A product designer will use design skills and their technical knowledge to improve the way that current products function and look. You will also look for ways to make them higher in quality and cheaper to produce. You may also be involved in the design process of a whole new product.

Product designers have designed most products that we come across in our day-to-day lives, e.g. clocks, chairs, cutlery and computers.

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FAQs

FAQs

What does a Product designer do?

Responsibilities are likely to vary depending on your projects, but they are likely to include:

Meeting with colleagues or clients to discuss the design brief of specific projects
Working closely with engineers, sales teams and marketing staff
Analysing and working with different technology and methods production
Working with and reviewing budgets
Working within tight deadlines
Researching similar projects and developing ideas that are potential competition
Making sketches of ideas
Brainstorming the most effective ideas and producing detailed computerised drawings
Ordering samples
Producing and presenting reports on the various stages of the development process
Altering the product based on feedback from presentations
Overseeing the testing process of each project
Making presentations to potential clients with the hope of creating new customers

What skills and interests should an Product designer have?

Creativity
An understanding of materials and production methods
An understanding of what customers want
Strong IT skills
Organisational skills
An ability to take constructive criticism from colleagues
An ability to sell
The ability to work with deadlines and budgets
Strong writing skills for written reports
Flexibility between hand drawing and computer-aided drawings

What hours does a Product designer typically do?

Product designers usually work 37 hour weeks, Monday to Friday.

What environment is a Product designer based in?

You are likely to be based in an office, workshop or studio; however, you may have to liaise with teams based in factories where the items are made.

How much does a Product designer travel?

You may be required a full driving license to travel between office and factories.

How much does a Product designer get paid?

Newly qualified product designers may earn between £17,000 to £20,000 a year, whereas more experienced designers are likely to earn between £25,000 and £35,000.

More senior product designers can earn up to £45,000.

What qualifications does a Product designer need?

New entrants to this field usually need a degree or an HNC/HND in design. Additionally, postgraduate specialisation is desired by many employers.

Useful subjects to study at school & university

Product design
Engineering
Art
Design technology