In today’s fast-paced digital world, the role of a product designer is more important than ever—they’re literally the ones designing the things we interact with all day every day. If you’ve ever found yourself curious about product design, but wonder “What does a product designer actually do?” keep reading.
Product designers are the innovators, problem solvers, and the creative minds behind every product we use—physical and digital. But their role is so much more than just making their products look good; it’s a blend of creativity, technical know-how, and user research to craft innovative, user-friendly solutions that meet both user needs and business goals.
It’s all about balancing user needs and business goals
At its core, a product designer’s job is about creating solutions that work. They are deeply involved in every stage of the design process, from concept to final execution. Product designers bridge the gap between form and function, ensuring that a product not only looks good but also works flawlessly. Whether they’re developing physical products like office furniture or digital interfaces like apps and websites, product designers keep a keen eye on how users will interact with the end product, ensuring it delivers an exceptional experience.
A day in the life of a product designer
So, what exactly does a product designer do on a daily basis? While the tasks vary depending on the industry and specific role, here are some core responsibilities you can expect as a product designer:
Research
Product designers conduct extensive research to understand market trends, user needs, and business objectives. You’ll use tools like surveys, interviews, and competitive analysis to gather data that informs design decisions.
Prototyping
Once research is complete, designers move on to creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes. This step is crucial for testing design concepts and functionality before committing to a final product.
Collaboration
As a product designer, you’ll often work alongside other departments—engineers, developers, and marketing teams—to ensure the product aligns with technical requirements and business goals. A product designer’s role as a collaborator ensures that the design process runs smoothly from start to finish.
Iterating
After gathering feedback from prototypes, product designers iterate on their designs, making adjustments to ensure the final product meets both user expectations and business objectives.
Skills every product designer needs
The best product designers bring a mix of hard and soft skills to the table. If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in product design, these are the top skills you’ll need to be successful:
UX/UI design
Understanding user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design is fundamental. As a product designer, you need to think about how users will interact with a product and ensure that it’s intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable to use.
Prototyping tools
Tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD allow designers to create prototypes quickly and efficiently, helping to visualize and test concepts before the product goes to development.
Collaboration and communication
Strong communication skills are essential—part of being a product designer is presenting your ideas to stakeholders and working effectively within cross-functional teams.
Problem solving
Product designers are natural problem solvers, able to tackle complex challenges by thinking critically and creatively. As a product designer, you’ll use design thinking to come up with innovative solutions that address user pain points.
Product designer vs. UX designer—what’s the diff?
A question we see a lot: “How is product design different from UX design?”
While there is definitely some overlap, product designers typically have a broader role, overseeing the entire lifecycle of a product, where UX designers focus specifically on the user experience, ensuring the product is easy and enjoyable to use. In many organizations, product designers work closely with UX designers, combining their skills to create cohesive, user-centered products.
Ready to become a product designer?
Breaking into the product design field requires a combination of education, skills, and practical experience. Here’s how you can get started:
- Learn relevant skills: Whether through formal education, bootcamps, or courses, mastering UX/UI design, prototyping, and visual design tools is essential. Familiarity with user research and testing methodologies is also important.
- Build a portfolio: A strong portfolio is your ticket to landing a product design role. Include case studies that showcase your problem-solving skills and the impact of your design work. Platforms like WordPress, Webflow, or even LinkedIn are great for showcasing your work.
- Start in related roles: Many product designers begin their careers in roles like UX design, graphic design, or even project management. These roles can help you gain valuable skills and experience that transfer to product design.
- Take courses and certifications: Programs like General Assembly’s UX design courses and bootcamps offer hands-on experience and the opportunity to build a professional portfolio. You’ll gain the skills needed to stand out in the competitive world of product design.
The career outlook for product designers
With companies across all industries—think: retail, healthcare, finance, and hospitality—prioritizing innovation, product designers are in high demand. According to recent salary data, the average product designer in the U.S. earns around $96,768 per year, with top earners bringing in over $127,000 annually. Not too shabby, eh?
Plus, the need for well-designed products—both physical and digital—isn’t going away anytime soon. With more businesses shifting toward digital experiences, product designers who understand how to blend aesthetics with functionality will continue to be highly sought after.
Why product design matters
If you think about it, product designers shape the way we interact with the world. From the apps we use daily to the physical products that improve our lives, their work impacts almost every aspect of our modern lives. If you’re a problem solver with a passion for design, product design could be the perfect career for you. With the right training and mindset, you can join the ranks of product designers creating meaningful solutions for businesses and users alike.
Ready to start your journey into product design? Explore General Assembly’s UX Design Bootcamps and Courses to build the skills and portfolio you need to get out there and design the future.