When we take a look at objects that we interact with on a daily basis, be it our laptop, the mobile phone or a number of other objects, all carry a design that is a mix between functionality and creativity. This captures the essence of what is product design. Starting a career in product design requires candidates to obtain a degree in product design from the many universities that offer a course in product design. Based on the experience level the typical range is from RS. 3 LPA to Rs. 5 LPA for freshers, Rs 6 to Rs. 12 LPA for mid-level candidates and anywhere from Rs. 15 to Rs 30 LPA in the experienced or senior ranges.
Individuals can take up roles in the product design industry with roles such as product designer, UX/UI designer, Interaction Designer, Design Strategist and Industrial Product Designer. Entry level jobs don’t pay as much, but with experience and a sizable portfolio candidates can build a reasonably strong career.
The product design definition refers to the process of creating and developing functional, aesthetic, and user-centered solutions for physical or digital products. It involves understanding user needs, solving problems through design thinking, and integrating form, usability, and technology. The product design process requires collaboration across disciplines such as engineering, marketing, and manufacturing to ensure the final product meets business goals and user expectations. This product design process includes research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration to craft products that are both practical and visually appealing.
In an introduction to product design we can see it is the process of imagining, creating, and refining products that solve real user problems while being functional, visually appealing, and aligned with business goals. It combines creativity, user-centered thinking, and technical understanding to craft both physical and digital products. The process involves research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.
Also Read: How to Become a Product Designer
From this we can understand that the role of creativity in product design is vital. In most cases creativity plays a crucial role in product design by enabling innovative, user-centered solutions. It drives the ideation process, supports problem-solving, and helps designers explore unique concepts. The role of creativity in product design also aids product aesthetics and emotional appeal, making designs more engaging and memorable. Through prototyping and iteration, creative thinking refines ideas into practical solutions
When considering what does a product designer do in the design development phase, there are several stages to consider. The product design process covers the following details:
Conducts user research to understand needs
Creates wireframes, user flows, and prototypes for physical objects for intuitive and visually appealing interfaces
Collaborates with UX researchers, engineers, and product managers
Tests designs through usability studies and A/B testing and makes the changes based on the feedback
Ensures design aligns with business goals and brand identity
Balances functionality, aesthetics, and user experience
Stays updated on design trends, tools, and best practices
That summarises the role of what does a product designer do in the design development process. The role of a product designer has been specified thus, but, prior to obtaining such a role there comes the question of how to get started in product design. The following points refer to the elements of getting started:
Applying for a UG or PG degree course in Product or UI/UX design among others.
Acquire proficiency in digital tools like Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, Solidworks
Reexamining older product designs to under the reason design trends and models
Building a portfolio to show the individuals design process, with elaboration on the process used
Following industry trends to seek which types of product design hold validity or are sustainable
Taking up an internship or freelance gigs can also help gain hands-on experience.
Product design courses teach students how to create functional, user-friendly, and visually appealing products through design thinking, research, prototyping, and testing. These courses are offered at undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate levels, covering both physical and digital product design. Students learn key tools like Figma, SolidWorks, and Adobe XD, while developing skills in UX/UI, materials, and innovation. Product design courses are available through top design institutes and online platforms as well.
For candidates who look forward to taking up a course can check up on the two types of admission processes used in the Product Design Admission process:
1. Merit-Based Admission
Register online on the college website
Fill out the application form with accurate details
Pay the application fee and submit the form
Colleges release a merit list based on 12th-grade scores
2. Entrance-Based Admission
Register on the official exam portal (e.g., NIFT, AIEED, CEED)
Fill out the application form correctly
Appear for the design entrance exam
Cut-off list is released; seat allotment based on exam score
Some institutes may conduct personal interviews or group discussions
Final admission offered after fulfilling all criteria
Candidates who have a 10+2 (any stream) with at least 50% marks from a recognized board can apply for undergraduate courses. For postgraduate courses, a relevant bachelor’s degree is required. In some instances there will be additional eligibility criteria so it is suggested that candidates look into the details of the Institute’s eligibility criteria during application.
| Product Design Colleges in India | Courses and Fees | Product Design Fees |
|---|---|---|
Rs. 14 L | ||
Rs. 14 L | ||
Rs. 4.88 L | ||
Rs. 8.02 L | ||
- |
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Candidates will probably ask themselves why pursue a product design course. Given how the product design industry is witnessing growth on a global scale, it becomes imperative to consider the reasons as to why pursue a product design course.
Develop creative and technical skills by building proficiency in areas such as design thinking, prototyping, CAD tools, and user research.
Gain cross-disciplinary exposure by learning to collaborate with engineers, marketers, and stakeholders in diverse product development processes
Candidates can open versatile career paths with qualifications enabling roles ranging from UX/UI and industrial design to packaging, service, and interaction design
High demand & future growth in the product design industry can create a rising demand for skilled designers
Career prospects also ensure good financial prospects. Product design offers competitive salaries and strong earning potential, especially with experience
The subject of careers prospects will lead to our next subject for discussion that is based on the subject of career opportunities in product design.
