In today's rapidly evolving world, where innovation is the key to success, design thinking has emerged as a powerful approach to problem-solving. As a design thinking strategist, you have the opportunity to drive change, create meaningful experiences, and unlock lucrative career prospects.
Design thinking has gained significant prominence in recent years due to its ability to solve complex problems and drive innovation. As companies increasingly recognise the value of user-centred design, the demand for skilled design-thinking professionals has skyrocketed. Consequently, salaries in design thinking have seen a tremendous surge.
In this article, we will explore the salary structures in design thinking and understand the factors that affect salaries in your city. Read on to find out more!
Design Thinking Job Roles and Salaries
Design thinking has gained significant prominence in recent years, leading to a surge in demand for design thinking consultants and strategists. Companies across various industries are recognising the value of incorporating design thinking methodologies into their problem-solving processes. As a result, job opportunities in this field are on the rise.
Here are 10 design-thinking job roles that you can explore:
1. Design Thinking Consultants guide organisations in implementing design thinking principles to drive innovation. The average salary ranges from ₹7-10 lakhs per annum for entry-level positions and can go up to ₹20-30 lakhs per annum for experienced professionals.
2. Design Strategists work closely with cross-functional teams to identify business challenges and develop innovative solutions using design thinking approaches. They earn an average salary of ₹8-12 lakhs per annum at entry-level positions and can expect to make ₹15-25 lakhs per annum as they gain experience.
3. User Experience (UX) Designers focus on creating seamless user experiences by utilising design thinking methodologies. They earn an average salary of ₹6-8 lakhs per annum at entry-level positions and can earn up to ₹15-20 lakhs per annum as they progress in their careers.
4. Service Designers use design thinking principles to improve customer experiences across different touchpoints in a service ecosystem. Entry-level service designers earn around ₹5-7 lakhs per annum, while experienced professionals can command salaries upwards of ₹10-15 lakhs per annum.
5. Innovation Managers oversee the development and implementation of innovative ideas within organisations by leveraging design thinking practices. They earn an average salary of ₹10-15 lakhs per annum at entry-level positions and can make over ₹20-30 lakhs per annum with experience.
6. Design Researchers conduct user research to gather insights and inform the design thinking process. Their average salary ranges from ₹5-7 lakhs per annum for entry-level positions and can go up to ₹12-15 lakhs per annum as they gain expertise.
7. Product Managers utilise design thinking methodologies to develop and launch successful products in the market. They earn an average salary of ₹10-15 lakhs per annum at entry-level positions and can make over ₹20-30 lakhs per annum as they progress in their careers.
8. Design Innovation Leads are responsible for driving creative solutions through design-thinking approaches. Entry-level professionals earn around ₹8-10 lakhs per annum, while experienced individuals can earn upwards of ₹15-20 lakhs per annum.
9. Design Thinking Facilitators guide teams through the design thinking process, fostering collaboration and creativity. They earn an average salary of ₹6-8 lakhs per annum at entry-level positions and can expect to make ₹12-15 lakhs per annum with experience.
10. Customer Experience Managers oversee the overall customer journey by applying design thinking principles to enhance satisfaction levels. Their salaries range from ₹8-12 lakhs per annum for entry-level positions and can go up to ₹15-25 lakhs per annum based on experience.
Factors Affecting Salaries in Design Thinking
Educational Background
While a bachelor's degree is typically the minimum requirement for entry into most design thinking roles, having a higher education qualification such as a master's degree or an MBA can significantly impact your salary. Pursuing specialised courses in design thinking, human-centred design, or innovation can also give you an edge.
Work Experience
Entry-level professionals with 1-2 years of experience can expect lower salaries compared to mid-level professionals with 3-5 years of experience. Senior-level professionals who have spent 7–10 years or more in the field can command the highest salaries.
Location
Salaries in design thinking can vary based on geographical location. Metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi offer higher salary ranges due to increased demand and the cost of living. On the other hand, salaries may be relatively lower in tier-2 or tier-3 cities.
Industry
Different industries have different levels of maturity when it comes to adopting design thinking methodologies. Industries like technology, healthcare, finance, and consumer goods tend to offer higher salaries for design thinking roles compared to industries that are still catching up in terms of incorporating design thinking practices.
Career Growth Opportunities
In the field of design thinking, there are ample opportunities for career growth and specialization. By exploring specialised areas within design thinking, such as service design, user experience (UX) design, and design research, professionals can open up new career avenues and potentially earn higher salaries.
Upskilling and Reskilling Opportunities
Continuous learning is essential for professionals looking to stay relevant in the dynamic field of design thinking. As technology evolves and industry trends change, it is crucial to enhance skills and acquire new knowledge.
There are various education options available for individuals interested in upskilling or reskilling in design thinking. Degree programmes such as Bachelor's or Master's degrees in design thinking or user experience design provide a comprehensive foundation in the principles and methodologies of this field.
Certification courses in areas such as service design, UX design, and design research are a great option for professionals looking to specialise in a particular aspect of design thinking or upgrade their existing skills.
Unlocking Your Design Thinking Career
In conclusion, design thinking offers immense potential for career growth in India. By tapping into specialised areas within design thinking and continuously upskilling or reskilling, you can unlock new opportunities and potentially earn higher salaries. Reach out to the experts on WiZR for guidance on courses, programmes, and more!
FAQs
1. Is design thinking a soft skill?
Design thinking is not a soft skill; it is a problem-solving methodology that combines empathy, creativity, and analytical thinking to develop innovative solutions.
2. What are some skills required to be a design-thinking strategist?
To be a successful design thinking strategist, you need strong problem-solving abilities, empathy, collaboration, creative thinking, and communication skills.
3. Do design-thinking consultants earn more than marketers?
Design thinking consultants typically earn competitive salaries based on their expertise and experience level. While specific salary comparisons may vary by individual circumstances and industry demand, both professions offer attractive earning potential.
4. Who can benefit from pursuing a career as a design-thinking strategist?
Anyone with an interest in solving complex problems using innovative approaches can benefit from pursuing a career in design thinking. Professionals in business, technology, healthcare, education, and more, can find value in applying this methodology.
