What does Product Design mean to you?

In class today we were given a very open question asking what is product design to you personally. This provoked thought to think what sort of a designer are you? I felt that my love from design originated from my schoolwork in D.C.G and Construction while studying for the leaving certificate. I always found myself looking for a way to make something that is pleasant to look at while carrying out the function that it was given originally. This point was further developed when we were poised with a question asking did we think product design was more art or more engineering.

Engineering or Art?

For me this was an easy answer at first as I went straight to the side of the engineers. Function over form is what was my main argument where there is no point in designing something that will never be feasible. In certain situations it is fun and having the crazy out there ideas that sometimes can lead onto an idea where it can be possible, but ultimately I want to present an idea that may actually come into action straightaway rather than give a team of engineers an unsolvable problem that I know myself wouldn’t work after attempting to prototype it. I would much rather make a product that has as little problems in developing that can still carry out the task it was intended for.

After hearing the arguments from the people who choose the ‘art’ side made the point that we as designers make it our designs stand out. Sometimes this can not be possible without these crazy designs that are not really achievable but it does help us stand out that bit more and then when your idea is out there then you can refine it and make it achievable with the help of a team of engineers.

Final thoughts:

In the end I found myself to believe that there is a bit of engineering and art with regards product design. In some respects, you need to go out have a crazy idea to show your design ability and drive to see how you can make this happen by any means necessary. On the other hand, though you need that bit of reality brought about to show that you know what is and isn’t available to use in order to bring your idea forward. I think I am still more of an engineer based product designer I do understand that art has a huge element in the projects and future work that we will be doing and have already done.