What does a Product Designer do?
A product designer is responsible for the design and development of consumer products. Duties of this position include improving existing product designs and analyzing working concepts launched by competitors of similar products to match quality and performance. Depending on the industry and company, product designers may progress to a senior, executive or managerial role.
A bachelor's degree is often required with the focus varying according to the industry. Relevant work experience is preferred and successful candidates often possess a strong knowledge of computer assisted design (CAD) and excellent concept to launch capabilities. Other beneficial skills include good research and competitor analysis skills and an understanding of industry trends and market conditions. Due to the nature of the work, the physical ability to sit for long hours in front of a computer every day is required.
- Create design concepts and drawings to determine the best product
- Present product ideas to relevant team members for brainstorming
- Suggest improvements to design and performance to product engineers
- Employ design concepts into functional prototypes
- Perform research on product technologies and structures to implement into design concepts
- Maintain up to date on current industry trends and market conditions
- Coordinate with designers to ensure accurate communication and efficiency in the design phase
- Modify and revise existing designs to meet customer expectations
- Relevant work experience as a product designer is preferred
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent eye for aesthetic design and customer appeal
- Good understanding of color science and combinations
- Artistic and innovative flair
- Excellent attention to detail
- Meticulous and diligent
- Strong knowledge of the industry and market trends
- Able to sit in front of a computer for long hours at a time
Product Designer Salaries near Canada
Average Base Pay
Product Designer Career Path
Learn how to become a Product Designer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Product Designer Insights
Quantum Workplace“was fun and a great way to bond with coworkers that you don't normally work with.”
Twinkl Educational Publishing“It was a good opportunity to use my degree and do something I was passionate about.”
Eventbrite“Middle management is barely better and will leave you on your own for career growth.”
HiHello“Work/life balance was also nice and I felt confident closing my laptop at the end of each workday.”
Scopus IT“The staff was really helpful and always respond super quickly to any questions I have.”
Tallyfy“life balance was enjoyable and the company ran lean so changes to the product were almost immediate.”
Personio“Since I joined I felt Personio have a great culture and on top of that a digital product culture.”
WorkingMouse“Designers and developers can expect to learn a great deal when scoping and developing projects.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of product designers
The typical day of a product designer includes designing and developing products for businesses. It may also include reviewing current product designs or processes and making recommendations for how to improve the production or cost-efficiency of the product.
Product design can be considered a good career since product designers are usually in demand as businesses in competitive industries work to increase unique product offerings while also reducing costs. They can expect a traditional work schedule, often with nights and weekends off. However, product designers may need to conduct product testing after work hours.
With the right knowledge and experience, product designers get paid well. The average salary for a product designer is $88,039 per year in Canada. Product designers with good technical and industrial skills can earn as much as $110,337 per year.
Working as a product designer can be a demanding career, as businesses task them with finding the most efficient and cost-effective way to produce products. One challenge of this job is the need to stay up to date on design programs and industry trends to meet client demands which can be time-intensive.