Product Design
Product design is a term that describes a range of occurrences in a design process, from the conception of an idea through to its testing, manufacture and implementation. This may be for a service or a specific physical product. The role of the designer is to bring the idea forward into something that is workable and marketable to the target consumer.
As is the case with the cast majority of designs, the idea for a service or product will arise from a need for it in the target market (or indeed in the market as a whole).
The aesthetics of the design is obviously a primary concern for the designer, but the creation must also be viable in terms of its ergomics, technology, usability and materials used. Each designer will of course vary in their pre-conceived idea of what is acceptable in terms of these factors.
A product designer must possess the necessary skills to bring an idea from its conception through to the point of marketing, and must also be able to delegate tasks to other members of the production and design team when this is necessary.
Industrial design engineer is a title often given to a product designer or industrial designer who is considered very competent in his role. The designer of the famous brand of hoovers, James Dyson (of Dyson hoovers) falls into this category.