Types of Product Designer Jobs
UX Designer
A UX Designer focuses on the user experience aspect of product design, ensuring that products are intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable to use. They conduct user research, create personas, and map out user journeys. Their work often involves wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. UX Designers collaborate closely with product managers and engineers to align user needs with business goals. They play a critical role in shaping the overall feel and functionality of digital products.
UI Designer
A UI Designer specializes in the visual and interactive elements of a product. They are responsible for designing layouts, color schemes, typography, and iconography. UI Designers ensure that the product is visually appealing and consistent with the brand’s identity. They work closely with UX Designers to translate wireframes and prototypes into polished interfaces. Their work directly impacts how users perceive and interact with a product.
Interaction Designer
Interaction Designers focus on how users interact with products and systems. They design workflows, transitions, and interactive elements to create seamless and engaging experiences. Their work involves understanding user behavior and anticipating user needs. Interaction Designers often use prototyping tools to test and refine their ideas. They collaborate with developers to ensure that interactions are implemented as intended.
Visual Designer
Visual Designers are responsible for the overall aesthetic of a product. They create high-fidelity mockups, illustrations, and graphics that enhance the user experience. Their work ensures that the product is visually cohesive and aligns with the brand’s guidelines. Visual Designers often collaborate with marketing teams to create promotional materials. They play a key role in establishing the visual language of a product.
Service Designer
Service Designers look at the broader context of how a product fits into a larger service ecosystem. They map out end-to-end user journeys, considering both digital and physical touchpoints. Service Designers work to optimize the entire service experience, not just the product interface. They collaborate with stakeholders across departments to ensure a seamless and integrated user experience. Their work often involves research, journey mapping, and service blueprinting.
Entry Level Job Titles
Junior Product Designer
A Junior Product Designer is typically an entry-level position for those new to the field. They assist senior designers with research, wireframing, and prototyping tasks. Junior Product Designers are expected to learn design tools and processes while contributing to ongoing projects. They often receive mentorship and feedback to help them grow their skills. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those transitioning into product design from related fields.
Product Design Intern
A Product Design Intern is usually a temporary position for students or recent graduates. Interns support the design team by conducting user research, creating mockups, and assisting with usability testing. They gain hands-on experience with design tools and workflows. Interns are given opportunities to learn from experienced designers and participate in real-world projects. This role serves as a stepping stone to a full-time product design position.
Associate Product Designer
An Associate Product Designer is an entry-level role that involves supporting the design team in various tasks. They help with creating wireframes, prototypes, and visual assets. Associates often work under the guidance of more experienced designers. They are expected to develop their skills and gradually take on more responsibility. This position is suitable for those with some design experience or education.
UX/UI Design Assistant
A UX/UI Design Assistant provides support to both UX and UI designers. They help with user research, data analysis, and the creation of design assets. Assistants are often responsible for preparing presentations and documentation. This role allows individuals to gain exposure to different aspects of product design. It is a good starting point for those interested in both UX and UI design.
Design Research Assistant
A Design Research Assistant focuses on gathering and analyzing user data to inform design decisions. They assist with conducting interviews, surveys, and usability tests. Research Assistants help synthesize findings and present insights to the design team. This role is ideal for those interested in the research side of product design. It provides a strong foundation for advancing into more specialized design roles.
Mid Level Job Titles
Product Designer
A Product Designer at the mid-level is responsible for end-to-end design of products, from research and ideation to prototyping and testing. They work independently on projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Mid-level Product Designers are expected to have a strong portfolio and proficiency with design tools. They contribute to design systems and help mentor junior team members. This role requires a balance of creativity, technical skills, and communication abilities.
UX Designer
A mid-level UX Designer leads user research, creates wireframes, and develops prototypes for digital products. They are responsible for ensuring that products meet user needs and business goals. UX Designers at this level often facilitate workshops and usability tests. They work closely with product managers and developers to implement design solutions. This role requires a deep understanding of user-centered design principles.
UI Designer
A mid-level UI Designer creates visually appealing and functional interfaces for digital products. They are responsible for maintaining design consistency and adhering to brand guidelines. UI Designers collaborate with UX Designers to translate user flows into polished screens. They often contribute to the development of design systems and component libraries. This role requires strong visual design skills and attention to detail.
