Design is the process of imagining and planning the creation of objects, systems, buildings, vehicles, etc. keeping the needs of the user in mind. The design usually has to satisfy certain goals and constraints, may take into account aesthetic, functional, economic, or socio-political considerations, and is expected to interact with a certain environment. The process of creating a design can be brief (a quick sketch) or lengthy and complicated, involving considerable research, negotiation, reflection, modeling, interactive adjustment and redesign.

While not being exactly an art nor a science, it takes elements from both. Art is about creating something that expresses the creator’s vision, ideas and feelings. While designers can express feelings and leave impressions through their work, doing so is not their prime objective. So, it takes the creating aspect of art, as it is about crafting an item, a tool, an experience even. On the other hand, it takes the problem-solving aspect of science. It exists primarily to address a particular need.

In fact, design isn’t just about making things look appealing as applying artistic orientation would, or just about usability as applying scientific orientation would. It is about taking products from being usable to delightful, and then beyond that — to meaningful. Design needs to not only deliver pleasure and delight, but must deliver the deep meaning that people are seeking.

However, design is a pretty broad term that applies to a wide range of industries. From clothing we wear to the cars we drive, are the sheer number of ways that design can be used. It has created an equally large number of design specialisations. Every designer’s role is usually defined by what they create. However, every design specialisation shares one common goal: to service people by developing innovative products that improve their quality of life. Some of the different specialisations of design are: product design, industrial design, automotive design, interior design, fashion design, accessories design, jewellery design, footwear design, textile design, user interface design, website design, graphic design, game design, animation design, film/theatre set design, lighting design, sound design among others.

Assistant Designer: Career Pathway

• Assistant Designer
• Designer
• Senior Designer
• Lead Designer
• Design Director

An assistant designer usually has many job duties within his or her supporting role. Assistant designers are at a crucial step in their career. They typically have their formal education, but now receive training toward becoming a main designer while learning hands-on skills from someone already in that position. Students from different creative industries, such as interior design, graphics and fashion, typically start their career in the entry-level position of assistant designer.

• Assist and support designing team in creating innovative styles.
• Keep up to date with the current and the latest trends.
• Conduct research and surveys on current trends.
• Know and understand customer preferences on trends.
• Encourage others to share their ideas and nurturing creativity.
• Communicate productively with management and clients to keep them up-to-date with project milestones.
• Coordinate and collaborate with production team in producing quality products.
• Develop and create accurate spec packs and detailed layouts.
• Coordinate with sales, design and production teams.
• Document and preserve all illustrations, detailed layouts, design works and sheets for future references.
• Modify and make changes in design layouts to meet customer standards and tastes.
• Deliver quality samples on time.
• Translate physical measurements of prototypes into proper software programs for future use.
• Develop marketing and brand awareness initiatives for the products.