especially in corporations is dramatically growing compared to the past.  In the corporate 

management stage, nobody thinks that the corporate business can make success with out-of-date 

design quality because industrial design is directly linked to the competitiveness of the products 

and the image of the corporation. 

Nigeria is a country in West Africa with a population of over 200 million people. Despite 

being rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals, Nigeria faces a number of 

developmental challenges such as poverty, high unemployment rates, poor infrastructure, and 

insecurity. 

One example of industrial design practice in Nigeria is the work of Nigerian furniture 

designer, Oluwaseyi Sosanya. Sosanya's designs are inspired by traditional African art and 

culture and incorporate sustainable materials and production methods. Another example is the 

fashion brand, Maki Oh, which uses traditional Nigerian textiles and techniques to create 

modern, sophisticated designs. This reserag focuses on the role of industrial design practice in 

Nigerian development, especially in the Economic sector. 

 

 

Design and the Industry 

The beginning of the 21st century marks the Digital Age, it is clear that our lives have been 

transformed as never before.  Information technology is redefining just about all the paradigms 

within which we live and work, and design will be foremost among new disciplines because of 

its unique capacity to interpret new technologies and make them accessible to everyone.  More 

than ever before, the creative forces of design have affected the competitiveness of corporations 

and nations so much that the Digital Age will itself be,  ‘designed’; that is to say guided by 

knowledge, imagination and creativity.  Therefore, designers become protagonists of a new era 

of demand and they reach the opportunity in a globalized world with many cultures in progress. 

There is a widespread idea in the corporate field that the concept of ‘globalization’; the purpose 

of which is to cover the worldwide market with standardized products and the concept of 

‘localization’ which is pursuing customers on the cultural achieved by industrial design. 

The “visual communication” of ideas is crucial to all design activities.  In industrial 

design and architecture for instance, the utility of the designer’s product depends greatly upon 

the ability to communicate its function.  The best designers take much care in integrating this 

visual language with their products.  “Good design” is a marriage of form, content and function.  

In selecting the appropriate language for the solution, the designer must first of all truly 

understand the ramification of the assignment.  The response to that problem must be limited, of 

course, to the operational life of the product.  Therefore, for the designer” creativity” means his 

ability to work innovatively within the problem imposed by the client, with available technology, 

and with cognizance of the human social setting. 

Design comes into play whenever it is necessary to give an appearance to a product idea, 

a corporate entity, or a brand. Design is concerned with the determination of a hitherto 

indeterminate form. To reduce it to a simple formula, we can say: “Design is the determination 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

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of the indeterminate form of appearance”.  Design is accordingly not concerned with imitating 

but with inventing. Design is external while art is internal.  These can be explained in terms of 

the heart or the mind and the body relationship. Design is external in that, its forms and 

application extend basic human functions and needs.  These pertain to three primary areas – 

messages; as in our needs to communicate with each other; products, which enables us to extend 

the mechanical function of the body; environment, or control of condition around us.  Art is 

internal, in that its form affects the senses, and thereby influences the psyche, the emotion and 

the spirit.  Unlike painting and sculpture, which are the realization of artists’ visions and dreams, 

design fills practical needs.  A piece of graphics design or product has to be placed before the 

eyes of the public and to convey a predetermined message.  An industrial product has to meet 

consumers’ requirements.  

A good design, in short, is the best possible visual expression of the essence of 

“something” whether this is a message or product. To do this faithfully and effectively, the 

designer should look for the best possible way this “something” can be shaped, made, 

distributed, used and related to the environment.  His creation should not only be just aesthetic 

but also functional, while reflecting or guiding the taste of time.  Design as a profession today is 

too generalized at best, and, at worst, it is misunderstood. It becomes a catchall for any forming 

or communication endeavour which does not bear the label of fine arts. The meaning of design 

can be approached from two different perspectives:  Firstly, design is the basic, intelligible order 

of a system or structure evident in any form.  The graphics designer, industrial designer, or 

architect may often use such an order as a vehicle by which other functions or messages are 

made manifest. Secondly, the design profession is a problem-solving activity.  The problem or 

task most often originates with someone other than the designer. This is the client.  Design in this 

sense will therefore preclude a significant vital index o development.  And development itself is 

considered a significant function of design; purposeful planning and structuring of resources to 

attain a desirable standard in the improvement of life and the general human environment.  The 

role Industrial design plays in the attainment of objectives and in the radicalization of the visions 

and inspiration of mankind is the preoccupation of industrial designers. 

