I might be able to help with my experience with these two fields. I teach PLTW high school pre-engineering classes and many of my students pursue engineering degrees. I originally went to school for Mechanical Engineering and worked as a ME for 15+ years. My son recently started at U of Cincinnati’s DAAP program for Industrial Design and I helped him research many schools and programs.
The ME and ID career paths are very different even though they intersect in some areas.
Industrial Design
Education:
Art emphasis
Very hands on curriculum
Much more emphasis on sketching, creativity, communication and customer focus
Studio based classes- for example freshman year at UC includes three studio classes that meet for 6 hours each per week. Students spend many hours outside of class in the studio.
Maker focused- use of rapid prototyping tools, wood shop, metal shop classes.
Minimal math and science required for a BS degree.
Work:
Total number of ID jobs are small compared with engineering.
Your portfolio and communication skills are key to getting employment. More important than grades I believe.
Designers can work for large companies , design companies or as freelance designers.
ID jobs are available in certain parts of the country. See the Bureau of Labor statistics link below.
Mechanical Engineering
Education:.
Much more math and science course requirements
Curriculum is significantly less hands on and more theory based than ID.
You can get more hands on experience through projects and clubs outside the classroom.
First two years you develop broad based skills in math, physics, chemistry, programming, CAD
Years three and four you can focus in several areas: solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, energy systems, etc.
If you graduate with good grades (3.0+) and internship or co-op experience you will find a good job
Work:
Much broader applications for ME’s across many industries.
The total number of jobs available is much larger.
Jobs are available in many parts of the country
In general, engineers are paid higher salaries than industrial designers
Areas where ID and ME Intersect
Both use the design process to solve problems
Product design and new product innovations
Computer Aided Design
ME’s and ID’ers work together to develop new products.
You can think of the ID’er as the architect of the product . They brainstorm to meet the needs of the customer, present and develop ideas based on customer feedback, generate concept sketches, computer models, renderings, prototypes during the design process. ID’ers are usually involved in the early design stages of a product. Once the manufacturing stage begins, the ID’ers move onto another project.
The ME’s can be involved in the entire design process including making the CAD models, making sure the product has sufficient strength, ensuring that the product can be manufactured. ME’s can also be involved throughout the life of the product including creating detailed models and drawings for manufacturing, supporting production of the product and any problems that may come up after the product is in use by the customer.
Both ID and ME education graduation requirements are intense. Getting a minor in either one would be difficult to do in 4-5 years. Switching from one field to the other after getting a degree in either would require significant effort. I have heard of some who have a BS in Engineering and a Masters in ID with additional studio coursework for the masters. Starting in ID then switching to Engineering would require restarting a bachelor program.
I recommend that you pursue the field you will enjoy the most. Don’t worry about what others think. There are jobs available in both fields. If you enjoy what you do and focus your efforts to do your best work the jobs and salary will follow. You can always redirect your choices if you find that you change your mind while in college. Good luck with your decision!
Resources
Bureau of Labor Statistics
ID https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/industrial-designers.htm
ME https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm
