Product designer

What does a product designer do?

Everything you touch in your life has been designed by a product designer. Product designers generate ideas with the goal to design and engineer products – anything from a kettle through to a fuel pump at a service station. They will work on a product from the very first idea to the final production and everything in between, keeping an eye on costs. Product designers will use drawings, 3-D models and computer designs to communicate their ideas. Find out more here.

What’s a product designer good at?

Product designers:

– are good with technology

– are creative and have an eye for colours and shapes

– can find solutions to problems

– have a good imagination, and

– have an interest in the world around them

Tools of the trade/required knowledge

1. Understanding of colour and how people react to different colours
2. Understanding of shapes
3. A sound knowledge of science, technology and practical abilities
4. Good eye for detail
5. Creativity

Who does a product designer work with?

Product designers work with colleagues, clients and the supply chain such as engineers, model makers, sales staff and other skilled people.

How do I become a product designer?

You can take a degree in product design or apply for a product design apprenticeship.

At school or college:

Good subjects to take in school/college: D&T, Maths, Science, Art, IT.

 Top universities for product design

– Loughborough University [BSc (Hons) Product Design & Technology] / [BA(Hons) Industrial Design and Technology]

– Brunel University [Product Design BSc] / [Industrial Design and Technology BA]

– Ravensbourne University [BA (Hons) Product Design]

Career tips:

– Build a portfolio of ideas with images of modelling

– Learn software

– Look for an apprenticeship or get a degree

– Search for jobs

DBA also have a jobs board where members post openings. Explore the available positions and get familiar with creative role descriptions.