What is Product Design?

In a world defined by the innovation of other worlds, creation of alternative realities, and human-centric experiences, product design stands out as one of the most exciting and impactful career paths available to creative people today. But what is product design exactly? At its core, it is the art and science of creating meaningful, functional, and aesthetically appealing products—whether digital (apps, software, websites) or physical (furniture, vehicles, electronics, packaging).

For students seeking careers that balance creativity with real-world application, a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) or B Design degree offers a strong foundation. Unlike short-term specialized courses, this program prepares graduates for the broad spectrum of design—covering everything from 3D product design and prototyping to digital interaction design and sustainability.

This blog will tackle the different types of product design in depth, chart career pathways available, discern the role of education (including product design courses at the undergraduate level), and reveal what professionals are earning, in India and abroad.

The Two Pillars of Product Design: Digital and Physical

1. Digital Product Design

Digital product design focuses on experiences that users interact with on their screens—websites, mobile apps, and software interfaces.

• User Experience (UX) Design: Optimizes the entire journey of a user within a digital product. It involves user research, usability testing, wireframing, and prototyping to ensure seamless interactions.

• User Interface (UI) Design: The visual and interactive elements—layouts, typography, color palettes, and clickable elements—that make digital platforms intuitive and visually appealing.

• Interaction Design (IxD): A subset of UX, dealing with transitions, animations, and the behavior of digital systems in response to user actions.

Digital product designers often work in tech companies, start-ups, and consultancies. These roles are highly in demand as industries go digital-first.

2. Physical Product Design (Industrial Design)

Often referred to as industrial product design, this domain deals with tangible, manufactured goods—everything from consumer appliances and vehicles to furniture and tools.

• Industrial Design: Focuses on the functionality, manufacturability, and aesthetics of products meant for mass production.

• Furniture Design: Creating ergonomically sound, stylish, and sustainable furniture pieces.

• Transportation Design: Designing cars, bikes, trains, and even aircraft interiors, balancing engineering with aesthetics.

• Appliance Design: Developing efficient, safe, and appealing everyday household or commercial products.

• Product Packaging Design: A crucial niche in physical design that integrates branding, sustainability, and usability to create memorable packaging experiences.

With the global push for innovation and sustainability, physical design careers remain just as relevant as digital ones.

Broader and Cross-Disciplinary Types of Product Design

Beyond the binary of digital and physical, product design also overlaps with systems thinking, business strategy, and social responsibility.

• Systems Design: Designing complex frameworks where digital, human, and organizational elements interact.

• Sustainable Design: Ensuring products minimize their ecological footprint through eco-friendly materials, circular economy models, and long-lasting usability.

• Inclusive/Universal Design: Ensuring accessibility and usability for all, regardless of age, gender, or ability.

• Process Design: Streamlining and innovating workflows that lead to product creation or delivery.

These emerging categories show how dynamic the field has become—and how product designers are increasingly shaping not just objects, but societies.

Career Pathways in Product Design

The field of product design offers a wide spectrum of career options. Graduates from a B.Des program can specialize in either digital or physical design roles—or pursue cross-disciplinary careers.

1. Physical / Industrial Design Careers

2. Digital / UX/UI Design Careers

3. Advanced Roles & Growth Pathways

As product designers gain experience, they often move into leadership, entrepreneurial, or strategic positions.

• Design Consultant: Advising clients across industries on design innovation and usability.

• Design Researcher: Analyzing market and user data to drive long-term design roadmaps.

• Product Manager (PM): Transitioning into strategic roles that combine design, tech, and business.

• Design Manager / Director: Leading design teams and defining design strategies.

• Design Entrepreneur: Launching a design studio, product brand, or consultancy.

• Sustainability Designer: Integrating eco-friendly design principles into mainstream industries.

Education: Pathways to a Career in Product Design

To build a career in product design, formal education plays a key role. In India, aspiring designers can choose from multiple entry points.

Degree Options in India

Entrance Exams for Top Colleges

Students aiming for top product design colleges in India usually prepare for competitive exams such as:

• NID DAT (National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test)

• UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design) – IITs, Rishihood University, etc.

• CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design) – postgraduate entry.

• NIFT Entrance Exam (for accessory/lifestyle-related design fields).

Internships and Practical Exposure

A major strength of well rounded B Design courses in India (such as at Rishihood University) comes from mandatory internships students need to take over the course of their degree. This ensures graduates leave with hands-on experience in real-world projects—whether in digital design studios, industrial workshops, or FMCG packaging teams. Internships often act as gateways to full-time employment.

Tools and Technologies in Product Design

Modern product design relies on an evolving toolkit that blends creativity with technology.

• 3D Product Design Tools: CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Rhino) for creating models and prototypes.

• Prototyping & Testing: 3D printing, CNC machining, AR/VR-based simulations.

• Digital Design Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch for UI/UX.

• Collaboration Platforms: Miro, Notion, and Jira for managing cross-functional design workflows.

This technical fluency enhances employability and allows designers to work seamlessly in both digital and industrial contexts.

Product Design Salary in India

One of the most pressing questions for students is: What is the earning potential in this field?

The product designer salary varies depending on specialization, experience, and industry.

In global markets and larger organizations, salaries are significantly higher, especially in UX/UI design, industrial design, and automotive design. Some phenomenal product designers earn eight figure salaries.

Why Choose B.Des for a Career in Product Design?

While many students consider short-term specialized options like graphic design courses fees or an online graphic design course, a B.Des program stands apart for three reasons:

1. Breadth and Depth: A B Design course covers both digital and physical design, allowing students to specialize later while still retaining career flexibility.

2. Practical Training: Mandatory internships and studio-based learning ensure graduates are industry-ready.

3. Diverse Applications: From product packaging design to 3D product design, the scope is unmatched compared to narrow courses like a graphic design course or a UI UX course.

Rounding Up: Key Takeaways

• Product design encompasses digital, physical, and cross-disciplinary approaches.

• Careers range from industrial product design to digital UX/UI and advanced leadership roles.

• A. B.Des or B Design program is the strongest pathway for students, offering flexibility, exposure, and industry alignment.

• Salaries in India are competitive, with higher returns in global markets.

• With top colleges and government initiatives supporting design, the future is bright for aspiring designers.

A Career of Creativity and Impact

For students wondering about designing courses after 12th, few paths are as dynamic and rewarding as product design. Whether shaping everyday consumer goods, building sleek digital platforms, or designing sustainable systems, product designers play a vital role in shaping the future.

Pursuing a Bachelor of Design degree opens doors to not just jobs, but also to opportunities for leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Between 2025 and 2030, as industries evolve and sustainability becomes central, the role of product designers will only grow in importance—making this one of the most future-proof careers for creative thinkers.