Image and Tao are the two concepts which have a significant impact on the formative thinking in China. The features of image are perceptual and concrete, which more often reflect the recognition and the use of perceptual factors in formative thinking, while the features of Tao are abstract and rational, which more often reflect the use of objective factors in formative thinking. Paying attention to the influences of image and Tao on formative thinking will harmoniously integrate crafts, technology and formative factors, increase art and science of industry design, and better build the process of modern product modeling design.