A product designer do not simply conceptualize a product idea, draw it, and proceed to manufacture it. Product designers need to determine if their concept is feasible and if it is even worth manufacturing. Next, they need to determine how to develop a successful product that users find enjoyable to use. 

Product designers typically collaborate with others and do not work independently. They work with other team members and consider the needs of stakeholders ranging from the CEO to the end user. Therefore, how does all of this happen? This article simplifies everything! 

Definition of a Product Designer 

A product designer is responsible for designing a wide range of products, such as food packaging, stuffed animals, and spreadsheet programs – you can think of anything! With that being said, the term “product designer” can cover a variety of responsibilities. An industrial product designer focuses on creating physical items, such as equipment parts, while some product designers specialize in developing SaaS products, like a customer management system. Three main categories exist in product design: 

System Design: This is about creating systems, such as a retail store. The designer decides the placement of products, including grouping and shelving arrangements. 

Process Design: This is frequently utilized in the field of e-commerce. The process a potential customer follows to buy a product (locate the item, review the details, choose the size or color, add it to the cart, etc.) can determine the success of the store. 

User interface design: This concerns the way in which the product is engaged by the final consumer. 

Is A Product Designer The Same As A UX/UI Designer? 

A product designer’s responsibility is to manage and create the complete product design. A UX/UI designer concentrates solely on the user experience or interface. For instance, a product designer evaluates the overall functionality of an internet-based project management tool – Are the various areas successfully obtaining the correct data and inquiring about the appropriate matters? 

Is it logical to utilize a check box or a free text field? UX designers may focus on the initial stages of product design, whereas product designers typically concentrate on enhancing already established products. A product designer frequently collaborates with a UX designer and is typically required to have a solid grasp of UX principles. Furthermore, on occasion, the two titles are used interchangeably, resulting in understandable confusion. 

What Is The Role Of A Product Designer? 

The responsibilities of a product designer can be categorized into several essential tasks. Some of these consist of designing. Although a product designer may have various roles, their main responsibility remains designing. A product designer will utilize their understanding of color, typography, detail, and other design components to develop a product. 

Typically, a product designer will incorporate UX principles into their design. This goes beyond simply ensuring a product is easy for users to navigate. Product designers are likely to carry out A/B testing, email surveys, and additional UX research, or possess skills in creating wireframes, prototypes, and journey maps. 

In Which Industries Do Product Designers Typically Work? 

Product designers have the opportunity to work in any sector that produces goods. This may involve industries like healthcare, online shopping, and home decor. According to research, there were approximately 32,000 industrial designer positions in various industries in 2022. 

Manufacturing accounts for 34% 

Wholesale business: 15% 

Design services that are specifically tailored to unique requirements: 9% 

Services related to architecture, engineering, and other closely related fields account for 9% 

Individuals working for themselves: 5% 

Freelance workers: 13% 

Retail: 7%

5% is allocated to finance and insurance. 

4% of the product designing workforce is dedicated to advertising, public relations, and similar services. 

What Types Of Roles Can Product Designers Occupy In Their Careers? 

Due to the multitude of industries manufacturing goods, employment opportunities for product designers are abundant. While product designers are frequently employed at SaaS companies, they also work in various other jobs and industries. 

What Skills Does a Product Designer Require? 

In numerous ways, a product designer encompasses the entire process. You may have to oversee not just the design but also the project management of the product’s production. While uncommon, you might also be responsible for writing the technical manual or other materials that are included in the product. Considering this, successful product designers require a diverse range of skills. 

It’s recommended that future product designers develop expertise in problem-solving and technical skills. They must possess the ability to solve problems and think creatively about the product aspect of their work. In areas where research, concept creation, and user-centered exploration occur, it is important they have a basic understanding of the process of software development. 

When it comes to software product designers, it’s recommended that they have experience in interface design since all design choices and product aspects are conveyed through the user interface. Additional abilities that will benefit a product designer include: 

Collaboration: Skilled in your ability to collaborate with other teams. Project management is necessary to guarantee that the product is being developed according to schedule. 

Thinking outside the box: When faced with unexpected challenges while designing, you must find a way to overcome them. 

UX or UI experience: To gain a deeper comprehension of how the product will be interacted with by end-users 

Communication abilities: Your written and verbal communication skills will be utilized often in the process of developing the product. 

Technical abilities: Numerous product designers utilize specific software such as Figma or Adobe to design wireframes and produce mock-ups for the product. 

Start A Career In Product Design With Chigisoft

Develop the necessary expertise to pursue a career as a product designer by enrolling with Chigisoft today!