Commercial designers create manufactured products by combining artistic ability with product research to create products that are both functional and appealing. This designer integrates art, business, and engineering into the design process, and is responsible for the style, quality, and safety of nearly all manufactured goods. A commercial designer’s job description includes working with corporate strategy and marketing staff to ensure the designs align with the company’s vision, in addition to working with engineers, scientists, and other specialists. Designers usually concentrate on one product category, such as automobiles, appliances, or medical equipment, in addition to furniture, toys, or tools, because the field is so broad.
The first step in product development is to determine the client’s specifications, the product’s intended use, and potential customers’ preferences. This step entails conducting research on the intended customer in order to comprehend the context of product use. This information will be used by a commercial designer to create detailed product descriptions that include color, cost, and shape, as well as size, materials used, and safety. This information gathering process also includes consulting with clients, attending trade shows, and meeting with manufacturers, in addition to customer research.
A commercial designer will create sketches of the intended product after this initial data gathering step. This professional will create detailed diagrams aided by computer design tools, which facilitate design modifications, after the first rough sketch to depict their conception of the item. These tools also generate instructions that can be read by machines in the automated product manufacturing process.
Following the creation of the product prototype, a commercial designer will consult with various parties to fine-tune and alter the design of the item. This step entails meeting with clients for feedback and conferring with engineers to see if the product can be made safer or more user-friendly. A professional in this field will also consult accountants and cost estimators to see if the product can be manufactured at a lower cost.
Commercial designer responsibilities include a variety of activities in addition to the steps directly involved in product development. These professionals create industrial regulatory guidelines and make recommendations to businesses on issues that affect their image. They also conduct new product research in order to develop innovative products ahead of their clients’ competitors.
Education and personal characteristics are both required of commercial designers. A bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field, which includes studies in principles of design, engineering, and mathematics, as well as physical sciences, psychology, and anthropology, is required for most entry-level jobs. Because the appearance of a product plays such an important role in its success, creativity with an eye for aesthetic appeal is required. Problem-solving abilities and perseverance are also beneficial qualities that will aid commercial designers in bringing their product vision to life.