Industrial design is an important aspect of human daily life.  This is so because all 

products that are used, operated or seen by people depend critically on industrial design for 

commercial success.  With this in mind, a convenient means of assessing the importance of 

industrial design along two dimensions.- Economics and aesthetics. President Bill Clinton during 

President Olusegun Obasanjo’s visit to Washington on the 29th of October 1999 stated: Nigeria is 

a pivot on which the feature of all Africa and much of the world will turn.  The actual realization 

of the above-stated fact can only start from the institutions of learning. There is, therefore, a 

great need for a re-focus that will compromise re-thinking, re-discovery, and re-shaping the 

dignity of man, thereby re-designing the world around us. 

The proper management, implementation and achievability of the national objectives 

have almost eluded Nigerian as a nation. It becomes imperative to say that, Nigeria's society is at 

a cross-road when compared with other developing and developed nations, where exploration of 

creative and innovative ideas and skills is the order of the moment. The present study is designed 

to investigate the role of industrial design in Nigerian development; this can help solve the 

Nigerian developmental process. This paper therefore, is advocating the exploration of ideas, 



The Role of Industrial Design Practice in Nigerian Development 

100 

 

concepts and skills in our creative thinking through indigenous design, in salvaging the nation 

from its present state. Graphic / Industrial design is a creative process that employs art and 

technology to communicate and present ideas, with the control of symbols, types, colours and 

illustrations, the designer produces visual compositions meant to attract, inform and persuade a 

given audience. In other words, designers in the art of visual communication involve the use of 

images, words, and ideas to give information to the viewers. It can be used for advertising, for 

entertainment intended for the mind with the control of symbols, types, colours and illustrations.  

 Industrial design in a broader dimension is a process of creating the appearance of any 

design presentation or in website in an attractive, logical manner. When done successful it 

attracts attention, adds value to the message, enhances readership and readability, simplifies, and 

crate unity in a work of art. The design can all so be looked at as the process of visual 

communication and problem-solving using one or more of typography, photography and 

illustration. Design can aid in selling a product or idea. It is applied to products and elements of 

company identity such as logos, colours, packaging and text as part of branding design. Branding 

has increasingly become important in the range of services offered by designers. Graphic 

designers often form part of a branding team. Other examples of design for entertainment 

purposes include novels, vinyl album covers, and comic books. This could also include artwork 

used for T-shirts and other items screen printed for sale. 

 

Creativity and Innovation: the drivers of Industrial Design 

Creativity throughout history has been a subject of extensive study from the perspective 

of behavioural and social psychology, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, history, fine arts, 

industrial design, and research design among others.  Art is a part of the organic process of 

human evolution and therefore, it is something quite different from more or less arbitrary and 

ornamental activities, which are all the functions that people usually ascribe to it. A work of art, 

therefore, requires from its creator broad and scientific knowledge of the elements represented 

combined with extraordinary skilful techniques by an impelling and emotional urge to create.  

Creativity and innovation are essential drivers of industrial design. Creativity is the 

ability to generate new and original ideas or concepts, while innovation involves transforming 

these ideas into practical solutions that add value to the market. In industrial design, creativity 

and innovation are critical in developing products that meet the needs of users and solve complex 

problems. 

Industrial designers need to be creative to develop unique and original designs that stand 

out in the market. They need to have a deep understanding of the needs and preferences of the 

target audience, as well as the latest trends and technologies in the industry. By combining this 

knowledge with their creative skills, industrial designers can develop innovative designs that are 

not only visually appealing but also functional and user-friendl 

Creativity is more closely related to thinking abilities and to attitudinal development. It is 

a continual process for which the best preparation involves creativity itself. The act of creativity 

can be seen as that which provides the urge for continuing exploration and discovery. Every 

child is born creative. The urge to explore, investigate, and discover, what is on the other side of 

the screen is not limited to human behaviour, but is experienced by the whole animal kingdom, 

(Lower Field and Brittan 1975). For meaningful and purposeful creativity, the psychological and 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illustration
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idea
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packaging
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Album_cover


Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

101 
 

physical restrictions that the environment puts in the way of developing the individual who 

inhabits his natural curiosity and exploratory behaviour must be considered seriously. One of the 

most commonly agreed-upon components of creative thinking is the ability to produce a large 

number of ideas. In a general sense, the idea of creativity means different things to different 

people in the world.  

