Product designer

Most of the objects that you see every day, from electric buses to playground equipment, from clothing to crisp packets, were designed by a product designer!

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

As a product designer, you'll usually specialise in a particular product type, based on your training or experience. For example, you could design small home appliances or larger products such as cars.

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

Your tasks might include:

• gathering 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 and solve problems

At all stages, you'd work with skilled colleagues such as engineers and model-makers. As well as designing, you'll also take part in meetings and presentations. You might put together bids and proposals for new work.

Green job        

In this job you may do work that helps the environment. You could:

• make sure products are sustainable, long-lasting and easy to repair

• use reusable and recyclable materials, contributing to a circular economy

Find out more about green jobs.

• Design Council – discover resources and advice from this organisation that encourages new design thinking

• Design Business Association – find out about careers in design

• Neon – check out stories about people designing amazing things