Interaction Designer
A mid-level Interaction Designer focuses on designing interactive elements and workflows within products. They use prototyping tools to test and refine user interactions. Interaction Designers collaborate with developers to ensure smooth implementation of designs. They are responsible for creating engaging and intuitive user experiences. This role requires a solid understanding of human-computer interaction principles.
Visual Designer
A mid-level Visual Designer is responsible for the overall look and feel of a product. They create high-fidelity mockups, icons, and illustrations. Visual Designers ensure that the product’s visual language is consistent and aligns with the brand. They work closely with other designers and marketing teams. This role requires strong graphic design skills and creativity.
Senior Level Job Titles
Senior Product Designer
A Senior Product Designer leads complex design projects and mentors junior team members. They are responsible for setting design direction and ensuring high-quality outcomes. Senior Product Designers collaborate with stakeholders to define product strategy and vision. They are expected to have a deep understanding of user needs and business objectives. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Lead Product Designer
A Lead Product Designer oversees the design process for major product initiatives. They coordinate the work of multiple designers and ensure alignment with business goals. Lead Product Designers are responsible for maintaining design standards and best practices. They often represent the design team in cross-functional meetings. This role requires extensive experience and the ability to drive design strategy.
Principal Product Designer
A Principal Product Designer is a highly experienced designer who sets the vision for product design across the organization. They lead critical projects and influence company-wide design decisions. Principal Designers mentor other designers and help shape the design culture. They are often involved in high-level strategy and innovation initiatives. This role requires exceptional design skills and a track record of impactful work.
Senior UX Designer
A Senior UX Designer leads user research, strategy, and design for complex products. They are responsible for ensuring that products deliver exceptional user experiences. Senior UX Designers mentor junior team members and contribute to the development of design systems. They work closely with product and engineering leaders. This role requires deep expertise in user-centered design and research methodologies.
Senior UI Designer
A Senior UI Designer leads the visual design of products and ensures consistency across all touchpoints. They create advanced design systems and mentor junior UI designers. Senior UI Designers collaborate with UX and development teams to deliver high-quality interfaces. They are responsible for maintaining the brand’s visual identity. This role requires advanced visual design skills and leadership abilities.
Director Level Job Titles
Design Director
A Design Director leads the entire design team and sets the overall design vision for the organization. They are responsible for hiring, mentoring, and developing designers at all levels. Design Directors work closely with executive leadership to align design strategy with business objectives. They oversee multiple projects and ensure high standards of quality and innovation. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
Director of Product Design
The Director of Product Design oversees the product design function within an organization. They are responsible for defining design processes, managing teams, and ensuring alignment with company goals. Directors of Product Design collaborate with other department heads to drive product strategy. They play a key role in shaping the company’s design culture and vision. This role requires extensive experience in product design and team management.
UX Director
A UX Director leads the user experience team and is responsible for the overall UX strategy. They ensure that all products deliver exceptional user experiences. UX Directors work with product, engineering, and marketing leaders to align UX efforts with business goals. They mentor senior designers and help develop UX best practices. This role requires deep expertise in UX design and leadership.
Creative Director
A Creative Director oversees the creative vision and direction for all design projects. They are responsible for ensuring that the brand’s visual identity is consistent across all products and channels. Creative Directors lead teams of designers, copywriters, and other creatives. They collaborate with marketing and product teams to deliver cohesive and impactful experiences. This role requires a strong creative background and leadership skills.
Head of Design
The Head of Design is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the design department. They set the strategic direction for design and ensure alignment with business objectives. Heads of Design oversee hiring, team development, and resource allocation. They represent the design function at the executive level. This role requires extensive experience in design leadership and organizational management.
VP Level Job Titles
Vice President of Design
The Vice President of Design is a senior executive responsible for the overall design strategy and vision of the organization. They oversee all design teams and ensure alignment with business goals. VPs of Design work closely with other executives to drive innovation and growth. They are responsible for building and scaling the design organization. This role requires exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and design expertise.
VP of Product Design
The VP of Product Design leads the product design function at the executive level. They are responsible for setting the vision, strategy, and goals for product design across the company. VPs of Product Design collaborate with other executives to ensure that design is integrated into the product development process. They mentor and develop senior design leaders. This role requires a proven track record of leading successful design teams.
VP of User Experience
The VP of User Experience is responsible for the overall user experience strategy and execution. They lead UX teams and ensure that all products deliver outstanding user experiences. VPs of User Experience work with product, engineering, and marketing leaders to align UX with business objectives. They are responsible for driving UX innovation and best practices. This role requires deep expertise in UX and executive leadership skills.
