This paper aims to discuss, to what extent industrial design methods are suitable for the use in the frontend of engineering design processes. The main focus is on the conceptual design stage. Based on a study within transportation design, a definition of experience concepts is suggested, the contained elements are described as well as processes to its development are presented. This experience-oriented concept understanding serves as the basis for applications within the development of mainly technically oriented products such as wheel loader and textile or packaging machines. Further, it is successfully transferred to a workshop program, which has been tested within engineering (design) education since 2007/08. The discussion of the results of these ongoing studies focuses on a general integrated application of experience concepts in engineering design. Finally, proposals for a self evident integration in education and practice as well as an approach for an collaborative research project of industrial and engineering designers studying methods in early phases are presented.