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Joining a career in product design is certainly worthwhile given the opportunity to applies to some of Product Design top recruiters. Candidates can build sustainable careers over at product design top recruiters.
| Career Opportunities in Product Design | Salary Range |
|---|---|
Product Designer | Freshers receive between Rs. 3 to Rs. 8 LPA, and senior/experienced members earn Rs. 18 to Rs. 30 LPA |
Senior Product Designer | Senior/experienced members earn Rs. 14 to Rs. 30 LPA |
UX / UI Designer (Digital) | Freshers receive between Rs. 3.5 to Rs. 6 LPA, and senior/experienced members earn Rs. 15 to Rs. 25 LPA |
Design Researcher / UX Researcher | Freshers receive between Rs. 7 to Rs. 9 LPA, and senior/experienced members earn Rs. 20 to Rs. 50 LPA |
Product Design Lead / Manager | Mid-level employees receive between Rs. 16 to Rs. 26 LPA, and senior/experienced members earn Rs. 25 to Rs. 38 LPA |
Furthermore, we can observe some of the top companies and their related salary ranges for the product designers. They constitute some of the product design top recruiters and maintain an environment where product design teams are required to collaborate with other departments like engineering, sales, product development, and management among others.
| Product Design Top Recruiters | Salary Ranges |
|---|---|
Dyson |
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| |
IKEA |
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Nestlé |
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Puma |
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A business that has a hold on the commercial interest of the public requires a sustainable product design system. The key elements of a successful product design intends to:
Functionality: Ensure the product reliably solves user needs and serves its purpose.
Aesthetics: Create visually appealing design that enhances perceived value and brand identity.
Quality: Deliver durable, reliable performance and meet user expectations.
Sustainability: Utilize eco-friendly materials and processes for long-term viability.
User Experience (UX): Design intuitive, accessible, and inclusive interactions for better satisfaction.
User-Centered Design: Ground every decision in real user insights through research and testing.
Simplicity & Minimalism: Focus on the core functionality and avoid unnecessary complexity.
Manufacturability & Assembly: Optimize product design for efficient and cost-effective production.
These constitute some of the key elements to running a successful product design department that will contribute to the overall success of the organization, thus attesting to the importance of product design in business.
Functionality, usability, aesthetics, brand consistency, and user experience (UX) are all essential for creating a successful product. Product designers should take these elements into consideration when creating their products in order to ensure success.
The average salary, as per Glassdoor, is Rs. 4.4 LPA. Mid-Level Positions (3-5 years of experience) – Rs. 10 LPA to Rs. 15 LPA, as per Glassdoor. The average salary is somewhere around Rs. 12.5 LPA. Senior Level Positions (5-9 years of experience) – Rs. 18 LPA to Rs. 25 LPA.
With AI, IoT, and 3D printing redefining design, new tools improve efficiency, automate, and promote sustainability. The increasing demand for sustainable solutions further solidifies product designers' position in crafting a greener, more innovative future.
Interaction design is the highest-paid design job in India, with a typical interaction designer earning an average base salary of Rs. 7.64 LPA per year.
Courses like BDes in Product Design, MDes in Product Design, Diploma/ Certificate in Product and Industrial Design, etc are ideal. The syllabus will focus on Design Thinking, Product Development Process, UI/UX Design, Materials & Manufacturing, CAD and Design Software, etc.
Here are top BDes (Fashion Design) colleges in Bangalore:
National Institute of Fashion Technology , Bangalore – Top choice
JD Institute of Fashion Technology
Vogue Institute of Art and Design
IIFA Multimedia
Army Institute of Fashion and Design
Taking a second drop is not an issue if you clear the required entrance exams or meet the eligibility criteria.
FLAME University Pune is a good option for B.Des if you’re looking for a creative and interdisciplinary learning environment . The university offers a well-structured design program combined with liberal arts, allowing students to explore multiple interests It has a beautiful and modern campus with strong academic support and personalized attention due to smaller batch sizes. However, it is more know liberal arts and business programs, so if you want a purely design-focused education, you might also consider institutes like MIT-WPU or Shiv Nadar University. Overall, FLAME is suitable for students who want a broad, flexible design education and can afford the higher fees.
CUET qualifies BDes Fashion Designing students.
The basis for admission is the CUET score.
Hello,
No, for B.Des Fashion Designing , CUET is not always needed.
Some colleges take admission through CUET, but many top fashion institutes like NIFT have their own entrance exam. So, it depends on the college you are applying to. Always check the admission process of that particular college.
Hope it helps !
yes, Indeed, CUET qualifies BDes Fashion Designing students.
Admission CUET score is very important.
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