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GB/T 47531-2026Industrial design - Guidelines for product form design (English PDF)

工业设计 产品形态设计指南

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Issued by

SAMR; SAC

Level / Type

National · Recommended

Issue date

April 30, 2026

Implementation date

November 1, 2026

Scope

GB/T 47531-2026 is the English-translated version of 工业设计 产品形态设计指南.

GB/T 47531-2026 is the Chinese national standard covering the form of a product as a design discipline - proportion, surface and detail, the relationship between form and use, the constraints manufacture puts on it, and the process by which a form is developed and evaluated rather than simply arrived at. First edition, in force since 1 November 2026. It was issued on 30 April 2026 and takes effect on 1 November 2026, as a first edition. The document is under the responsibility of the Standardization Administration of China. This page is published from the official record of the 2026 edition; the clause text of a standard this recent is not yet in circulation, and the figures, limits and tables it contains are those of the document itself, delivered in full with the English translation.

Document preview — GB/T 47531-2026

National Standard of the People's Republic of China

ICS
03.100.20
Classification
A 20

Issued by: State Administration for Market Regulation; Standardization Administration of the PRC

Contents

  • 4 Basic Principles
  • 5 Design Elements
  • 6 Design Process
  • 6.2 Preliminary Preparation Stage
  • 6.3 Creative Generation Stage
  • 6.4 Solution Screening and Determination Stage
  • 6.5 Solution Verification Phase
  • 6.6 Iterative Optimization Phase
  • 7 Design Methods
  • 8 Organization and Management

Foreword

This document is in accordance with the provisions of GB/T 1.1-2020 "Standardization Work Guidelines Part

1.Structure and Drafting Rules of Standardization Documents". Drafting. Please note that some content in this document may involve patents. The issuing organization of this document assumes no responsibility for identifying patents. This document was proposed and is under the jurisdiction of the National Industrial Design Basic Standardization Working Group (SAC/SWG31). This document was drafted by: China National Institute of Standardization, Beijing Pulong Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Inspection and Testing Co., Ltd., and Shaoxing Huayu Textile. Jiji Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Aisi Technology Co., Ltd., Jiaxing Rongshuo Machinery Co., Ltd., Harbin Institute of Technology, Chengdu Potential Artificial Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. Limited Liability Company, Man Wah Furniture Group (Huizhou) Co., Ltd., Guangdong Zhongse Yanda New Material Technology Co., Ltd., Hengjie Sanitary Ware Group Co., Ltd. The company, IAT Automotive Technology Co., Ltd., China Standard Technology Group Co., Ltd., Longkou Kenor Glass Technology Co., Ltd., Shandong Hunan Provincial Institute of Standardization, Shenyang Industrial Pump Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Hunan University, China Jiliang University, and the Computer Network Information Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Heart, Guangdong Hesheng Kitchen Appliance Technology Co., Ltd., China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Guangdong Marubi Biotechnology Co., Ltd., China International Engineering Consulting company. The main drafters of this document are. Xu Yingcheng, Pan Husheng, Zhong Hao, Gao Xiaohong, Wang Shasha, Pei Fei, Zhao Huan, Zhang Shijuan, Liu Guangrong, and Tian Hongwei. Liu Haitao, Yin Xueyuan, Zhu Xianghua, Wang Zuhai, Wang Yanfeng, Zhang Xin, Yang Yuexiang, Wang Xiaoqiang, Chen Weiming, Zhong Hao, Li Jianping, Wang Wei, Liu Fang Li Ying, Zhang Bing, Suo Yiwei, Hao Yingyu, Liu Xinquan, Zhu Peiwu, Guo Chaowan. Industrial Design Product Form Design Guide

1.Scope This document establishes the basic principles of product form design in industrial design, and provides design elements, design process, design methods, and design... Recommendations regarding accounting management. This document applies to activities related to product form design in the field of industrial design.

4 Basic Principles

4.1 Functional Principle Form design serves the core function of the product, ensuring that the appearance, structure and function are highly matched and do not deviate from the product's essential purpose.

4.2 Aesthetic Principles The appearance, color scheme, and proportions are visually appealing and consistent with the brand style to enhance product attractiveness without sacrificing aesthetics. Practicality.

