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product designer

Product designers, also known as industrial designers, are responsible for designing all the items we use in our daily lives from vacuum cleaners to cars. They consider how to make items easier to use, more efficient, cheaper to produce or better looking. This means looking carefully at what is required, researching and developing ideas and coming up with a design, which might be for a completely new product or to improve an existing one.

The process involves:

  • taking a brief - the details of what is needed
  • making initial sketches
  • preparing detailed drawings using computers
  • making samples or working models
  • testing the design.
At all these stages, designers work with other skilled people such as engineers and model-makers. Designers need to understand technology, production methods, materials and market trends. As well as actually designing products, designers take part in meetings and presentations and might put together bids and proposals for new work.

Hours and Environment

Designers normally work from 9am - 5pm, but might have to work longer hours if there is a deadline to meet.

The work is based in a studio, offices or a workshop, and some time may be spent in the factories where the items are made.

Skills and Interests

To be a product designer you need:

  • to be able to express creative ideas through drawings, 3-D models and computer designs
  • technical knowledge and ability
  • an understanding of different materials and production methods
  • the ability to plan and organise a project through several stages
  • to be able to work out costings and budgets
  • to be good at communicating and explaining ideas
  • the ability to write clear, concise reports
  • to be capable of taking a creative and logical approach to solving problems
  • to be able to work as part of a team and share ideas with colleagues.

Entry

In order to become a product designer, you usually need a degree or a BTEC HNC/HND. Courses leading to qualifications in design are widely available at universities and art colleges throughout the UK. Some of these are specifically for product design and others offer product design as an option. Some may also focus more on technical and engineering aspects or on specific areas of design, such as furniture, automotive or consumer goods.

BA degrees are usually more art and design focused, whereas BSc degrees are more technical. You should check with colleges to make sure the syllabus covers your areas of interest.

In England and Wales a recognised art and design foundation course is often required for entry to degree courses, but one of the following may also be accepted:

  • two subjects at A level/three H grades
  • another level 3 qualification, such as an AVCE in Art and Design or a BTEC/SQA National Diploma in a relevant subject area.
In Scotland degree courses last for four years, with an initial year which is similar to the foundation courses in England and Wales.

You should check with colleges and universities for their exact requirements.

To search for colleges and universities offering art and design foundation courses, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

The over-riding requirement for all art and design courses is evidence of creative ability, commitment and enthusiasm. All applicants will need to present a portfolio of their work. Mature entrants may be accepted without the usual academic entry requirements if they can demonstrate their suitability. Portfolio-building courses may be run by local colleges for those who need help in assembling their work.

An effective portfolio will also be needed in order to find employment after qualifying. It can be worthwhile researching companies whose products match your style, and making speculative approaches. Entering competitions, exhibitions and shows may also be a good way of being noticed by employers.

Training

NVQs/SVQs are available at Level 2 in Design Support, Level 3 in Design and Level 4 in Design Management.

There are postgraduate diplomas and degrees in specialised areas of product design and related subjects. Entry is usually with a first degree.

Throughout your career you will need to keep up to date with developments in software and equipment.

Membership of professional bodies such as the Chartered Society of Designers is useful for gaining recognition of your skills, access to advice and opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) and industry contacts. See Further Information for contact details.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Opportunities for product designers are increasing, and there is a high demand for experienced designers, especially if they have expertise in specific areas and a thorough understanding of technology.

Product designers may work in many of the manufacturing industries as part of an in-house design team or in a consultancy.

Opportunities in freelance and self-employed design depend on the market and the skills of the designer. With experience, a move into design or project management may be possible.

Some designers may move into the ergonomics field by completing a postgraduate qualification. See the Ergonomist profile for information.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
Income for product designers varies depending on ability, reputation and the type of employer.

Newly-qualified designers earn around £14,000 to £16,500 per year.
Experienced product designers earn between £18,000 and £32,000.
Senior product designers can earn £45,000 or more.

Further information

Design Council
34 Bow Street
London
WC2E 7DL
Tel: 020 7420 5200
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk
Chartered Society of Designers
http://www.csd.org.uk
Creative and Cultural Skills
11 Southwark Street
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
http://www.ccskills.org.uk

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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.

Careers Database Information By Learn Direct Advice