4 Transformative Steps for Graphic and Web Designers to Boost Their Income and Master the Art of Product Design
In this article, I’m going to dive into how to get started in product design as a busy graphic designer looking to make the leap from traditional web design to product design.
Making the leap from traditional web design to product design is a must for designers wanting to tackle new creative opportunities, get a more diverse skillset, and get paid exponentially more.
With product design knowledge, you can unlock a world of innovation and problem-solving.
Unfortunately, many graphic designers struggle to transition into product design.
The primary reason why? A lack of understanding.
Some of the other reasons people struggle to make progress are:
A fear of the unknown
They can’t find reliable resources
They have limited time and resources
Overwhelmed by the new design process
But don’t worry! I'll guide you on how to overcome these obstacles and start your product design journey.
Step 1: Build a strong foundation in product design principles.
Establishing a solid understanding of product design principles is essential for a smooth transition from graphic design. A strong foundation ensures you can effectively analyze user needs, create user-centered solutions, and communicate your ideas with stakeholders. By mastering these principles, you'll be better equipped to navigate the product design landscape and create designs that resonate with users.
To start applying this step immediately, familiarize yourself with the following key principles of product design:
Empathy: Understand and consider the user's needs, emotions, and perspectives.
Iterative process: Refine your designs through multiple iterations based on user feedback and testing.
Functionality: Focus on the usability and functionality of a product, not just its aesthetics.
Accessibility: Ensure your designs can be used by people with varying abilities and needs.
To dive deeper into product design principles and kickstart your learning journey, check out these resources:
Don Norman's "The Design of Everyday Things" - This book offers an insightful introduction to user-centered design and usability principles.
IDEO's "Human-Centered Design Toolkit" - This comprehensive guide provides methods, techniques, and case studies to help you apply human-centered design in your work.
Coursera's "Introduction to User Experience Design" - This online course, designed by Georgia Tech, offers a thorough understanding of UX design and its fundamental concepts.
Nielsen Norman Group's articles - Browse through expert-written articles on various aspects of product design, user experience, and usability.
By actively engaging with these resources, you'll strengthen your product design foundation and be better prepared for a successful transition.
Step 2: Develop a growth mindset and be open to learning.
Cultivating a growth mindset is crucial for a successful transition into product design because it encourages continuous improvement and resilience in the face of challenges.
Embracing the idea that your abilities can be developed through dedication and effort will help you tackle new concepts and adapt to the ever-evolving design landscape.
A growth mindset also makes it easier to accept and learn from constructive criticism, which is vital in refining your skills as a product designer.
An immediate actionable takeaway is to shift your perspective when encountering setbacks: instead of seeing them as failures, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Reflect on what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and apply those lessons to future projects.
To find workshops, communities, and mentorship opportunities, explore these resources:
Interaction Design Foundation (IDF) - IDF offers online courses, local groups, and networking opportunities to connect with experienced product designers and peers.
AIGA, the professional association for design - AIGA provides mentorship programs, workshops, and networking events for designers at various stages of their careers.
UX Design Community on Slack - Join this active Slack community to engage with fellow designers, ask questions, share insights, and seek mentorship.
Dribbble - This platform allows designers to showcase their work, follow industry professionals, and participate in design challenges. Dribbble also hosts events and workshops for networking and skill-building.
Behance - Similar to Dribbble, Behance is an online platform for designers to showcase their work, discover inspiration, and connect with professionals across various design disciplines.
By actively participating in these communities and events, you'll foster a growth mindset and create opportunities for learning and mentorship in your product design journey.
Step 3: Practice, practice, practice.
Consistent practice is essential in developing and refining your product design skills.
It allows you to apply the principles and techniques you've learned, identify areas of improvement, and build confidence in your abilities. By working on a variety of projects, you'll also create a diverse portfolio that demonstrates your adaptability and problem-solving skills, making you more attractive to potential employers or clients.
An immediate actionable takeaway is to set aside dedicated time each week to work on product design projects, be it personal or professional. This will help you stay focused and maintain momentum in your growth.
To create an example product design project for your portfolio, follow this step-by-step guide using an existing product:
Choose a product: Select a product that you believe can be improved. It can be a physical object or a digital service, such as a mobile app or website.
Analyze the current design: Identify the product's strengths and weaknesses, considering aspects like user experience, functionality, and aesthetics.
Research and empathize with users: Gather information on the target audience, their needs, and pain points. Conduct interviews, surveys, or usability tests to gain insights.
Define the design challenge: Based on your research, establish a clear problem statement that outlines the main user needs and goals to address.
Ideate and sketch solutions: Generate a range of ideas to solve the design challenge. Sketch out your ideas, create wireframes, or build low-fidelity prototypes.
Refine and iterate: Choose a promising solution and develop it further. Gather feedback from users or peers and refine your design through multiple iterations.
Create a high-fidelity prototype: Turn your refined design into a polished, high-fidelity prototype using a design tool like Figma.
Test and validate: Conduct usability tests with your target audience to evaluate the effectiveness of your design. Document the results and make any necessary adjustments.
Present your project: Showcase your design process, research, iterations, and final prototype in a visually appealing and well-organized case study for your portfolio.
By following this guide and working on similar projects, you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience, refine your product design skills, and build a strong portfolio that demonstrates your abilities.
Step 4: Network and engage with the product design community.
Building connections within the product design community is vital for several reasons.
Networking helps you stay updated on industry trends, learn from others' experiences, and discover new tools and techniques. It also offers opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and even job prospects. By actively participating in the community, you'll gain exposure and establish yourself as a dedicated, knowledgeable professional in the field.
An immediate actionable takeaway is to create a list of industry influencers, product design blogs, or podcasts to follow, and allocate time each week to engage with the content and discussions.
To network and connect professionally, explore these resources:
LinkedIn - Build your professional network on LinkedIn by connecting with fellow product designers, joining relevant groups, and participating in discussions.
Meetup - Search for local product design meetups in your area to attend events, workshops, and presentations where you can engage with like-minded professionals.
ProductCamp - ProductCamp is a series of user-driven "unconferences" that focus on product design, development, and management. Attend one in your region to network and share knowledge.
Designer Hangout - This invite-only community for UX designers offers valuable discussions, networking opportunities, and resources to help you grow as a product designer.
UX Design Mastery Facebook Group - Join this active Facebook group to connect with fellow designers, share your work, and engage in insightful discussions.
By exploring these resources and actively engaging with the product design community, you'll strengthen your network, broaden your knowledge, and create opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Take the Leap into Product Design
Now that you're equipped with these practical steps, it's time to embrace the exciting world of product design.
Remember, the key to a successful transition lies in building a strong foundation, fostering a growth mindset, practicing consistently, and actively engaging with the product design community.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes, they're an invaluable part of learning.
Use the resources provided, and embrace the opportunity to diversify your skills and unlock new creative possibilities. By taking these next steps and putting your newfound knowledge into action, you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient product designer and expanding your horizons in the design world.
Reach out if you have any questions or need any additional resources!