4.3 Principle of Practicality Form design focuses on the needs, usage habits, ergonomic characteristics, and emotional appeal of the target users, combined with real-world usage scenarios. The exhibition ensures that the products combine safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

4.4 Sustainability Principle Prioritize the use of environmentally friendly and recyclable materials, while also considering energy conservation and emission reduction, in line with green design trends and environmental regulations; and also take into account product lifespan. The impact on lifespan, maintainability, upgradeability, and emotional durability.

4.5 The Principle of Integration Form design is not isolated; it can be systematically integrated with human-computer interaction, color, materials, processes, production technology, cost control, packaging, and logistics. Link elements ensure the feasibility and operability of the design concept.

5 Design Elements

5.1 Structural Elements The structural elements of form, through the systematic design of geometric shapes, structural layouts, and proportional dimensions, lay the foundation for the physical framework of the product's form, ensuring its stability. The form meets functional requirements while providing stable structural support and efficient space utilization. The structural elements of product form design include, but... Not limited to.

a) Geometric Form Shaping. Determine the core geometric language of the product (e.g., straight lines, curves, irregular shapes) and clarify the overall outline of the form. (e.g., square, round, streamlined) and core features (e.g., sharp angles, curves, hollow structures);

b) Proportion and Dimension Optimization. Considering the dimensions of functional modules and aesthetic principles, design the product's length, width, and height ratios, as well as the dimensional proportions between components, to ensure... The form is harmonious and balanced, while also ensuring ease of use;

c) Structural layout design. Integrating the spatial layout of internal functional modules and external operating components, while taking into account the compactness of internal space (reducing redundancy). Spare space and external accessibility (common components are placed in easily accessible areas) are considered to avoid functional failures or deformations caused by structural conflicts. bloated;

d) Connection and Transition Design. Design the connection methods and transition forms between various components of the product to ensure structural stability while improving aesthetics. The integrity and refinement of the state.

5.2 Elements of Aesthetic Expression Aesthetic elements, through the comprehensive use of color, material, and detailed textures, endow product forms with visual beauty and emotional value, thereby fulfilling user needs. Emotional resonance, while simultaneously enhancing brand recognition and market differentiation. Aesthetic elements of product form design include, but are not limited to.

a) Form and semantic design. conveying product function, usage logic, and aesthetic features through form elements, allowing users to anticipate the product's meaning visually. Product usage (e.g., raised shapes indicate buttons, recessed shapes indicate placement areas, streamlined shapes indicate mobility functions), reducing the need for... While reducing user learning costs, it also conveys the brand's core values (such as a minimalist design conveying environmental protection and a robust design conveying safety). Achieving aesthetic appeal;

b) Color System Design. Develop a product color scheme, including the selection and combination of primary, secondary, and accent colors, while also considering the color... Stain resistance, versatility, and cultural adaptability;

c) Material Selection and Texture Matching. Based on product positioning, functional requirements, and cost budget, select suitable materials and design the material application. Use the method;

d) Detailed Texture and Decorative Design. Enhance the visual hierarchy of the form through surface texture and decorative elements. Detailed design should meet functional requirements. Consistency and refinement are required; meaningless decorative designs should be avoided.

5.3 Elements of Human-Computer Interaction Human-computer interaction elements are user-centric, based on human physiological characteristics and psychological cognitive habits, and designed to adapt to user behavior. The human-computer interaction elements of product form design ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency during grip, operation, and use. But not limited to.

a) Operational adaptation design. Based on the physiological data of the target user group, design the product's grip shape and the shape of operating components (such as buttons). The height of the protrusion, the diameter of the knob, and the size of the touch area ensure a comfortable grip that conforms to the curve of the hand, reducing concentrated pressure; during operation... Smooth operation avoids accidental touches or difficult operation; low physiological fatigue after prolonged use;

b) Cognitive guidance design. through visual differences in form, spatial layout (such as linear guidance of the operation process, and proximity of frequently used functions) (The layout guides users to quickly understand the product's usage logic, conforming to the principle of "intuitive operation");

c) Safety Protection Design. Based on the product's usage scenarios and potential risks, design protective forms, such as rounded corners to prevent bumps and knocks. Concealed design of sharp parts, anti-slip bottom of heavy products, anti-electric shock design of interfaces in electrical products, and insulation of high-temperature components. Thermal properties, shock-resistant properties for outdoor products, and waterproof and sealing properties for products used in humid environments;

6 Design Process

6.1 Overview The product form design process can be divided into five stages. preliminary preparation stage, idea generation stage, scheme selection and confirmation stage, and scheme verification stage. The phase and iterative optimization phase are shown in Figure 1.

