Brett Baldwin

create a wide range of items, from everyday products, such as mobile phones, household appliances and cars; to larger items, such as industrial tools, equipment and machinery. They work on new products or improve existing ones, and use their understanding of technology, materials and manufacturing methods to improve the design and usability of an item. The work involves: designing; modelling; testing; producing prototypes. Working alongside engineers and model-makers, industrial/product designers conduct research and devise a design proposal for projects. They may need to work on the budget of the designed item to make sure it's cost effective. meeting with clients to establish the design brief, including the concept, performance and production criteria; working on ideas as part of a team or developing design concepts using CAD (computer-aided design); taking part in specialist or multidisciplinary team meetings; sketching initial design ideas; identifying the suitability and availability of materials; producing detailed, final hand drawings and specifications or, more likely, using dedicated computer software (CAD) to produce design specifications, including parts lists and costings; making samples or working models by hand or using computerized prototyping equipment; testing the design concept by computerized modeling or physical hands-on testing of models; researching materials, processes or market requirements; arranging meetings and liaising with engineers and other departments, including marketing, to discuss and negotiate appropriate production processes, costs and commercial issues; occasionally traveling to clients' production facilities and evaluating the feasibility of production; making presentations to senior design management or clients, either when bidding for a contract or to present design proposals.