Product Designing: Initial years can Test You

Is there any innovation in the definition of product design?

I think classically or even till some years ago, products were designed in isolation, when the function and longevity were the only criteria for design of any product. So, there were phases of revolutions and movements of many sorts and the technology available in that time frame, which controlled the approach for design.

Today we can't look at design only in relation to a product function or requirement but even for the smallest product, the entire matrix of aspects associated with the product has to be considered, inspected, redesigned and realigned. No single entity is responsible for product design, development and evolution. It is co-creation. So, you have manufacturers, vendors, managers, designers, engineers, technologists, factory labour, suppliers, etc. The ‘user' is at the top. They all are involved in giving birth to a product.

What are the good and not-so-good reasons for becoming a product designer in India?

Unfortunately the good and bad reasons are the same. We are a very young country when it comes to design. So, the level of awareness we have in terms of design and how a designer could affect the product and hence a company's performance is really low. The good part is, you have fresh undisturbed waters to explore.

What are the challenges?

India is a country where product development is plagued by reverse engineering. The trust on foreign designed, engineered and manufactured products is much higher. So, mostly what come our way are projects like: change the look of the product, it shouldn't look copied or make it look a little better.