6.2 Preliminary Preparation Stage

6.2.1 Functional Requirements Analysis In conjunction with the product and engineering teams, we conducted an in-depth analysis of product functional requirements, clarified the core and auxiliary functions of the product, and determined the technical specifications of the functional modules. Technical parameters and performance requirements.

6.2.2 User and Scenario Analysis Build target user profiles through user research (interviews, questionnaires, behavioral observations), including age, physiological characteristics, usage habits, and aesthetic preferences. Analyze product usage scenarios and special environmental requirements to create a requirements analysis document.

6.2.3 Constraints are clearly defined Taking into account factors such as product cost budget, mass production scale, brand positioning, and constraints such as existing technological level and material properties, the product should be clearly defined. Market positioning, forming a list of constraints.

6.2.4 Analysis of Competitor Products and Typical Industry Design Examples This study examines the strengths and weaknesses of competitors' product designs, such as distinctiveness, ergonomics, and technological innovation, and analyzes typical design examples in the industry. The design logic clarifies the direction of differentiated design.

6.3 Creative Generation Stage

6.3.1 Establishing the Design Style By combining product market positioning with user aesthetic preferences, a product design style is determined, such as linear, curved, modular, or integrated designs, thus forming... Design style definition document.

6.3.2 Morphological Overview Design Brainstorming sessions focused on functional layout, space utilization, and aesthetic expression; product sketches were created; and different geometric shapes (square, circle, etc.) were explored. The possibilities of shape, streamlined form, proportion, and structural layout are used to create a product form design sketch collection, including but not limited to.

---Preliminary adaptation of function and form, such as space reservation for core functional modules;

---The basic logic of human-computer interaction, such as grip posture and layout of operating components;

---Differentiation in aesthetic expression, such as the initial conception of color matching and material texture.

6.3.3 Sketch Selection and Optimization Representatives from relevant stakeholders, including designers, product managers, and users, screened products based on three dimensions. functional feasibility, aesthetic appeal, and human-computer compatibility. Three to five promising sketches are integrated and optimized to form a preliminary conceptual design scheme.

Note. Sketches can be expressed in two-dimensional visual form or in combination with low-fidelity 3D scale models.

6.4 Solution Screening and Determination Stage

6.4.1 Refinement of Shape and Structure Based on the selected conceptual design schemes, the product's length-width-height ratio, geometric details (such as corner radius and hollow structure), and internal functions were clarified. The design incorporates key elements such as modular layout to ensure space utilization and structural stability, resulting in a structural design scheme.

6.4.2 Concise Aesthetic Expression Determine the product's form design, color scheme, material selection, and surface texture, and incorporate brand identity elements to enhance the product's visual appeal. Perceptual recognition and emotional resonance.

6.4.3 Human-computer interaction adaptation Based on ergonomic data and through continuous verification and iteration, the product's cognitive load has been reduced, the usage threshold lowered, and work efficiency enhanced. The product's grip shape and operating component design have been systematically optimized to ensure convenient, comfortable, and safe operation.

6.4.4 Deepening Functional Integration Design a suitable product form and structure based on the product's core and auxiliary functions, and consider upgrade or customization needs. The requirement is to design an scalable product form factor.

6.4.5 Process and Material Selection Based on production and manufacturing conditions, we conduct product material processing and mass production process design to ensure mass production feasibility and reasonable manufacturing costs.

6.4.6 Green Design Coordination The design incorporates green principles, taking into account environmentally friendly materials, life-cycle optimization, modularity, and maintainability to reduce production costs. The complexity of the product form reduces material waste.

6.4.7 Preliminary Evaluation of Design Scheme The joint engineering and production teams assess the feasibility of product processes, such as the compatibility with injection molding, stamping, and 3D printing, to avoid overly complex shapes. This led to production difficulties and resulted in a preliminary evaluation report on the product form design.

6.5 Solution Verification Phase

6.5.1 Prototype Creation Based on the product design scheme, a product prototype was created to verify the proportions, material texture, and structural details, and the form was further evaluated. The supporting effect on the implementation of functions.

6.5.2 Testing The completed product prototype undergoes multi-dimensional testing, resulting in a test report containing a list of issues and feedback. The test content includes... Includes, but is not limited to.

