Jobs, Careers and Occupations

Designers

Designers Work Conditions

Industrial designers work closely with others in the field such as engineers, manufacturers, market researchers, marketing consultants, drafters and product testing staff. They work in studios when creating and refining designs using hands and/or computer-aided design. They may also spend time in the field observing and researching product usage and in manufacturing plants observing methods of production and collecting information about new materials and production processes.

Designers Personal Requirements

• creative
• good communication skills
• practical and patient
• problem-solving skills
• technical aptitude

Designers Employment Requirements

• A university degree in industrial design, architecture, engineering
• or a college diploma in industrial design is required.

Designers Duties and Tasks

Industrial designers may perform the following tasks:

• consider factors influencing product design such as cost, selection of materials, production methods, new technology, safety, fashion trends, ergonomics, the environment, marketing and business strategy
• discuss manufacturers' and clients' requirements
• estimate production costs
• make engineering drawings and detailed diagrams of products and report these to manufacturers
• modify designs, where necessary, to meet manufacturing or cost requirements
• prepare presentation sketches showing style, size, shape, configuration of internal components and general appearance of products either by hand or by computer
• supervise construction of models or samples of products and test them for function, quality and consumer appeal
• undertake research and development

Designers Example Titles

• Furniture Designer
• Industrial Design consultant
• Industrial Designer
• Industrial Products Designer
• Product Designer

Designers Related Occupations

• Architectural Technicians
• Civil Engineering Technologists
• Drafting Technicians
• Electrical Technicians
• Engineering design drafting technicians
• Graphic Designers and Illustrators
• Interior Designers

Design Related Industries

• Architecture
• Engineering
• Graphic Arts
• Publishing