No matter what the product is, there's often a product developer responsible for it.
Companies are always trying to create new products that will appeal to consumers. However, it can be difficult to determine exactly what customers will want. The creation of a new product can command a diverse array of talents---one of the most crucial of these talents is that of the product developer. Product developers are hired to use their creative senses to design new products that will be both desirable and functional.
Function
Product developers must engage in market analysis to get a sense of what's popular with consumers. They must also have a sense of how trends will change, so that products can be designed with these changing trends in mind, according to CareerThreads. The product developer often must work with several other specialists in realms such as art, engineering and design to create the actual product. Once the design and functionality of the product has been created, the product developer must be able to turn this product concept into a real-world product that's both cost-efficient and useful. How expensive a product is depends on how much the cost analyst thinks consumers will be willing to pay for the product.
Conditions
The work environment of a product developer is usually clean, comfortable and well lit, since these developers often need to be undistracted to tap into their creativity. However, there are some product developers who work as freelancers and can work under a variety of conditions. These developers sometimes must travel to manufacturing sites to observe the development of the product.
Qualifications
Product developers usually have a bachelor's degree in an engineering, architecture or industrial design discipline. Many are expected to have a master's degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The most important skill needed by these professionals is creativity, since these experts are responsible for creating the products that will make a company successful or unsuccessful. They also must often have computer skills, as design software is often used to create products. Interpersonal skills are also important---the product developer usually works with several other experts to design and develop the product. Finally, the product developer must often have problem-solving skills, as there are sometimes financial or logical constraints that can create problems in the product development that must be solved.
Prospects
In 2008, 44,300 product developers held jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Between 2008 and 2018, the need for product developers is expected to grow by 9 percent, which is about average in relation to all other occupations in the U.S. While growing populations drive an increase in the desire for consumer products, many countries are modernizing and creating competition for U.S. product developers.
Salary
The median earnings for product developers in 2008 were $57,350, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10 percent earned more than $97,770, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,400.
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