Product Designer vs. Graphic Designer: What Are the Differences?

Product design and graphic design are both creative fields that require an eye for detail and a passion for art. If you’re considering a career in design, you may be wondering what the difference is between these two job titles. In this article, we compare and contrast product design and graphic design, including job duties, education requirements and salary expectations.

What is a Product Designer?

A Product Designer is responsible for the design of a company’s products, from initial concepts through to final production. They work closely with engineers, marketing and sales teams to ensure that the products they design are not only functional and appealing, but also commercially successful. Product Designers conduct user research, generate ideas, create prototypes and test products to gather feedback. They use this information to iterate on the design until they arrive at a final product that meets the needs of both the user and the company.

What is a Graphic Designer?

Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. Graphic Designers use color, illustrations, fonts, and layout to form visual compositions. Common types of graphic design include corporate design, editorial design, wayfinding or environmental design, advertising, web design, communication design, product packaging, and signage. A successful Graphic Designer understands how to use various design elements to communicate a message and achieve a specific goal.

Product Designer vs. Graphic Designer

Here are the main differences between a product designer and a graphic designer.

Job Duties

Job duties for product designers and graphic designers can overlap, but the specific tasks they perform in their jobs can differ. Product designers often focus on the physical aspects of a product, like its appearance, function and usability. This includes activities like conducting research to understand customer needs, brainstorming ideas for new products and creating mockups of products that illustrate how customers will use them.

In contrast, graphic designers typically concentrate on visual elements, such as fonts, color schemes and images. They may create logos, illustrations or other visual content that supports a product’s branding and marketing efforts.

Job Requirements

Product designers typically need a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, engineering or a related field. Many product designers also have experience working as an engineer before becoming a designer. This experience can be helpful because it gives designers a better understanding of how products are made and how they work. Additionally, many product designers pursue certifications through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) to show employers that they have the skills needed to succeed in the field.

Graphic designers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Some designers also earn a master’s degree in graphic design to help them stand out to potential employers. Many graphic designers start their careers by interning at a design firm or working as a freelance designer. These experiences can give designers the opportunity to build their portfolio and gain practical experience in the field.

Work Environment

Product designers typically work in an office setting, where they collaborate with other members of a team to create products. They may also travel to trade shows and conventions to showcase their products to potential buyers or clients. Graphic designers usually work in an office environment, but they may also freelance for companies that need help creating marketing materials.

Product designers often spend long hours at work, especially when they’re working on new product lines or developing prototypes. Graphic designers may have more flexible schedules because they don’t always work directly with clients.

Skills

Both product designers and graphic designers use creativity and artistic skills in their jobs. They also both need to have an understanding of the latest trends in their field and be able to use design software programs to create their designs.

Product designers typically use research skills when they are trying to understand the needs of their target market and develop products that will address those needs. They also use problem-solving skills to come up with innovative solutions to the challenges faced by their company or clients. Graphic designers also use research skills to stay up-to-date on trends, but they may use these skills more to inform their creative choices rather than to solve specific problems.

Graphic designers often use marketing skills when they are creating designs for advertisements or promotional materials. They need to be able to capture the attention of their audience and communicate the message of their client in an effective way. Product designers may also use marketing skills when they are presenting their designs to clients or upper management, but they typically focus more on the functional aspects of their products.

Salary

Product designers earn an average salary of $87,538 per year, while graphic designers earn an average salary of $57,060 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the type of company you work for, your level of experience and your location.