Industrial/product designer: Job description

Industrial/product designers create a wide range of items, from everyday products, such as mobile phones, household appliances and cars, to larger items, such as industrial tools, equipment and machinery.

They work on new products or improve existing ones, and use their understanding of technology, materials and manufacturing methods to improve the design and usability of an item. The work involves designing, modelling, testing and producing prototypes.

Working alongside engineers and model-makers, industrial/product designers conduct research and devise a design proposal for projects. They may also need to work on the budget of the designed item to make sure it is cost effective.

Typical work activities

The work carried out by an industrial/product designer varies and can be very busy. It may include some of the following:

• meeting with clients to establish the design brief, including the concept, performance and production criteria;
• working on ideas as part of a team or developing design concepts using CAD (computer-aided design);
• taking part in specialist or multidisciplinary team meetings;
• sketching initial design ideas;
• identifying the suitability and availability of materials;
• 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 computerised prototyping equipment;
• testing the design concept by computerised modelling or physical hands-on testing of models;
• researching materials, processes or market requirements;
• arranging meetings and liaising with engineers and other departments, including marketing, to discuss and negotiate appropriate production processes, costs and commercial issues;
• occasionally travelling to clients' production facilities and evaluating the feasibility of production;
• making presentations to senior design management or clients, either when bidding for a contract or to present design proposals.

In addition to the above, freelance designers also need to complete the necessary paperwork and administration associated with self-employment.