The Rise of the Product Designer: Trend or Transformation?

First of All: What is a Product Designer?

Yeah we figure we might as well begin at the beginning.

Unlike traditional UX/UI designers whose focus is both on user experience and interface design, Product Designers are more business-oriented. They tend to blend user needs with business goals to help brands make consistently successful products.

The skills of a Product Designer

Now, let's talk about the skills that set Product Designers apart from the rest of the pack. Picture a Swiss Army knife... Well, that's your Product Designer. They're not just proficient in UX and UI design; they also have a knack for business strategy, project management, and leadership.

The impact of Product Designers

So, why should you care about Product Designers? Well, for starters, they bring a unique perspective to the table. With their business acumen and design prowess, Product Designers can bridge the gap between design and business objectives, ensuring that your products not only look good but also drive results. They're like the secret sauce that takes your design team from good to great.

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I'm still not sure I see the difference with a UX/UI Designer...

Well, both roles share some similarities, it's a matter of nuances here. Where a UX/UI might focus a little more on the output, the solution, the Product Designer has a bigger role in defining the problem. They're involved in business-related processes where UX/UI usually have a more narrow focus on usability and graphics.

Think of it like comparing a cook to a baker. Each can tickle your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. But they don't focus on the same ingredients, texture or flavours.

Product Designers orchestrate the entire design process, bringing together UX designers, visual artists, researchers, and business teams to cook up a well-rounded product that satisfies all tastes (pun intended) and needs.

Now it sounds like a Product Designer is in fact a PM...

Alright, I knew this was coming. Let's keep our culinary analogy while breaking down a design process into three phases to see who's doing what:

• Product strategy: high-level product vision, strategy & goals — it's basically the recipe.
• Product discovery: research, studies... — this is like going to the grocery store, to pick the ingredients
• Product experience: creating the product — it's finally time to get cooking!

Product Managers primarily step in during phases 1 & 2 while Product Designers take action in phases 2 & 3. So yes, their missions overlap during the Discover phase. But they each have their own speciality on the product cycle spectrum.

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OK But Why is Everyone a Product Designer Nowadays?

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Well it's got a nice ring to it.

In today's fast-paced world, where job titles seem to evolve faster than the latest tech gadgets,  it's understandable that designers aim to stay ahead of the curve. The term "Product Designer", imported from the physical product industry, has a certain allure to it—it sounds sleek, modern, and cutting-edge. Plus, let's be honest, we've all fallen for the temptation of a dashing LinkedIn profile!

But also (and mostly) the job has mutated.

But beyond the surface-level appeal, there's a deeper reason why designers are gravitating towards the title of Product Designer. It's not just about the name—it's about the mindset shift that comes with it. Product Designers aren't just focused on creating nice experiences; they're invested in the entire lifecycle of a product, from conception to launch (and beyond). They're problem solvers, innovators, and strategic thinkers who understand the intersection of design, technology, and business.

So, while some may see the rise of the Product Designer as nothing more than a passing trend, others view it as a reflection of the evolving nature of design itself. In a world where user experience reigns supreme and design plays an increasingly integral role in business success, the title of Product Designer represents a new era of design—one that's more holistic, strategic, and impactful than ever before.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Product Designers may be the new kids on the block, but they're here to stay. With their blend of design expertise and business savvy, they're poised to revolutionize the way we approach product design in the web and tech sector. So, the next time you hear someone mention Product Designers, don't roll your eyes—embrace the change!

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