• The design of products is intrinsically linked to the economic health of manufacturing sectors, or at least the companies within them
• Innovation is key to stimulating the development of new products
• The economy is a key driver to the sector. Any downturn can lead to decreased spending/sales which puts more pressure on companies that manufacture products
• Technology is also important, and design is pivotal for exploiting technology
• Sustainability is growing in importance. Recycling, repairability and longer product lifetimes will be at the heart of product design

Increasingly, designers are getting involved in a strategic or advisory capacity with clients. They are looking more at the big picture. Rather than having a tight brief to work from, they are often helping to write the brief. Understanding how people live their lives, what's relevant to them and what technology is appropriate before getting down to the technical design work.

More manufacturing and engineering job profiles from the National Careers Service.

Some of our recent graduates working in these areas include:

• Sales and Product Development, Blue Gem Eyeware - BSc Product Design
• Freelance Product Designer - BSc Product Design
• Callibration Engineer, Ford - BSc Product Design