Career Corner

Product Designer

Description of Responsibilities
Product designers work in many different industries on products that include machinery, furniture, medical equipment, toys, and cars. In fact, nearly every manufactured item that you see has been designed by someone. Because the industries requiring product designers are so numerous and diverse, designers usually specialize in one industry or product. Product designers work with computer programs so they can translate their line drawings into three-dimensional pictures, or renderings. They also use computers to help them create physical models from their drawings.

Education, Training, and Professional Qualifications
Product designers need to have skills in design and a thorough knowledge of the specific industry in which they wish to work. Many companies require a technical degree, such as a bachelor's degree or a degree from a specific trade school, along with an advanced degree in an area such as management or marketing.

Other Considerations
Product designers might spend time observing and researching product usage and manufacturing plants. They work closely with engineers, manufacturers, market researchers, marketing consultants, and product testers.