Product Designer

Product designers are involved in developing new products and improving existing ones - everything from mobile phones and microwaves to motorbikes and machinery. As well as designing the items we use in everyday life, they also work on specialist products, such as medical, electronic and industrial equipment.

Product designers use a combination of design skills, knowledge of engineering and materials, and an understanding of commercial factors to design how products work and look, and to ensure they can be produced profitably.

Responsibilities vary, but are likely to involve:

• meeting clients or colleagues to discuss the design brief
• researching similar products and market and consumer trends
• helping choose suitable materials, such as textiles, metals and plastics
• developing ideas and making sketches by hand or computer.

Product designers usually work normal office hours, but may have to work extra hours as deadlines approach. Freelance and contract work are common.

The work environment is usually a clean, bright studio, office or workshop.

Junior product designers in their first post may earn between around £14,000 and £20,000 a year, while senior product designers and account directors can earn up to £65,000 a year, potentially more.

A product designer should have:

• a creative approach to problem solving
• an eye for shape and colour
• understanding of different materials and production methods
• technical, practical and scientific knowledge
• the ability to research what customers look for in a product
• the ability to use drawings, 3D models and computer designs
• an interest in how things look and work.

Product designers work in a huge range of different manufacturing sectors. New entrants may face strong competition for their first job, but demand for experienced designers with a thorough understanding of technology is high.

Most product designers have a degree, foundation degree or Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/D). Students can take engineering-based product design courses that focus more on the technological aspects of design or art-based product design courses.

The Diplomas in manufacturing and product design, creative and media or engineering or BTEC qualifications in art and design or 3D design could all be useful starting points.

Product designers working in consultancies or in-house design teams may progress to senior designer or creative director roles. With experience, it may be possible to move into project management, marketing or business development, which involves client account management, and then possibly to director or partner level.

Further details