A Product Design Degree prepares graduates for a career in the field of product design and development. Product design encompasses the creation, testing, and production of products that are useful, attractive, and cost effective.
It requires a blend of creativity, engineering knowledge, team work, problem solving skills, and business acumen. Product designers use a variety of tools to create their designs including 3D modeling software, CAD/CAM systems, and prototyping technology.
A product design degree provides students with the skill set necessary to develop innovative products that meet customer needs and market requirements. Students learn how to apply engineering principles to their designs in order to create functional prototypes that are both aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective. They also learn how to collaborate with other stakeholders such as marketers and manufacturers throughout the design process in order to ensure that their product meets all expectations.
Coursework in a product design degree program typically covers topics such as industrial design history; materials science; human factors engineering; visual communication; product development processes; prototyping techniques; computer-aided design (CAD) systems; rapid prototyping technology; ergonomics; sustainability issues; market research methods; branding strategies; manufacturing processes; quality control procedures; innovation management strategies; intellectual property law issues. Courses like these help equip students with the knowledge they need to succeed in the field of product design.
Career Opportunities: Graduates with a degree in product design can find employment across various industries including consumer goods companies, automotive companies, medical device firms, electronics companies, furniture manufacturers, toy makers, sporting goods makers and more. Job titles may include industrial designer, user experience designer/engineer (UX), user interface designer/engineer (UI), graphic designer/illustrator/animator (GDI), CAD engineer or drafter (CAD), manufacturing engineer or technician (MFT), process engineer or technician (PET), quality assurance analyst or inspector (QA). With experience and additional education, product designers may be able to move into higher-level positions such as project manager or director of engineering.
Salary Potential: According to PayScale’s 2019 salary report for Product Designers in the United States: The median annual salary is $68K per year while the average total pay is $86K per year. Salaries can vary widely depending on experience level, company size and location. The highest salaries can reach well over $100K per year while entry level positions can start at around $45K per year.
Earning a degree in product design provides an excellent foundation for pursuing a successful career in this field – one that offers both creative fulfillment and financial reward. With the right education and dedication – graduates can have a meaningful impact on society by creating products that make our lives better every day!
Conclusion: A Product Design Degree equips students with the skills necessary for success in this field – from creative problem solving abilities to technical knowledge about materials science and CAD systems – as well as providing them with an understanding of market research methods and branding strategies so they can make their products successful from conception through production stages.