How to Break Into Product Design

This book provides a good overview of the various tasks involved with getting into product design. The text is interesting, well laid out, recounts real-world stories of successful product designers, and provides plenty of extras like terminology definitions, checklists, and contact lists. Although the pictures and some of the terminology (such as "World Wide Web") are now a bit dated, the concepts of the industry still seem relevant. It should be noted, however, that the intended audience of this book is graphic designers who want to get into product design. Therefore it focuses on creative, niche products such as toothbrush holders, stationery, and other items that would be sold in gift stores or art museum gift shops. From the introduction, it states that the book "is based on the real-life experiences of thirty graphic designers..." and "will be helpful if you're interested in designing and marketing products which are generally niche market vs. mass market, low tech vs. high tech." If that describes you, this is a pretty good, interesting read!

I bought that book expecting information about Product Design itself with information about sketches and everything involved in the design. To my surprise I found all the key information regarding Product Develop, as well as a list of contact organizations. Very complete, fully organized, a true guideline for those who -like me- are starting themselves in this issue of Product Design.

This is a great primer for those interested in getting started in product design and distribution. It would make a wonderful text for an introductory level design course. It is well organized presented in a clear and attractive way.