When you go to Target and pick up a cool new toaster or can opener, you’re seeing the end result of a design process that may have started with a drawing on a scrap of paper. Commercial and industrial designers create products that are attractive, durable, and—most of all—make life easier.

Automobiles, microwave ovens, pens, computers, toys, garden tools, motorcycles, desk lamps, shoes—there are millions of different consumer products and industrial goods that people use every day. Some items, like the old-fashioned mousetrap, have been around for centuries. Others, like the portable MP3 player or advanced video game controller, didn’t exist ten years ago. And some, like the rotary dial telephone, become obsolete and disappear.

Who designs these things? Commercial and industrial designers combine the fields of engineering, art, and business to design the products people use every day. Designers are responsible for the function, appearance, quality, and safety of manufactured consumer products. They get trained in basic design, and then generally specialize in one particular product category, especially if it is highly complex, such as automobiles or computers.

Designers sometimes have to create new products (such as the iPod), or they may update familiar products (such as the toaster at Target). There are always several factors to consider:

• Cost. No matter how extraordinary the idea, the manufacturer always has to consider the cost of production. Even the coolest new gadget won’t sell if it is too expensive. Everyday gadgets, like the toasters at Target, must be priced competitively.

• Style. Some products, like claw hammers, need to look rugged and functional. Other products, like MP3 players, need to look trendy. A few, like the cell phone you can drop in the water, are both. Designers work within the requirements set by the manufacturer.

• Quality. That chic new phone must satisfy the customers’ expectations for performance. No matter how cool it looks, it has to work.

• Safety. The federal government has laws that address product safety, including everything from mandating seat belts in cars to prohibiting lead paint on toys. Product designers must be aware of these regulations, and create products that meet applicable safety standards.

What kind of training do you need? Most entry-level commercial and industrial design jobs require a bachelor's degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering. Coursework may include drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), principles of design, and manufacturing methods and materials.  Many designers also study engineering, physical science, or mathematics, depending upon the area of specialization. Browse through EducationForCareers.com to locate a college near you that offers these programs. 

How's the job outlook? According to the U.S. government, during the current decade 2006-2016 there will be increasing demand for commercial and industrial designers because of the continued focus on the safety and quality of consumer products. In addition, job growth in this category will be fueled by the development of high-technology products in medicine, consumer electronics, transportation, and other fields, and the increasing demand for new products that are easy and comfortable to use.*

Are you creative but want to use advanced technology? A career as a commercial or industrial designer may be right for you. Check out the career colleges on EducationForCareers.com, and get your application started.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Commercial and Industrial Designers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos290.htm (visited March 13, 2008).