Product design is the process of creating and developing products for commercial and industrial use. It involves a range of disciplines, including engineering, marketing, ergonomics, psychology, anthropology, and design. Product design is a complex process that requires a range of knowledge and skills to successfully turn an idea into a product.
The major that offers product design is typically called ‘Industrial Design’ or ‘Product Design Engineering’. Industrial Design focuses on the principles of function, aesthetics, ergonomics, usability and sustainability when developing products.
It combines creativity with technical know-how to create products that are both beautiful and practical. Product Design Engineering focuses on the engineering aspects of product development such as materials science and technology, computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools and analysis techniques.
Industrial Design degrees usually cover topics such as: design theory; history of design; sketching; drawing; model-making; ergonomics; product manufacturing processes; materials selection; prototyping techniques; consumer needs analysis; market research methods; industrial standards in design; project management strategies; computer-aided design (CAD); 3D printing technologies and software applications for product design.
Product Design Engineering degrees usually cover topics such as: mathematics for engineers; materials science & technology; mechanics & machine components ; CAD/CAM systems & applications ; robotics & automation ; manufacturing processes ; quality control systems ; supply chain management ; engineering economics ; computer programming & simulation software tools ; system dynamics & optimization.
In order to be successful in either field you need to have an eye for detail and be able to think logically about how a product should work from concept through to production. You must also be creative in problem solving and have excellent communication skills to effectively convey your ideas to the team involved in the project.
What Major Is Product Design Under?
Product Design is typically offered under two major titles: Industrial Design or Product Design Engineering. The major focuses on different aspects of the process depending on its title but it combines creativity with technical know-how to create successful products which are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. In order to be successful in either field you need an eye for detail, problem solving skills and excellent communication ability.