Product designing is one of the most in-demand design jobs of the new era. These professionals are in charge of creating the look, feel, and overall experience of a product, be it an app, website, or any physical item. Or, in short, they are digital architects. This article discusses how to become a product designer.
Well, the most exciting part is – you do not need a formal education to become a product designer. You can learn product designing at home, absolutely for free. Curious to know how?
Let’s dive in.
Product Designer- Job responsibilities, average salary, and scope in freelancing.
Following are a few of the most important job responsibilities of a product designer.
- User-Centered Design: creating designs that improve the overall user experience by understanding and meeting user needs effectively.
- Prototyping and Testing: creating prototypes and conducting usability tests to validate design concepts and make data-driven improvements.
- Visual and Interactive Design: designing visually appealing interfaces and interactive elements that align with the product’s brand and provide a seamless user journey.
- Collaboration and Communication: working closely with cross-functional teams, effectively communicating design concepts, and incorporating feedback to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Average Salary and Scope in Freelancing: On average, a junior product designer can earn around ₹4-6 lakhs per year, while experienced professionals can earn above ₹15 lakhs per year.
Note- The salary range may vary depending on experience, location, and project type.
On the other hand, freelancers can work with international clients and set rates depending on industry standards and their experience.
How to Become a Product Designer
Step 1: Understanding the Role and Responsibilities
First and foremost, you need to develop a clear understanding of the job roles and responsibilities of a product designer if you aspire to be one.
Read books, articles, and online resources that explain what product designers do. Understand the user-centered design process, empathy mapping, and the importance of user feedback.
Step 2: Learning the Basics of Design Principles
Design is all about principles. You need to understand the fundamentals of design elements like layout, typography, color theory, and composition. Equip yourself with design software like Adobe XD, Figma, or Sketch. There are plenty of tutorials and courses available online to help you get started.
💡Pro Tip: Start with free resources like YouTube tutorials and design blogs. Save your pennies for more advanced courses.
Step 3: Study Graphic Design Fundamentals
Graphic design is the backbone of product design. Learn how to create visually appealing graphics and icons. Learn the basic fundamentals of vector graphics, raster images, and Adobe Illustrator.
💡Pro Tip: Create your own designs and get feedback from peers or online design communities.
Step 4: Learn User Experience (UX) Design Principles
UX design focuses on making products enjoyable to use. Study the principles of information architecture, usability, and user flow. Get comfortable with using wireframing and prototyping tools.
💡Pro Tip: Challenge yourself by redesigning existing apps or websites to improve their usability.
Step 5: Master User Interface (UI) Design Principles
User Interface design is where aesthetics and functionality meet. Learn how to create intuitive interfaces, keeping user needs in mind. Pay attention to trends in UI design, but don’t forget the importance of timeless design principles.
Step 6: Equip Yourself with Design Tools
Experiment with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or Figma. These are really important to land a good product design job.
Don’t limit yourself to a single tool. Design software evolves, and different tools offer unique features. Experiment with different software occasionally to widen your skill set.
Step 7: Build a Strong Portfolio
Showcase your best work, including personal projects, redesigns, and any freelance gigs you’ve taken on through your portfolio. Make sure to present your projects with context – explain the problem, your solution, and the impact.
💡Pro Tip: Quality over quantity. It’s better to have a few outstanding pieces in your portfolio than a lot of mediocre ones.
Step 8: Join Design Communities
Join online design communities like Behance, Dribbble, or Designer Hangout. Engage with fellow designers, share your work, and seek feedback. It’s a great way to stay inspired and learn from others.
Attend design meetups or webinars when possible. Networking can open doors to opportunities you never knew existed.
Step 9: Stay Updated and Keep Learning
The world of design is constantly evolving. Staying on top requires knowledge of the latest design trends, tools, and technologies. Follow design blogs, subscribe to design podcasts, and attend design conferences or webinars. Learning should be a lifelong commitment.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to become a product designer, are you excited to start your product designing journey?
Remember, your journey as a self-taught product designer will be filled with challenges. But don’t fear to take the risk because product designing is a very rewarding career, and with proper dedication and consistency, you will make it to the top few professionals.
FAQs
Absolutely! While formal education can be helpful, many successful designers are self-taught. It’s all about dedication and continuous learning.
The timeline varies from person to person. It depends on how much time you can dedicate and how quickly you grasp the concepts. Some may become proficient in a year, while others may take longer.
Yes, there are plenty of free resources available online, from YouTube tutorials to design forums. However, investing in some paid courses can also be beneficial for in-depth learning.
Beginners often start with tools like Figma, which are user-friendly and industry-standard. As you gain experience, you can explore more advanced software.
Track your progress by comparing your current work to your earlier projects. Seek feedback from peers and mentors. Improvement may be gradual, but it’s noticeable over time.
