How to Become a Product Designer?
Step-by-step guide to becoming a Product Designer: understand the eligibility, tasks, skills required, and career opportunities to succeed in this dynamic field
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Product Designer
"Design is the silent ambassador of your brand." — Paul Rand, Product Designer
A Product designer creates consumer-friendly solutions by improving existing designs and studying competitors' products for reliability and efficiency. They play a vital role in shaping positive user experiences, and influencing how consumers interact with products. Despite the increasing complexity of technology, product designers use user-centered design to simplify experiences. Their responsibility is to ensure products are accessible and meaningful to the average consumer, which is reflected in their high salaries.
Steps to Become a Product Designer:
Step-1
Research the responsibilities and daily tasks of a Product Designer to gauge if this career aligns with your interests.
Step-2
Pursue relevant degrees and courses in design, human-computer interaction, or a related field.
Step-3
Showcase your design skills through a portfolio of your work, including personal projects and any professional experience.
Step-4
Look for internships or entry-level positions to gain hands-on experience and understand industry standards.
Step-5
Emphasize mastering tools and technologies commonly used in product design, like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD.
Step-6
Join design communities, attend industry conferences, and connect with professionals to expand your network.
Step-7
Prepare for job interviews by understanding common questions and practicing your responses.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Must earn a degree in B.Des (Bachelor of Design) or a relevant diploma in Product Design. |
| Postgraduate Degree | An M.Des (Master of Design) in Product Design can help with higher education and career advancement. |
| Entrance Exams | Valid scores in entrance exams like AIEED, AIFD, AP ADCET, CEED, FDDI, IIAD, UCEED, NIFT, DAT, etc. |
- Must have at least 50% in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC). The cut-off may vary by college.
- Should have a valid score in entrance exams after 12th like AIEED, AIFD, CEED, NIFT, or others. Many colleges, such as NMIMS, Symbiosis, XUB, and LPU, offer their own exams if JEE or similar scores are insufficient. State-level exams are also available.
- A B.Des or Diploma in Product Design is required to enter the field.
- An M.Des in Product Design can be useful for advanced learning and career growth.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as a Product Designer:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Product Designers must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding of fundamental design concepts | Knowledge of user-centered design practices |
| Skills in creating visually appealing interfaces | Insight into how users interact with technology |
| Gain proficiency in tools such as Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD. | Ability to create interactive prototypes |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Problem-Solving | Creativity |
| Empathy | Communication |
| Collaboration | Attention to Detail |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Product Designer.
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
Your career may not align with your interests. Identify them and match with careers requiring those skills for faster growth and success!
Job roles offered for a Product Designer:
Once you have the qualifications to become a Product Designer, numerous career paths open up. Here are a few options:
Focuses on preventing damage to properties, employees, and the environment. They ensure safe workplaces, inspect machinery and help reduce compensation claims and government penalties.
Combines technical knowledge with business strategy, working with development teams to bring technology to market and translating business needs into tech solutions.
Works on improving user experience by designing intuitive and efficient interactions between users and products, especially in digital environments.
Manages website creation, marketing, and brand promotion, blending skills from reporting, marketing, and design to improve internal and external communications.
Ensures workplace safety, implements safety policies, and educates staff on health and safety regulations, while addressing hazards and emergency situations quickly.
Not sure where you fit in?
With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
Career Opportunities for a Product Designer:
Product Designers can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Shaw Academy | Flipkart | Dell Technologies |
| Phone Pe | BookMyShow | Meesho |
| Intuit | Microsoft | OYO |
| Indeed |
Colleges offering courses for Product Designer:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| Unitedworld Institute of Design, Ahmedabad | NID Ahmedabad - National Institute of Design |
| SID Pune - Symbiosis Institute of Design | LPU Jalandhar - Lovely Professional University |
| CEPT University, Ahmedabad | MSRUAS Bangalore - MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences |
| National Institute of Fashion Technology, Chennai | Unitedworld Institute of Design, Ahmedabad |
| NIFT Delhi - National Institute of Fashion Technology | Vishwakarma University, Pune |
End Note
Starting a career as a Product Designer opens up a world of creativity and problem-solving. With the right education, skills, and experience, you can make a significant impact in the design world. For personalized guidance and Career counselling after graduation on your journey, connect with our experts at SetMyCareer. We're here to help you guide your career journey with confidence and a clear sense of purpose.
In this Career Outline
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