Product design is a fascinating field that blends creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills. If you’re interested in becoming a product designer, you might be wondering where to start. Whether you’re a recent graduate or someone looking to switch careers, there are steps you can take to break into this exciting industry. In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to become a product designer from scratch. From learning the fundamentals of design to building a portfolio and networking with professionals, we’ll cover the essential steps you need to take to kickstart your career in product design.

What is Product Design?

Product design is the process of creating new products that are useful, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Product designers work to solve problems and improve user experiences by designing products that meet the needs of consumers. This can include everything from electronics and appliances to furniture and clothing.

Product design involves a range of skills, including research, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Designers must consider the user experience at every stage of the process, from initial concept to final product. They must also take into account factors such as materials, manufacturing processes, and cost.

In addition to creating new products, product designers may also work on improving existing products or creating variations of existing products. They must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in their field to ensure that their designs are relevant and competitive.

Overall, product design is a dynamic and exciting field that requires a combination of creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities.

7 steps on how to become a product designer from scratch

  1. Learn the basics of product design. This includes understanding user-centered design, design principles, and the different types of product design roles. There are many online courses and tutorials that can teach you the basics of product design.
  2. Gain experience with design tools. There are a number of different design tools that product designers use to create their designs. These tools include Adobe XD, Figma, and Sketch. You can learn how to use these tools by taking online courses or tutorials, or by simply experimenting with them on your own.
  3. Start designing. The best way to learn product design is to start designing. This means creating your own designs, whether they’re for products, websites, or apps. You can start by designing simple things, such as wireframes or prototypes, and then gradually work your way up to more complex designs.
  4. Get feedback on your designs. Once you have some designs, it’s important to get feedback on them from others. This will help you identify areas where you can improve. You can get feedback from friends, family, colleagues, or even online communities.
  5. Build your portfolio. As you start to design more, you’ll want to build a portfolio of your work. This will help you show potential employers your skills and experience. Your portfolio should include a variety of your best designs, as well as written explanations of your process.
  6. Network with other product designers. Networking with other product designers is a great way to learn from others and to find job opportunities. There are a number of online and offline communities where you can connect with other product designers.
  7. Apply for jobs. Once you have a portfolio and you’ve networked with other product designers, you’ll be ready to start applying for jobs. There are a number of different websites where you can find product design jobs.

Becoming a product designer from scratch takes time and effort, but it’s definitely possible. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in product design.

The 3 Ps of becoming a product designer

  • Be patient. Learning product design takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing and learning, and eventually you will become a successful product designer.
  • Be persistent. Don’t give up on your dream of becoming a product designer. Keep applying for jobs and networking with other designers, and eventually you will find the right opportunity.
  • Be passionate. If you’re not passionate about product design, it will be difficult to succeed in this field. Make sure you’re excited about the work and that you’re willing to put in the time and effort to learn and grow.

Where to learn product design online for free

There are many great resources available online where you can learn product design for free. Here are a few of the most popular:

Google UX Design Certificate

This professional certificate program from Google is a great way to learn the fundamentals of user experience (UX) design. The program covers topics such as user research, design thinking, and prototyping. You’ll also learn how to use popular design tools like Sketch and Figma.

UX Database Free Product Design Course

This free course from UX Database covers a wide range of product design topics, including user research, design thinking, wireframing, and prototyping. You’ll also learn about the latest product design trends and best practices.

Butter Academy Free Product Design Courses

Butter Academy offers a variety of free product design courses, covering topics such as user research, design thinking, and UI/UX design. You can also find courses on specific product design tools like Sketch and Figma.

Class Central Product Design Course

This course from Class Central provides a comprehensive overview of product design. You’ll learn about the different stages of the product design process, from ideation to launch. You’ll also learn about the different tools and technologies used by product designers.

Udacity Product Design Nanodegree

This nanodegree program from Udacity teaches you the skills you need to become a product designer. You’ll learn how to design products that are both user-friendly and visually appealing. You’ll also learn how to work with engineers to build and launch your products.

In addition to these courses, there are many other free resources available online where you can learn product design. For example, you can find blog posts, articles, and tutorials on a variety of product design topics. You can also find free online communities where you can connect with other product designers and learn from their experience.