A Product Designer is responsible for creating and improving products, focusing on how they look, feel, and function for users. In the UK, product designers work across a wide range of industries, including technology, consumer goods, automotive, and healthcare. They use creativity and technical skills to develop ideas, make prototypes, and test how products work in real life. Product designers often collaborate with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to ensure that products are both attractive and practical. They also consider the needs and feedback of users to make products better and more user-friendly. This career is ideal for people who enjoy solving problems, have an eye for detail, and are interested in both design and technology.
The average salary for a Product Designer in the UK ranges from £28,000 to £60,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There were over 3,500 advertised product designer positions in the UK in 2023, with demand especially high in technology and manufacturing sectors.
The design sector in the UK has seen a 10 percent growth in employment over the past five years, reflecting the increasing importance of user-centred products.
Focuses on creating visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces for websites, apps, or digital products.
Specialises in designing the packaging for products to ensure they are attractive, practical, and reflect the brand.
Works on designing innovative and functional furniture pieces for homes, offices, or public spaces.
Take subjects like Design and Technology, Art, or Computer Science at GCSE or A-level to develop your creative and technical skills.
Design and Technology courses help you understand the basics of design processes, materials, and problem-solving. Art will strengthen your creative thinking and visual communication skills. Computer Science introduces you to digital tools and basic coding, which are increasingly important for digital product design.
Start creating a portfolio of your design work. Include sketches, prototypes, or digital designs.
A portfolio showcases your abilities and creativity to future employers or academic institutions. You can include school projects, personal design experiments, or even redesigns of existing products. Take photographs or create digital presentations of your work to demonstrate your skills.
Apply for a college or university course in Product Design, Industrial Design, or a related subject.
Many product designers hold a degree or HND in Product Design, Industrial Design, or similar courses such as 3D Design or User Experience Design. These courses typically include both theoretical and practical modules, helping you develop advanced design skills and learn about manufacturing processes and user research.
Enter design competitions or seek internships to gain real-world experience.
Design competitions, such as those run by the Design Council or D&AD, provide valuable opportunities to showcase your skills and receive feedback from professionals. Internships or work placements (even short-term) help you understand the day-to-day work of a product designer and build your network in the industry.
Look for entry-level positions such as Junior Product Designer or Graduate Designer.
You can find job opportunities with design consultancies, tech companies, manufacturers, or as part of in-house design teams. Tailor your CV and portfolio to each job application, highlighting relevant skills and projects. Be prepared to discuss your design process and problem-solving abilities in interviews.
Stay up to date with industry trends and connect with other designers through events and online communities.
Product design is a rapidly evolving field. Attend conferences, workshops, or local meetups to learn about the latest tools and methods. Joining professional networks, such as the Chartered Society of Designers or design groups on social media, can help you find mentors, collaborators, and new opportunities.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Product Designer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
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A Product Designer often focuses on creating user-centred designs and improving user interactions, which closely aligns with the role of a UX Designer. Both roles involve user research, wireframing, and prototyping to ensure optimal user experiences.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate award in:
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course, which may lead on to more advanced qualifications, or help you to get a trainee position with a company.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You could apply to do a Digital User Experience (UX) Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
You may also find a Digital Accessibility Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship useful for this job.
You'll usually need:
If you're working in an organisation that conducts user research, you could get work experience by volunteering to help in research sessions and user interviews.
You could also get involved with the online user experience community for advice and tips, and to find a mentor to help you.
You can apply directly to companies or go through an agency that specialises in providing digital design professionals to clients.
You'll need qualifications and relevant experience to do this.
You'll find it useful to have:
It will also help if you have a portfolio to showcase examples of your work.
You can find out more about working as a user experience (UX) designer from the User Experience Professionals' Association (UXPA) and techskills.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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