Product design is more creative than engineering, more practical than art, and more hands-on than graphic design
Product design is a field that involves the creation and development of new products or product improvements. Product designers work with a team of engineers and other professionals to design and create products that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and meet the needs of customers. Product designers may work in a variety of industries including consumer products, technology, and healthcare.
What Do Product Designers Do?
Product designers are responsible for the full life cycle of product development from conceptualization and design to prototyping and testing. This may involve researching and analyzing market trends and customer needs, sketching and prototyping design ideas, and collaborating with engineers and other professionals to bring the product to life. Product designers may also be responsible for testing and iterating on designs to ensure that the final product meets the needs of customers and meets any relevant safety and quality standards.
Some specific tasks that product designers may be responsible for include:
- Researching and analyzing market trends and customer needs to identify opportunities for new products or product improvements
- Sketching and prototyping design ideas using computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Collaborating with engineers and other professionals to develop functional prototypes and final products
- Testing and iterating on designs to ensure that the final product meets the needs of customers and meets any relevant safety and quality standards
- Managing the product development process including coordinating with suppliers and manufacturing partners
- Presenting designs and prototypes to clients and stakeholders
How to Break into Product Design
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in product design, here are five steps you can take to get started.
1. Pursue a relevant degree
Many product design jobs require a bachelor’s degree in product design or a related field, such as industrial design or engineering. This will provide you with the necessary foundation in design principles and technical skills.
2. Gain relevant experience
Many employers look for candidates with relevant experience, such as internships or part-time jobs in product design. This can be a great way to gain practical experience and build your portfolio. You can also gain experience by participating in design competitions or working on personal projects.
3. Build a strong portfolio
Having a portfolio of work is essential for breaking into product design. This should include examples of your design work, as well as any relevant projects or prototypes you may have worked on. You can read more about how to build an effective product design portfolio here.
4. Network
Building relationships within the industry can be a key factor in getting your foot in the door at a product design company. Attend networking events, join relevant professional organizations, and reach out to alumni or other professionals in the field to learn more about their experiences and get advice on how to break into the industry.
5. Prepare for the interview process
Product design interviews often involve both technical and creative components, and it’s important to be well-prepared. This may include practicing your design skills, preparing to answer product design interview questions, as well as being able to speak to your design process and the thought behind your work.
Conclusion
Product design is a field that involves the creation and development of new products or product improvements. Product designers work with a team of engineers and other professionals to design and create products that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and meet the needs of customers. To break into product design, it’s important to pursue a relevant degree, gain relevant experience, build a strong portfolio, network, and prepare for the interview process.
With hard work and dedication, a career in product design can be a rewarding and fulfilling path.
Zuhair Imaduddin is a Senior Product Manager at Wells Fargo. He previously worked at JPMorgan Chase and graduated from Cornell University.
Image: Pexels
🔴 Interested in consulting?