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Commercial and Industrial Designers
Also called : Design Engineer, Designer, Industrial Designer, Mechanical Designer, Mold Designer, Product Design Engineer, Product Designer, Product Development Engineer, Sign Designer
What they do
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
On the job, one would
- Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment.
- Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends.
- Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, serviceability, budget, production costs/methods, and market characteristics.
- Confer with engineering, marketing, production, or sales departments, or with customers, to establish and evaluate design concepts for manufactured products.
- Present designs and reports to customers or design committees for approval and discuss need for modification.
KNOWLEDGE
- Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
SKILLS
- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
ABILITIES
- Fluency of Ideas
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
- Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Originality
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
- Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
TECHNOLOGY
- Analytical or scientific software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Desktop communications software
- Desktop publishing software
- Development environment software
- Document management software
- Electronic mail software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Financial analysis software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
Four-year bachelor degree
- Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupation
- Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.