Product Designer

Designing a new product goes through an analytical process and relies on a problem-solving approach to improve the quality of life of the end-user and his or her interaction with the environment. It is about problem-solving, about visualizing the needs of the user and bringing a solution.

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Education

The minimum education requirement for product designers is usually a bachelor's degree in engineering, design or a related field. Common majors include industrial design, engineering and architecture. Many programs require that students complete one year of basic art and design courses, such as principles of design and sketching, during their freshman year. Other courses may include CAD, industrial materials and processes, production methods, engineering and 3-D design. During their undergraduate years, students can build a portfolio of work and gain experience through internships to enhance their employment prospects.

Knowledge and Tasks

A high degree of technical knowledge balanced with creative ability and a hands-on approach
Computer literacy including three-dimensional conceptual ability and CAD (computer-aided design) is highly imperative as most work is done with its help
Knowledge of industrial processes, techniques and standards is also necessary
Communication and customer service skills are necessary as the candidate has to market his/her product.

TASKS

Working on ideas as part of a team or developing design concepts using CAD (computer-aided design)
Producing detailed, final hand drawings and specifications or, more likely, using dedicated computer software (CAD) to produce design specifications, including parts lists and costings
Making samples or working models by hand or using computerized prototyping equipment
Testing the design concept by computerized modelling or physical hands-on testing of models

Personality

Product designers should be highly empathetic, meticulous, confident and ambitious. They should have excellent interpersonal skills and be good at pattern recognition. Extroverts with a creative and open to ideas mindset do great in this career. They should be negotiators and possess marketing skills.

Salary

Salary levels vary according to the size and type of employer. In India it tends to be around the average salary of 4,50,000-6,50,000 per annum.

Pros

Allows for creativity.
Those who work in manufacturing or large design companies may have regular hours in an office.
Entry-level positions are available with a bachelor's degree.

Cons

The field is competitive, with the possibility of jobs being sent overseas.
The industrial design field is vulnerable to economic fluctuations.
Designers might need to travel to a variety of locations
Designers create and refine items based on customers' preferences, which might conflict with a designer's own ideas.

Top Institutes

India

NID (National Institute of Design), Ahmedabad.
Industrial Design Centre, IIT Bombay.
Pearl Academy, (Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur)
National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi.
MAEER'S MIT Institute of Design, Pune.

Abroad

Georgia institute of technology
Rochester institute of technology
University of houston
San francisco state university

Famous People

Geetika Alok

Geetika Alok is a graphic designer and, more specifically, a typographer, with her interests lying predominantly in its influences and relationships with culture.

Anab Jain

Anab Jain is the founder of Superflux. Superflux is particularly interested in the way in which emerging technologies can interface with the environment.