Chief Design Officer (CDO)
The Chief Design Officer is the highest-ranking design executive in an organization. They are responsible for the overall design vision, strategy, and execution across all products and services. CDOs work closely with the CEO and other executives to drive business growth through design. They build and lead world-class design teams. This role requires exceptional leadership, vision, and a strong portfolio of design achievements.
VP of Creative
The VP of Creative oversees all creative functions within an organization, including product design, branding, and marketing. They are responsible for setting the creative vision and ensuring consistency across all channels. VPs of Creative lead large teams of designers, writers, and other creatives. They collaborate with executives to drive brand and product innovation. This role requires a strong creative background and executive leadership skills.
How to Advance Your Current Product Designer Title
Build a strong portfolio
A well-curated portfolio showcasing a range of projects and design skills is essential for advancing in product design. Include case studies that highlight your design process, problem-solving abilities, and impact on business goals. Continuously update your portfolio with new work and seek feedback from peers and mentors. A strong portfolio demonstrates your growth and readiness for more senior roles. It is often the first thing hiring managers and leaders review when considering promotions.
Develop cross-functional collaboration skills
Product Designers work closely with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders. Building strong communication and collaboration skills can help you take on more responsibility and leadership roles. Seek opportunities to lead cross-functional projects and facilitate workshops. Demonstrating your ability to work effectively with diverse teams is key to advancing your career. It also helps you build a reputation as a team player and leader.
Learn new tools and technologies
Staying up-to-date with the latest design tools, prototyping software, and technologies is important for career growth. Take online courses, attend workshops, and experiment with new tools to expand your skill set. Being proficient in industry-standard tools makes you more valuable to your team and organization. It also positions you for more advanced roles that require technical expertise. Continuous learning is essential in the fast-evolving field of product design.
Seek mentorship and feedback
Mentorship from experienced designers can provide valuable guidance and support as you advance in your career. Seek feedback on your work from peers, managers, and mentors to identify areas for improvement. Actively participate in design communities and networking events to connect with industry leaders. Learning from others’ experiences can help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your growth. Mentorship also opens up opportunities for new projects and roles.
Take on leadership opportunities
Volunteering for leadership roles, such as leading a project or mentoring junior designers, can help you demonstrate your readiness for more senior positions. Look for opportunities to contribute to design strategy, process improvements, or team development. Taking initiative and showing leadership potential is often recognized and rewarded by managers. It also helps you build the skills needed for roles such as Senior Product Designer or Design Lead. Leadership experience is a key differentiator for career advancement.
Similar Product Designer Careers & Titles
UX Designer
A UX Designer focuses on the user experience and usability of products. They conduct user research, create wireframes, and test prototypes to ensure products meet user needs. UX Designers work closely with product designers but may have a narrower focus on user flows and interactions. Their work is essential for creating intuitive and effective digital products. The roles of UX Designer and Product Designer often overlap in many organizations.
UI Designer
A UI Designer is responsible for the visual and interactive elements of a product. They design layouts, color schemes, and typography to create visually appealing interfaces. UI Designers collaborate with UX and Product Designers to ensure a cohesive user experience. Their work is crucial for making products attractive and easy to use. UI Designers often specialize in the look and feel of digital products.
Interaction Designer
Interaction Designers focus on how users interact with products and systems. They design workflows, transitions, and interactive elements to create seamless experiences. Interaction Designers often work closely with Product Designers to ensure that interactions are intuitive and engaging. Their expertise is valuable for products that require complex user interactions. The role is similar to Product Designer but with a stronger emphasis on interaction patterns.
Service Designer
Service Designers look at the entire service ecosystem, including both digital and physical touchpoints. They map out end-to-end user journeys and optimize the overall service experience. Service Designers often collaborate with Product Designers to ensure that products fit seamlessly into the broader service context. Their work is important for organizations that offer complex services. The role shares many skills and responsibilities with Product Designers.
Industrial Designer
Industrial Designers focus on the design of physical products, such as consumer electronics, furniture, and appliances. They consider factors like ergonomics, materials, and manufacturing processes. While Product Designers often work on digital products, there is significant overlap in design thinking and problem-solving approaches. Industrial Designers may collaborate with Product Designers on projects that involve both physical and digital components. The roles are similar in their emphasis on user-centered design.