          In design education, scholars are always stymied by the need to make judgments about 

student evidence of creativity and most times feel the need to but rather to accept any industrial 

product as an example of creative response. This dilemma raises the issue of thinking about 

creativity at several levels and rendering judgment accordingly. The more we try to define 

creativity by identifying with specific sets of values, meanings, beliefs, and symbols, the more 

our creativity will be focused on how values, meanings, beliefs and symbols are formed, and the 

greater the chance that our creativity will become less restricted (Bolaji 2007). 

      Runco (1994) opines that creativity is in terms of cognitive processes that lead to an 

original and adaptive insight, idea or solution. Thus, creativity is the most essential of all human 

resources and skills (Bolaji 2007). Akinboye (2004) sees creativity as a tool that propels 

organizations, catapults careers, and generate potent growth and viable outcomes. Creativity is at 

the heart of design, at all stages throughout the design process. The most exciting and 

challenging design is that which is truly innovative; the creation of a radical departure from 

anything currently on the market (Baxter, 1995). For sustainable development in industrial 

design as it affects Nigeria, creativity, generative thinking, perception dynamics, and 

constructive and design thinking should be the keywords. This is because creativity is an 

amazingly complex behaviour that is multi-factor ally determined . 

 

Innovation; this is also important in industrial design because it involves the development of 

new and improved products and services that meet the changing needs of the market. Innovation 

can come in the form of new materials, production methods, or design techniques. By 

incorporating new technologies and approaches into their designs, industrial designers can create 

products that are more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective. Moreover, creativity and 

innovation also play a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of industries. By developing 

new and innovative products, industries can differentiate themselves from their competitors and 

attract more customers. This can lead to increased sales, revenue, and market share. 

Creativity and innovation have been identified as important drivers of industrial design. Here are 

some references from books and academic journals that support this idea: 

"Design Thinking: Integrating Innovation, Customer Experience, and Brand Value" by Thomas 

Lockwood and Edgar Papke. This book argues that creativity and innovation are essential in 

industrial design, and that designers must be able to develop new and original ideas that meet the 

needs of users. 



The Role of Industrial Design Practice in Nigerian Development 

102 

 

"Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Practice and Principles" by Peter F. Drucker. This book 

emphasizes the importance of innovation in industrial design and argues that companies must 

continually innovate to remain competitive. 

"The Role of Creativity in Product Innovation" by V.K. Narayanan and G. Srinivasan. This 

article explores the relationship between creativity and innovation in industrial design, and 

argues that creativity is a key driver of innovation. 

"Design Thinking and Innovation at Apple" by J. M. Caroll and D. D. Thomas. This article 

explores how Apple has used design thinking and innovation to develop products that are both 

aesthetically pleasing and functional. 

"Creativity and Innovation in Product Design" by N. A. Tsekoura and D. V. Pouloudi. This 

article argues that creativity and innovation are essential in product design, and that designers 

must be able to balance these two elements to create products that are both innovative and 

functional. 

These references demonstrate that creativity and innovation are essential drivers of industrial 

design. Designers must be able to develop new and original ideas, incorporate new technologies 

and approaches, and balance creativity and innovation to create products that meet the needs of 

users and enhance the competitiveness of industries 

The Challenges of Industrial Design Practice in Nigeria 

Industrial design practice in Nigeria faces several challenges that hinder its growth and 

development. Some of these challenges include:  

Limited Access to Funding: One of the major challenges facing industrial design practice in 

Nigeria is limited access to funding. Industrial designers often require substantial capital to 

invest in materials, equipment, and technology to create their designs. However, the lack of 

access to funding makes it difficult for designers to bring their ideas to fruition.  

Limited Local Production Capacity: Another challenge is the limited local production capacity in 

Nigeria. The lack of adequate infrastructure, such as power and transportation, makes it difficult 

for designers to manufacture products locally. As a result, many designers are forced to 

outsource production to other countries, which increases the cost of production and limits the 

potential for economic growth.  

Poor Intellectual Property Protection: Intellectual property protection is weak in Nigeria, which 

makes it difficult for designers to protect their designs from infringement. This has led to a 

situation where many designers are reluctant to share their designs or invest in the development 

of new products. 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

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• Limited Market Opportunities: The Nigerian market is still largely dominated by 

imported products, which limits the opportunities for local industrial designers. This is 

partly due to the high cost of production, which makes it difficult for local designers to 

compete with imported products. 