---Human-computer adaptation test. Invite target users to conduct grip and operation tests to evaluate comfort, operating efficiency, and fatigue;

---Functional Adaptation Testing. Verify the efficiency of form factor in implementing core and auxiliary functions;

---Aesthetic Testing. Through user surveys and expert reviews, we evaluate visual appeal, brand recognition, and emotional resonance;

---Process Testing. Conduct trial production in conjunction with the production team to assess the difficulty of mold development, processing accuracy, and cost control;

---Green testing. Verifies the compatibility, disassembly, and ease of recycling of environmentally friendly materials.

6.5.3 Problem Collection and Analysis Organize the problems encountered during the testing process, such as inability to achieve the desired process or color inconsistencies, and analyze the causes (e.g., improper proportions, complex structures, materials). (Identify quality selection errors) and propose improvement suggestions to form a product form design optimization document.

6.6 Iterative Optimization Phase

6.6.1 Iterative Optimization Design Based on the product form design optimization document, optimize the form details (such as adjusting the grip curvature, changing to a more wear-resistant material, and optimizing the color). (Matching); To meet the needs of functional upgrades, design form factor expansion schemes that are compatible with new functions.

6.6.2 Sustainability Upgrade Continuously optimize form design, improve material recycling rate (e.g., simplify disassembly structure), and reduce energy consumption throughout the entire life cycle (e.g., optimize streamlined form). Reduce energy consumption, etc., until the requirements of processes, users and scenarios are met.

7 Design Methods

7.1 Overview Product form design involves the entire process from concept to finished product, encompassing various methods and technologies. Common methods include user-centered design. This includes design, iterative design, context mapping, morphological matrices, etc. These methods are not used in isolation; they need to be tailored to the product characteristics and design stage. Different approaches can be flexibly combined and applied. By comprehensively utilizing these methods, the quality of product form design can be effectively improved, ensuring that the final product is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior. It is both beautiful and practical.

7.2 User-centered design User-centered design approaches emphasize focusing on user needs and behavioral patterns, gathering information through user research to guide design. Design decisions ensure that product form design better meets the needs of the target user group. Appendix A provides user-centered product design guidelines. Product form design example.

7.3 Iterative Design Iterative design is a process of repeatedly designing, prototyping, testing, and evaluating to progressively improve a design. This method allows for design... The researchers identify and correct problems at each stage.

7.4 Context Mapping Context mapping design method helps designers better understand user needs and behaviors by creating behavioral models of users in specific contexts. By considering usage scenarios, we can design product forms that better meet actual needs.

7.5 Morphological Matrix A systematic approach to combined innovation, which involves combining different design elements to form new design solutions.

7.6 User Experience Map Describe the user's experience throughout the entire usage process, including emotional fluctuations and pain points, to help designers understand user behavior from a macro perspective. For processes and interactions.

8 Organization and Management

8.1 Overview Product form design is a complex and systematic process that requires close cross-departmental collaboration and scientific management methods.

8.2 Requirements Analysis Understand the needs and preferences of the target users through methods such as questionnaires, user interviews, and market research. Define the product's business objectives, such as... Market share, user growth, brand enhancement, etc. Assess existing technological capabilities and determine design feasibility. Develop a product cost budget to ensure... The design is within budget.

8.3 Team Building Establish cross-departmental teams, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of each party, including but not limited to design, R&D, marketing, and quality management departments. Responsibility and coordination mechanism.

8.4 Choosing Management Tools Choose appropriate project management software and communication tools for task allocation, progress tracking, team division of labor, and instant messaging.

8.5 Cross-departmental collaboration Project progress meetings are held periodically to report on the progress of each stage. Specific meetings are convened as needed to address particular issues or phases. Conduct discussions and make decisions. Utilize document sharing tools to enable real-time document sharing and editing. Establish an internal enterprise knowledge base to record designs. Information such as specifications and technical documents.

8.6 Design and Implementation In the process of product form design, the process is strictly standardized, and the preliminary preparation, creative generation, and other steps are carried out in a step-by-step manner. The work includes scheme selection and determination, scheme verification, and iterative optimization.

8.7 Document Archiving Save product-related documents and physical samples, including requirements specifications, design drawings, preliminary design schemes, color samples, and human-machine data. Save the data for future reference and modification. Preserve and archive project plans, meeting minutes, and test reports.

......
This preview omits tables, figures, formulas and parts of the technical clauses. The complete document — 30 pages — is available in the English PDF.

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