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Product designer

Create the look and feel of items that people use every day.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£423

Entry level

£865

Experienced

Monthly

£1,833

Entry level

£3,750

Experienced

Yearly

£22,000

Entry level

£45,000

Experienced

4,100

people are currently employed

High growth

200 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You’d create the look and feel of items that people use every day. You’d find out what the manufacturers want to make, then research the idea and use your creativity to develop a design.

You'd usually specialise in a particular product type, based on your training or experience. You could design completely new products or work on existing products.

For example, you could design mobile phones and home appliances, or larger products such as cars.

You’d make sure the item is attractive, efficient and easy to use. You’d also need to ensure it is cost-effective to make.

You may also be asked to ensure products you design are sustainable, long-lasting and easy to repair – using materials that can be reused and recycled in the circular economy.

Your tasks might include:

  • taking details of what the client needs, known as the 'brief'

  • developing ideas and making initial sketches

  • deciding on suitable materials

  • using computer design software to produce detailed final drawings or 3D models

  • making samples or working models

  • testing the design to identify problems

  • finding solutions for any problems

At all stages, you'd work with skilled colleagues like engineers and model-makers. It'd be important to understand different materials and production methods.

As well as designing, you'd also take part in meetings and presentations. You might put together bids and proposals for new work.

Hours

You'd usually work from 9am to 5pm, but might have to do longer hours to meet deadlines.

Environment

Although you'd be based in a studio, office or workshop, you could also spend time in the factory where the items you design are made.

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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • understanding
  • developing a plan
  • working with numbers
  • problem solving
  • designing
  • creative
  • working with technology
  • cooperating

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Art and Design

  • Art and Design (Expressive)

  • Design and Manufacture

  • Engineering Science

  • Graphic Communication

  • Practical Craft Skills

  • Skills for Work: Engineering Skills

You'd need an honours degree in either:

  • Product Design

  • Product Design Engineering

Or another design course with options in product design.

You could get this job through a Modern Apprenticeship in Design.

You can enter Product Design or 3D Design National Certificate courses with two National 5 qualifications.

You can enter Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma courses with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.

Entry to a degree requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND. For entry to engineering degrees you usually need four to five Highers including maths and science/technologies subject.

Qualifications that demonstrate creative, digital and visual communication skills such as Skills for Work Creative Digital Media or Creative Industries.

Work-based qualifications such as a Diploma in Creative and Digital Media.

A portfolio of your work when applying to courses and to jobs.

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