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- Create new products and improve existing ones
- You'll need creative ideas, a logical approach, be able to draw and use computer-aided design
- You could progress to be a creative director or move into project management or design management
As a product designer, you'll specialise in anything from electronics, domestic appliances and machinery, to company services and web apps.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Discuss what your client wants
- Investigate how existing products work or how services are used
- Develop ideas and make initial sketches or outline plans
- Decide on suitable materials or resources
- Use computer design software to produce detailed blueprints
- Make samples or working models known as prototypes
- Test and refine designs
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll usually be based in a studio or office, but you could also spend time in a workshop or factory.
You'll need
To be a product designer, you'll need design skills and knowledge, knowledge of engineering science and technology, the ability to be innovative, thoroughness and attention to detail, analytical thinking skills, persistence and determination, the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools, and thinking and reasoning skills.
There are no set entry requirements but you'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma, or degree in engineering, design, product design or industrial product design. You could do a course covering a particular industry, which has design options, such as automotive engineering and furniture design.
You could start by doing a product design and development degree apprenticeship.
Entering design competitions and exhibitions can be a good way of getting noticed by employers. Presenting a portfolio to showcase to employers your creative skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to work to a design brief will also be required.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could progress to senior designer, then creative director. You could also move into project management or design management.