working with designers
TRANSCRIPT
WORKING WITH DESIGNERS1001 STRATEGIES PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANCYMandaluyong City, [email protected]/1001_strategies
PRODUCT DESIGNERS• Product designers design
most things we use in our day-to-day lives, from chairs and cutlery to clocks and computers, as well as specialist products like medical, electronics or telecommunications equipment.
• Usually designers specialize in one particular product category, such as automobiles and other transportation vehicles, appliances, technology goods, medical equipment, furniture, toys, tools and construction equipment, or housewares.
PRODUCT DESIGNERS
• Commercial and industrial designers combine the fields of art, business, and engineering to design the products people use every day. In fact, these designers are responsible for the style, function, quality, and safety of almost every manufactured good.
PRODUCT DESIGNERS
• Product designers use their design skills and technical knowledge to improve the way that existing products work and look, and/or produce them at a lower cost. They may also be involved in designing entirely new products.
PRODUCT DESIGNERS
• Product designers discuss designs with colleagues and clients, as well as working closely with engineers, model makers, sales and marketing staff and other skilled people.
PRODUCT DESIGNERS
• In the course of their work, product designers must consider:– who will buy the product and how they
will use it – how to make the product easy and safe
to use – how to make the product visually
attractive to the target audience – what materials to use – how to make the product reliable – how to make the product cost-effective
and environmentally friendly to produce.
PRODUCT DESIGNERS
• They use drawings, 3-D models and computer designs to express their ideas. They should understand technology, production methods and materials, and be able to meet deadlines and work within budgets.
PRODUCT DESIGNERS
EDUCATION• New entrants usually need a
bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering for most entry-level commercial and industrial design jobs. Graduates from other art and design courses may be able to move into product design if they can demonstrate their interest in this area of work.
EDUCATION
• Coursework includes principles of design, sketching, computer-aided design, industrial materials and processes, manufacturing methods, and some classes in engineering, physical science, mathematics, psychology, and anthropology. Many programs also include internships at design or manufacturing firms.
EDUCATION
• Many designers earn a master’s degree in industrial design. Some already have a bachelor’s degree in the field, but an increasing number have degrees and experience in other areas, such as marketing, information technology, or engineering, and are hoping to transfer into a design occupation.
EDUCATION• Because of the growing emphasis on
strategic design and how products fit into a firm’s overall business plan, an increasing number of designers are pursing a master’s degree in business administration to gain business skills.
• Employers expect to see a strong portfolio of design work. Adults with relevant qualifications, or experience in fields like architecture or engineering, may also be welcomed.
TRAINING AND ADVANCEMENT• Training is often a combination of
on-the-job training and short courses on topics like the use of new software packages. Training and professional development programs are offered by professional bodies.
• Product designers must keep their skills and knowledge up to date throughout their careers to meet the challenges posed by environmental concerns and new materials and technology.
TRAINING AND ADVANCEMENT• Promotion opportunities
include senior designer or team leader roles, as well as the possibility of moving into project management.
• Self-employed designers progress by building their businesses and expanding their list of clients.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PRODUCT DESIGNER• A product designer should:
– be creative and have an eye for shape and color
– understand different materials and production methods
– have technical, practical and scientific knowledge and ability
– understand what customers look for in a product
– be able to use drawings, 3D models and computer designs to express creative ideas
– have strong IT skills – be good at planning and
organizing
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PRODUCT DESIGNER
– be able to work out costings and budgets
– be good at explaining ideas to people with varying levels of technical knowledge
– have listening and questioning skills for discussing design briefs and understanding feedback from colleagues
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PRODUCT DESIGNER
– be persuasive and able to 'sell' their ideas to others
– be able to produce clear, concise written reports
– work well in a team – be accurate and pay
attention to detail – be able to work within
deadlines and budgets.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PRODUCT DESIGNER
• Designers must also be imaginative and persistent and must be able to communicate their ideas visually, verbally, and in writing. Because tastes and styles can change quickly, designers need to be well read, open to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing trends.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PRODUCT DESIGNER
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and under pressure also are important traits. People in this field need self-discipline to start projects on their own, to budget their time, and to meet deadlines and production schedules.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PRODUCT DESIGNER
• As strategic design becomes more important, employers will seek designers with project management skills and knowledge of accounting, marketing, quality assurance, purchasing, and strategic planning. Good business sense and sales ability are important, especially for those who freelance or run their own business.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PRODUCT DESIGNER
DESIGNER RESPONSIBILITES• Responsibilities can vary, but are
likely to involve:– meeting clients or colleagues to
discuss the design brief – working closely with engineers,
model makers, sales and marketing staff and other skilled people
– understanding technology, production methods and materials (such as textiles, metals and plastics)
– working within budgets – working to deadlines
– researching similar products and developing ideas
– making sketches of ideas by hand or computer, and developing the most effective ideas into detailed drawings using specialist computer software
– ordering samples or working models of designs
– producing reports and presenting their ideas to colleagues and clients at various stages of the design process
DESIGNER RESPONSIBILITES
– modifying their ideas according to the feedback they receive at these sessions
– overseeing the testing of the chosen design
– making presentations to potential clients in order to win new contracts.
