5 essential qualities of a great product designer

Product designers should have sharp business acumen, an eye for aesthetic appeal, and the ability to analyse feedback

Product design is an essential part of developing an idea into a viable, marketable product. It involves creating unique products or modification of existing designs to improve the functionality, performance, and appeal. It also involves checking the design, eliminating flaws and planning towards making an improved product.

There are several aspects and nuances of a successful product designer. Designers need to keep in mind some important factors while conceptualising a product.

Utility:  Utility is the basis of customer needs. The first thing that a buyer considers while evaluating a product is whether it satisfies his or her needs or not. A product can be popular only if it ensures market acceptance and usefulness. Every component of the design should be able to serve a valuable purpose. Any aspect of design that is not beneficial to the user can detract from the user experience of the product. 

Simplicity: The famous German Industrial Designer Dieter Rams says, “Good design is as little design as possible”. Simplicity plays an important role in product design as much in life. Creating something simple and functional at the same time allows people to immediately understand what the product does and how they can use it. A good product designer must always showcase aesthetic ability, functionality, and instinctive simplicity. Without simplicity, a product will never be able to attract consumers.  

Aesthetically relevant: Aesthetics plays an important role in the future of product design. It brings up a positive attitude in the users. A good product needs to be functional and easy-to-use while at the same time it should possess aesthetic power. This is because people look for products that marvel, while not looking ugly. Envision all the Apple fans. The same goes for digital products such as software, apps or websites. A designer who wants to keep improving and developing skills should never miss out on aesthetic sense. 

Innovative: Products should offer something new to connect with the consumers. A better-looking product will win over the users immediately. Product designers should focus on the needs of end-users, business goals and the available technology to develop an advanced product. 

Longevity: Good product design never goes out of style. Good design is timeless, and if a product is well-designed, it will last for long. Long-lasting and sustainable products are more valuable, better for the planet, and are a tribute to the skills of the designer. Antiques, vintage clothing, old cars — these things are still with us today because the designers built them to last.

UPES School of Design’s undergraduate programme, BDes. in Product Design emphasises a process-centric approach of participation and teamwork to shape the students’ education. The curriculum is designed in a way that gradually increases in complexity levels and covers broad areas that product designers will come across in their professional careers. Collaborative projects with industrial houses, the social sector, government, and multinational companies are a part of the education process.

About the author

Manisha Dhingra is an Executive Content Writer at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies [UPES]. She has worked with media organisations such as NDTV and India Today in the past. In her current role, she primarily writes on trends in the education industry and skills needed for workplaces of the future