Commercial designers use artistic skill and research to create functional and appealing products. They work with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to develop detailed product descriptions and sketches, refine designs, and advise on industry regulations. A bachelor’s degree in industrial design or related field is required, along with creativity, problem-solving ability, and persistence.
Commercial designer jobs involve designing manufactured products, using artistic skill in conjunction with product research to create products with optimal functionality and appeal. This professional employs the arts, business and engineering in the design process and is the main contributor to the style, quality and safety of almost all manufactured products. In addition to working with engineers, scientists, and other experts, a commercial designer job description includes working with the corporate strategy and marketing team to ensure designs align with the company’s vision. Because the field is so broad, designers typically focus on one product area such as automobiles, home appliances, or medical equipment in addition to furniture, toys, or tools.
The initial step in product development involves checking customer specifications, product usage, and potential customers’ preferences. This step involves researching the intended customer to understand the context of product use. A commercial designer will use this research to develop detailed product descriptions involving color, cost, and shape, as well as size, materials used, and safety. In addition to customer research, this information gathering process also involves conferring with customers, visiting trade shows, and meeting with manufacturers.
After this initial data collection step, a commercial designer will develop sketches of the intended product. After the first draft to describe your concept of the item, this professional will create detailed diagrams aided by computer design tools, which facilitate design modifications. These tools also produce instructions that can be read by machines used in the automated production process of manufacturing products.
After the product prototype is created, a commercial designer will conference with various entities to refine and change the item’s design. This step involves meeting with customers for suggestions and also conferring with engineers to determine whether the product can be designed to be safer or easier to use. Also, a professional in this field will consult with accountants and cost estimators to see if the product can be manufactured more cheaply.
In addition to the steps directly involved in product development, commercial designer roles involve other activities. These professionals develop industry regulatory guidelines, as well as advise companies on factors that affect their company’s image. They are also involved in new product research, seeking to develop innovative products in the face of their customers’ competitors.
Commercial designer requirements involve education in addition to personal traits. Most entry-level jobs require a bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field, which includes studies in design principles, engineering and mathematics, as well as physical sciences, psychology and anthropology. Creativity is required to appeal to aesthetic appeal, as a product’s appearance plays an important role in its success. Problem-solving ability and persistence are also advantageous qualities that will help commercial designers see their product vision become a reality.
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