What do Product Designers do?
Product designers are responsible for the design and development of everyday items, ensuring that they meet the needs of the user. They develop a good knowledge of technology, materials and various manufacturing methods in order to improve existing products or create new ones. They are involved in the creation of a whole host of items from things that we use every day, like mobile phones, coffee machines, televisions and cars, right up to large industrial equipment or machinery.
Day to day duties might include creating new design concepts and product sketches, developing existing products to a revised specification, meeting with customers to discuss ideas, creating models using computer-aided design (CAD), researching and identifying suitable materials for the product, making samples of the product, conducting product testing, and producing final detailed product drawings, costs and specifications.
What can I expect to earn?
Salaries start around £20,000 - £25,000 per year for a product designer and increase with experience to an average of around £45,000. An experienced head of product design can earn over £80,000 per year.
What subjects should I study?
Useful subjects to study include art, design and technology, maths, engineering and product design.
How can I start my career?
Many product designers hold university degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) or have successfully completed apprenticeships in the field. Courses include industrial design, product design, or product design engineering.
It is sometimes possible to gain hands-on work experience by looking for entry-level or assistant positions where you will support a product designer. You could then study for product design qualifications whilst you work.
To research local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as a product designer, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.
Details of relevant degree courses can be found on the UCAS website.
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