Product designer
Product designers turn ideas for new products into reality, using digital manufacturing, engineering and hand-crafting methods.
Also known as: Industrial designer, 3D designer, prototype designer, inventor
- Starter salary£26,000 a year
- Experienced£46,000 a year
- Typical hours40 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a product designer, you could:
- talk to clients about their needs and ideas on how to meet them
- investigate how existing products work or how services are used
- develop ideas with initial sketches and outline plans
- use 2D and 3D design software to produce detailed blueprints
- work out which materials are best suited to your design
- make samples or working models, known as prototypes
- test and refine prototypes ready for production
- check product quality and safety
Working environment
You could work in a workshop, in a creative studio or in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- design skills and knowledge
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- understanding of technology, materials and manufacturing methods
- complex problem-solving skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- persistence and determination
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a product designer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
You could study a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- design
- product design
- industrial product design
- engineering
You could also do a course covering a particular industry, which includes design options, for example automotive engineering and furniture design.
You can improve your job prospects by getting work experience during your studies.
Your university careers service can help you to find suitable placements, internships and year in industry opportunities.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Product Design and Development Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This can take up to 5 years to complete and is a mix of workplace training with academic study at an approved university.
You might also apply to do a Model Making Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. Training includes physical and digital model making, building prototypes and creating mock-ups.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a senior product designer, project manager or design director.
You might also work as a design consultant or specialise in particular areas of product design, for example:
- medical instruments
- household appliances
- electronic devices
- construction materials
Career tips
Entering design competitions and exhibitions can be a good way of getting yourself noticed by employers.
You'll need to show employers that you have creative skills, technical knowledge and the ability to work to a design brief. This will usually involve presenting a portfolio of your design work to them.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Chartered Society of Designers for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Guides for this industry
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