• Product Design

Product Design

I was reminded the other day (after reading an old english essay) of an invention I once wanted to create as a kid - The Revolutionary Hand-held Human Wings!  Ok, I know...it's a bit far-fetched and I will admit that this particular invention did end up in a trip to the A&E, but remember those carefree days when anything was possible?  Well, with Product Design, anything IS possible!

Product Design is simply the making and designing of new products and this type of work requires many creative skills; think artistic and imaginative and you'll be on your way to creating the Next Big Thing.  Technology is amazing these days and constantly developing;  now, with the use of computers you can plan the shape and structure of your product at the touch of a button!  As IT skills are essential to this job, it would be a good idea to look into some computing courses or even studying Product Design itself.  Check out Http://www.cardonald.ac.uk/courses/show/362/ if you're interested.

Getting on requires hard work and to become a senior product designer isn't automatic.  You may move on to be a manager of a design studio or Product Manufacturer in which case you would do less design work or after gaining enough experience you might work freelance producing your own collections! 

The pay for this job varies depending on where you work and the demand for that product, but top designers can earn very high incomes - just look at Mr. James Dyson!  Mr. Dyson invented the 'Dyson' or bagless vacuum cleaner and his fortune is estimated in the billions!  And all that cash sprouted from an idea for a Hoover!

As one of the world's leading design institutions, the Design Council is 'a centre of new thinking and insight into new ways to do business' and are always looking for people who are looking to develop their careers in design.  See http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/about-us/ for more info. 

So, perhaps you have an idea that could be big for the future or perhaps you can think of a way to make the iPhone better?  Whatever it is you think you can improve you should look into it because companies are always hungry for new, innovative products and remember... not everyone might think your new invention a success, so don't take criticism personally - it's only one person's opinion!  Grow a thick hide and move on to your next prize-winning project and if you don't mind...could someone out there come up with an invention to do domestic duties? Like a robotic housekeeper maybe? Environmentally friendly mind!