I have worked as an engineer for many years and met many technology-oriented engineers. On the other hand, at a design school I have met many "designers" who play down technical implications of industrial products. However, in fact, multiple aspects need to be taken into account simultaneously to design a product; technologies and human factors. I use my engineering background and what I have learned at the design school.
Product Design Process and Skills: Overview
Conceptualization
Design ideas emerge from people's needs, then I define problems and consider how I can provide solutions with my design skills. I define design concept and consider what implications will need to be addressed throughout the design process. This process involves brainstorming, making mind maps, drawing rough sketches. See more details.
Design Development through Sketches and 3D Sketch Models
In the design development stage, I explore possible design solutions based on the concept. The defined problems are addressed from multiple aspects and design ideas are expanded. This process involves rough and detailed sketches and 3D sketch models with various materials. See more details.
Design Refinement through Scale Models and CAD
Design ideas are examined and then narrowed down. A few design directions are selected, and in each direction, design ideas are refined in terms of aesthetic, functions as well as other implications defined in the conceptualization stage. This process involves scale models and CAD modeling when appropriate. See more details.
Related Computer Literacy: SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor
Functions, Human Factors and Production Considerations
Among the design implications mentioned above, functions, human factors, engineering and production considerations are always very important. Aesthetically pleasing objects that do not function well cannot be product design. When human factors are taken into account, design can be distinguished from pure engineering. Production considerations may need to be considered at early stages of design development. The designer's role is to implement those requirements simultaneously. See more details.
Design Finalization and Presentation with CAD models and Prototyping
One design direction is selected and refined further. Detailed CAD models are made and prototype(s) are created. Design criteria are revisited and design is finalized. The final design is then presented. See more details.
Related Computer Literacy: Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro