Commercial and Industrial Designers

Most important skills

1. Active Listening
2. Reading Comprehension
3. Critical Thinking
4. Complex Problem Solving
5. Speaking
6. Operations Analysis
7. Judgment and Decision Making
8. Time Management

Key knowledge

1. Design
2. Engineering and Technology
3. Production and Processing
4. Mechanical
5. Computers and Electronics
6. Mathematics
7. English Language
8. Physics

What the work involves

• Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment.
• Direct and coordinate the fabrication of models or samples and the drafting of working drawings and specification sheets from sketches.
• Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends.
• Confer with engineering, marketing, production, or sales departments, or with customers, to establish and evaluate design concepts for manufactured products.
• Present designs and reports to customers or design committees for approval and discuss need for modification.
• Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, serviceability, budget, production costs/methods, and market characteristics.
• Read publications, attend showings, and study competing products and design styles and motifs to obtain perspective and generate design concepts.
• Research production specifications, costs, production materials, and manufacturing methods and provide cost estimates and itemized production requirements.