– Some product designers are involved in researching markets and consumer trends.
DESIGNER RESPONSIBILITES
WORK ENVIRONMENT• Designers employed by
manufacturing establishments, large corporations, or design firms generally work regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable settings.
• They usually follow normal working days and hours but allowed some flexibility. They are usually based in studios, offices and workshops, but may also spend time in the factories where products are made.
• Individuals working for companies that design products for foreign markets may have the opportunity for overseas travel.
• Designers in smaller design consulting firms, or those who freelance, may work under a contract to do specific tasks or designs. They frequently adjust their workday to suit their clients’ schedules and deadlines, meeting with the clients evenings or weekends when necessary.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Consultants and self-employed designers tend to work longer hours and in smaller, more congested, environments. Additional hours may be required to meet deadlines.
• Keen competition for jobs is expected; those with strong backgrounds in engineering and computer-aided design and extensive business expertise will have the best prospects.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Designers also may travel to other locations, such as testing facilities, design centers, clients’ exhibit sites, users’ homes or workplaces, and manufacturing facilities.
• With the increased speed and sophistication of computers and advanced communications networks, designers may form international design teams and serve a more geographically dispersed clientele.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
RENUMERATION• In the USA, median annual wage-and-salary
earnings for commercial and industrial designers were $54,560 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $41,270 and $72,610. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,510, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,970.
• Salaries may range from around £17-20,000 (newly qualified), £25-30,000 (experienced), to over £45,000 (senior) a year in the UK.
• In developing countries, rates vary tremendously depending on the country and the industry.
• A good independent designer is usually about $65-$110 per hour, depending upon the market. There are great design firms that can design extraordinary product design for a lot of money. There are also great designers out there that work in smaller markets or that are up and coming that can design great products for less money.
RENUMERATION
• fixed fees/salaries• hourly/daily rates• percentage • fees as
royalties/commissions• consultancy fees• retaining fees
RENUMERATION
• There is no legal commitment between the designer and client during briefing and negotiation of fees. It is usual that the designer retains the copyright for their design until after the completion of all work and all fees have been paid. At the end of each stage of the project, the designer will invoice the client for work carried out to date. Prompt payment is always appreciated and the designer may invoke an interest clause if payment is not forthcoming within the agreed timescale.
RENUMERATION
OTHER COST CONSIDERATIONSEXTRA SERVICES (FOR HIRED
WORK)
• additional or duplicate presentation material
• extra drawings and/or models
• handling charges• rushed work• couriers, etc.
OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES(FOR HIRED WORK)
• Hotel• Subsistence• Travel expenses• Long distance telephone calls• Fax transmissions• Photocopies
OTHER COST CONSIDERATIONS
CONCLUSION• The potential wins from
effective product design are undeniable. Many manufacturers will benefit greatly from the integration of designers, design thinking and design process into their normal development activities. This is especially true where products need an edge in a very competitive sales climate.
• It is important that schools will be able to produce professionals that will be able to meet the demands of the industry. At the same time, support for designers should be established. With limited opportunities, it will be difficult to grow and be competitive.
• Designers are more than artists who can draw. Harnessed properly, they have an enormous potential to contribute to a business’ success in the market.
CONCLUSION
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!