How to Get into Product Design: Why Not Start with a Potato?

Product design is a fascinating field that blends creativity, technology, and problem-solving. It’s the art and science of creating products that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. If you’ve ever wondered how to get into product design, you’re in the right place. And while we’re at it, why not start with a potato? Yes, a potato. Because in product design, inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.

Understanding Product Design

Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand what product design entails. Product design is the process of identifying a market opportunity, defining the problem, developing a proper solution, and validating the solution with real users. It’s a multidisciplinary field that involves industrial design, user experience (UX) design, engineering, and even psychology.

The Role of a Product Designer

A product designer is responsible for the entire lifecycle of a product, from conception to launch. They work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers, marketers, and business stakeholders, to ensure that the product meets user needs and business goals. The role requires a mix of technical skills, creativity, and empathy for the end-user.

Steps to Get into Product Design

1. Educate Yourself

While formal education isn’t always necessary, it can provide a solid foundation. Consider pursuing a degree in industrial design, graphic design, or a related field. Many universities offer specialized programs in product design that cover everything from sketching and prototyping to user research and manufacturing processes.

Online Courses and Resources:

• Coursera: Offers courses like “Digital Product Management” and “Human-Centered Design.”
• Udemy: Provides a range of product design courses, including “Product Design: From Sketch to High-Fidelity Prototype.”
• IDEO U: Offers courses on design thinking and innovation.

2. Build a Portfolio

Your portfolio is your calling card in the design world. It should showcase your best work, including sketches, prototypes, and finished products. If you’re just starting, don’t worry—you can create speculative projects or redesign existing products to demonstrate your skills.

Tips for a Strong Portfolio:

• Diversity: Include a variety of projects that show your range.
• Process: Highlight your design process, from research to final product.
• Storytelling: Explain the problem you were solving and how your design addresses it.

3. Learn the Tools of the Trade

Product designers use a variety of tools to bring their ideas to life. Familiarize yourself with industry-standard software like:

• Sketch: For creating wireframes and high-fidelity designs.
• Figma: A collaborative design tool for prototyping.
• Adobe XD: For designing and prototyping user experiences.
• SolidWorks or AutoCAD: For 3D modeling and industrial design.

4. Gain Practical Experience

Internships and freelance projects are excellent ways to gain hands-on experience. They allow you to work on real-world problems, collaborate with teams, and build your network. Even if you’re not getting paid, the experience and connections you gain can be invaluable.

Where to Find Opportunities:

• LinkedIn: A great platform for finding internships and freelance gigs.
• Behance: Showcase your work and connect with potential clients.
• Design Agencies: Many agencies offer internships or junior positions.

5. Network and Collaborate

Networking is crucial in the design industry. Attend design conferences, join online communities, and participate in design challenges. Collaboration with other designers can lead to new opportunities and help you grow as a professional.

Communities to Join:

• Dribbble: A platform for designers to share their work and connect.
• Designer Hangout: An online community for UX and product designers.
• Local Meetups: Check out Meetup.com for design-related events in your area.

6. Stay Curious and Keep Learning

The field of product design is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and methodologies. Follow industry leaders on social media, read design blogs, and never stop learning.

Resources for Continuous Learning:

• Medium: Follow publications like UX Design and Prototypr.
• Books: “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman and “Hooked” by Nir Eyal.
• Podcasts: “Design Better” by InVision and “The Futur” by Chris Do.

Why Start with a Potato?

Now, back to the potato. Why start with a potato? Because in product design, the simplest objects can inspire the most innovative solutions. A potato is humble, versatile, and universally understood. It can be a metaphor for simplicity, functionality, and adaptability—qualities that every great product should embody.

Exercise: Take a potato and think about how you could redesign it. What problems does it solve? How could it be improved? This exercise can help you think outside the box and approach design challenges with a fresh perspective.

Related Q&A

Q: Do I need a degree to become a product designer? A: While a degree can be helpful, it’s not always necessary. Many successful product designers are self-taught or have transitioned from other fields. What matters most is your portfolio, skills, and experience.

Q: What’s the difference between product design and UX design? A: Product design encompasses the entire product lifecycle, including UX design. UX design focuses specifically on the user experience, while product design also considers business goals, manufacturing, and market viability.

Q: How important is coding in product design? A: While coding isn’t a requirement for all product design roles, having a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can be beneficial, especially if you’re working on digital products.

Q: Can I switch to product design from a different career? A: Absolutely! Many product designers come from diverse backgrounds, such as graphic design, engineering, or even marketing. The key is to build a strong portfolio and gain relevant experience.

Q: What’s the best way to get feedback on my designs? A: Join design communities, participate in design critiques, and seek feedback from peers and mentors. Constructive criticism is essential for growth in product design.

In conclusion, getting into product design is a journey that requires education, practice, and a lot of curiosity. Whether you start with a potato or a more traditional approach, the key is to keep learning, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Happy designing!