Are you fascinated by the world of product design and its impact on our daily lives? Do you want to be part of a profession that combines creativity, functionality, and innovation? If so, exploring product design courses after 12th grade could be the first step towards a rewarding future.
In this article, we will provide valuable insights into various aspects of pursuing a career in product design. Whether you are fresh out of school or looking for a career change, we will explore different education options, specialisations, job profiles, average salaries, and even financing options through platforms like WIZR.
What is Product Design?
Product design is a discipline that goes beyond aesthetics; it involves conceptualising, prototyping, and developing innovative products that enhance user experiences. From designing cutting-edge gadgets to creating sustainable packaging solutions, product designers play a crucial role in shaping the world around us.
With the increasing emphasis on user-centred design, product designers are in high demand across industries such as technology, consumer goods, automotive, and healthcare.
Pursuing Formal Education in Product Design
To pursue a career in product design after completing your 12th grade, you have various educational options available at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here's a detailed look at each course and its specialisations:
Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) in Product Design
- Duration: 4 years
- Fees: ₹5-10 lakhs
- Course Syllabus: Design Fundamentals, Material Science, CAD Modelling, Ergonomics, Prototyping Techniques, Design Research Methods
- Specialisations: Furniture design, Industrial design
- Expected Job Profiles and Salaries: Product Designer (₹3-6 lakhs per annum), Industrial Designer (₹4-8 lakhs per annum), UX Designer (₹5-10 lakhs per annum)
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Product Design Engineering
- Duration: 4 years
- Fees: ₹6-12 lakhs
- Course Syllabus: Engineering principles combined with product design aspects such as human factors engineering, manufacturing processes, and computer-aided product development
- Specialisations: Design for Manufacturing, Design Thinking
- Expected Job Profiles and Salaries: Product Development Engineer (₹4-7 lakhs per annum), Design Engineer (₹5-9 lakhs per annum), Research and Development Engineer (₹6-10 lakhs per annum)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Product Design
- Duration: 4 years
- Fees: ₹3-8 lakhs
- Course Syllabus: Fine arts, Industrial Design, Sketching and Rendering Techniques, 3D Modelling
- Specialisations: Sustainable Product Design, Consumer Electronics Design.
- Expected Job Profiles and Salaries: Creative Designer (₹3-7 lakhs per annum), Visual Merchandiser (₹4-8 lakhs per annum), Packaging Designer (₹5-9 lakhs per annum).
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Product Design and Innovation
- Duration: 3 years
- Fees: ₹2-6 lakhs
- Course Syllabus: Design Thinking Methodology, Innovation Management, User Research, Rapid Prototyping
- Specialisations: Interaction Design, Service Design
- Expected Job Profiles and Salaries: Innovation Consultant (₹3-6 lakhs per annum), User Experience Analyst (₹4-8 lakhs per annum), Product Manager (₹5-10 lakhs per annum).
Master of Design (M.Des.) in Product Design
- Duration: 2 years
- Fees: ₹3-8 lakhs
- Course Syllabus: Advanced Design Research Methods, Design Strategy, Sustainable Design Practices, Product Aesthetics
- Specialisations: Experience Design, Transportation Design
- Expected Job Profiles and Salaries: Senior Product Designer (₹8-15 lakhs per annum), Design Manager (₹10-18 lakhs per annum), Design Researcher (₹12-20 lakhs per annum).
Master of Technology (M.Tech.) in Product Design and Development
- Duration: 2 years
- Fees: ₹4-10 lakhs
- Course Syllabus: Advanced engineering principles, design optimisation, product lifecycle management, human-computer interaction
- Specialisations: Ergonomics, Design for X (DFX)
- Expected Job Profiles and Salaries: Product Development Manager (₹9-15 lakhs per annum), Research Scientist (₹12-18 lakhs per annum), Technical Lead (₹15-25 lakhs per annum)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Industrial Design
- Duration: 2 years
- Fees: ₹5-12 lakhs
- Course Syllabus: Industrial Design Theory, User-Centred Design Approaches, Innovation Management, Product Branding
- Specialisations: Product Packaging Design, Sustainable Design
- Expected Job Profiles and Salaries: Industrial Designer (₹8-14 lakhs per annum), Brand Strategist (₹10-16 lakhs per annum), Creative Director (₹12-20 lakhs per annum).
PhD in Product Design
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Fees: Varies depending on the institution.
- Importance and Benefits: A PhD in product design provides an opportunity to contribute to research and innovation in the field. It opens doors to academia and research-oriented careers.
Diploma Courses for Aspiring Product Designers
Diploma courses offer a shorter-duration alternative for those looking to gain practical skills in product design after completing their 12th grade. These courses focus on imparting hands-on training and industry-relevant knowledge.
Diploma in Product Design and Development
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Fees: ₹1-3 lakhs
Diploma in Industrial Design
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Fees: ₹1-3 lakhs
Diploma in CAD/CAM Design
- Duration: 6 months - 1 year
- Fees: ₹50,000-2 lakhs
Diploma in User Experience (UX) Design
- Duration: 6 months - 1 year
- Fees: ₹50,000-2 lakhs
Diploma in Furniture Design
- Duration: 6 months - 1 year
- Fees: ₹50,000-2 lakhs
Upskilling in Product Design
In the dynamic field of product design, continuous learning and upskilling are crucial to staying ahead of the curve. By gaining specialised knowledge and skills, you can enhance your career prospects and open up opportunities for growth.
Here are some specialisations and short-term certification courses you can consider:
- User Experience (UX) Design
- Industrial Design
- UI/Visual Design
- CAD/CAM Design
Start Your Journey With Product Design Courses
The product design industry in India is experiencing tremendous growth, making it an exciting time to explore a career in this field. With the rise of emerging sectors such as consumer electronics, automotive design, and healthcare products, there is a wide range of opportunities available for skilled professionals.
To enhance your career prospects in product design, seek guidance on WIZR, where you can find a variety of courses tailored to meet your needs.
FAQs
1. What other design field can I switch to after doing product design?
After completing a product design course, you can explore other design fields such as user experience (UX) design, industrial design, graphic design, or interior design.
2. Are there any entrance exams for product design courses?
Yes, many reputed institutes offering product design courses conduct entrance exams to assess the skills and aptitude of applicants. Some common entrance exams include the NID DAT, UCEED, CEED, and NIFT Entrance Exam.
3. Where can I find job opportunities after completing a product design course?
Job opportunities for product designers can be found in industries like consumer electronics companies, automobile manufacturers, medical equipment manufacturers, e-commerce platforms with their own product lines, and even start-ups focusing on new product development.
4. Is a portfolio mandatory for product designer jobs?
Yes, having a strong portfolio showcasing your design projects is essential when applying for product designer jobs. It demonstrates your skills, creativity, and ability to solve design problems effectively.
5. Who earns more: a product designer or a brand manager?
Salaries vary depending on experience level and industry; however, both product designers and brand managers can have rewarding careers. It ultimately depends on factors such as the company, location, and individual skills.
