Commercial and Industrial Designers Go Back to List Develop and design 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.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

Tasks
	Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment.
	Direct and coordinate the fabrication of models or samples and the drafting of working drawings and specification sheets from sketches.
	Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends.
	Coordinate the look and function of product lines.
	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.
	Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, serviceability, budget, production costs/methods, and market characteristics.
	Read publications, attend showings, and study competing products and design styles and motifs to obtain perspective and generate design concepts.
	Research production specifications, costs, production materials and manufacturing methods and provide cost estimates and itemized production requirements.
	Design graphic material for use as ornamentation, illustration, or advertising on manufactured materials and packaging or containers.

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.
	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.
	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.
	Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

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.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
	Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.   Related Experience:   A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $82,171.00 $39.50  $21.82  $26.73 - $50.14  Bridgeport/Stamford $85,598.00 $41.15  $23.26  $26.73 - $51.69  Danbury $129,368.00 $62.19  $29.46  $34.29 - $72.70  Hartford $84,477.00 $40.61  $26.03  $32.67 - $50.14  New Haven $57,706.00 $27.74  $17.95  $20.14 - $33.04

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   36   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as average, but the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.