• Limited Education and Training: There is a shortage of qualified industrial designers in 

Nigeria, and the quality of education and training in the field is often inadequate. This 

limits the potential for growth and development in the industry. 

 

To address these challenges, the Nigerian government and other stakeholders need to invest 

in infrastructure, provide funding and support for local designers, and strengthen intellectual 

property protection. In addition, there is a need for more investment in education and training to 

develop the skills and expertise required to support the growth of the industry. One way that 

industrial design can contribute to Nigerian development is by helping local businesses and 

entrepreneurs to develop new products and services that meet the needs of Nigerian consumers. 

By creating products that are designed specifically for the Nigerian market, industrial designers 

can help to spur economic growth and create jobs. 

 

Conclusion 

From the beginning of human civilization, humans have been particularly attracted to 

graphic design and have used it for decoration as well as to symbolize power. From murals to 

geometric designs on buildings to handmade illustrations, graphic design has been part of human 

expression for ages. Flags and coins of emperors were perhaps the first examples of logos and 

branding. 

Creativity and innovation are critical drivers of industrial design. Industrial designers need 

to be creative and innovative in developing unique and original designs that meet the changing 

needs of the market. By incorporating new technologies and approaches into their designs, 

industrial designers can create products that are more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly. The 

use of creativity and innovation in industrial design not only adds value to the market but also 

enhances the competitiveness of industriesThere are benefits associated with this dispensation that 

are rooted in exploration and innovation. Thus, there are far-reaching benefits for any developing 

nation that makes creativity the centre of its philosophical ideology. Methodologies that aid 

exploration and discovery of potentials, and a problem-solving ability which allows the learner 

the opportunity for creativity should be the focus of any curriculum transformation.  

 Creativity is not only about the development of innate ability but also about the 

development of skills borne out of constant practice or training. Therefore teaching and learning 

processes that encourage memorization should be demystified. Skill acquisition through 

technical and vocational training should be given priority. It is a known fact that creativity leads 

to productivity and development in all tiers of national endeavour. reativity and innovation are 

critical drivers of industrial design.  

Industrial designers need to be creative and innovative in developing unique and original 

designs that meet the changing needs of the market. By incorporating new technologies and 



The Role of Industrial Design Practice in Nigerian Development 

104 

 

approaches into their designs, industrial designers can create products that are more efficient, 

sustainable, and user-friendly. The use of creativity and innovation in industrial design not only 

adds value to the market but also enhances the competitiveness of industries 

 

References 

Akinboye, J. O. Creativity, Innovation and Success Ibadan-Nigeria, Stirling - Hordens Publishers 

(Nig) Ltd, 2004. 

 

Baxter, M.R. Product Design, Practical Methods for the Systematic Development of New 

Products. New York. Chapman and Hall, 1995. 

 

Bolaji, S.D. Akinpelu’s Educational Philosophy and its Implication to Educational System in 

Nigeria, Unpublished Master’s Thesis Submitted to the Department of Educational 

Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, 2004. 

 

Doodles, Crafts and Designs: Industrial Drawings from the Smithsonian, Smithsonian Institution 

Libraries, 2004. 

 

Federal Republic of Nigeria, National Policy on Education 4th edition, p.6 (Nerde Press, Lagos 

Nigeria) 2004 "http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial design  

 

Lower Field and Brittan, L. Creative and Mental Growth, New York. Macmillan Publishing Co. 

Inc, 1995. 

 

Runco, A. M.  Encyclopedia of Human Behavior (New York: Academic Press Inc), 1994. 

 

Torrance, E.P. “Non-test ways of Identifying the Creative Child in Gowan, Demas and Torrance 

(eds) Creativity, Its Educational Implications New York pp58-60, 1967. 

 

Design Week. (2018). "The rise of African industrial design." 

https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/16-22-april-2018/the-rise-of-african-industrial-design/ 

Nigerian Tribune. (2021). "The beauty of Nigerian furniture designs." 

https://tribuneonlineng.com/the-beauty-of-nigerian-furniture-designs/ 

Sosanya, O. (n.d.). "Oluwaseyi Sosanya furniture design." http://www.ososanya.com/about/ 


