CGC Oakgrove 4.0

Product Design

What kind of person do I need to be? You should have an interest in subjects such as ar t, design and technology, maths and science. Your success in product design will depend on you having a strong creative ability as well as a logical approach that will allow you to develop ideas in line with specifications and regulations. The ability to express your ideas through drawings, 3D models and computer-aided design software will be an integral par t of the job role. You will also need good project management skills to see your design through to the final stages of development. Other requirements may include good practical hand skills, the need to understand the proper ties of materials, knowledge of production methods, commercial awareness or exper tise in specialist subjects such as intellectual proper ty law. How do I get there? To work successfully in product design you will need a por tfolio demonstrating your creative and technical skills. You will also need a relevant qualification such as a degree, foundation degree or BTEC Higher National Diploma. Entry can be competitive and job oppor tunities often come through word of mouth. You will find it to your advantage to develop contacts through unpaid work experience or by joining a professional body such as the Char tered Society of Designers. Similar progression routes will allow you to enter other sectors of the industry. Qualifications in related areas such as project management can also be achieved through on the job training or par t-time study.

What skills will I learn? Working within product design you’ll learn how to consider the role of technology, economics, sustainability and legal requirements so that ultimately you are able to produce a design that will fulfil it’s manufacturing potential and meet industry standards. Along the way you will test and trial working models and prototypes with due regard for environmental, social and aesthetic needs. You’ll develop your critical thinking skills, acquire business acumen and learn how to create innovative products that ultimately will improve the quality of life for many people.