Hello, my name is Zion, I’d like to ask that you do me a favor and take a second to look around the room or whatever space you’re in. You might see a phone, an electric scooter, a car, a chair, and many other things but what you don’t see are the people that created these products. Most people don’t take into account all of the ideas, work, time, and money that goes into these products. They don’t stop to think about how this product or device actually works; they just use these things, but as a kid I did. I would sit in the car and look at something out of the window and wonder how it was made, what made it work, and who made it. I quickly realized that I too wanted to be a person that created products used by other people on a daily basis. I learned about product design engineering and wanted to pursue this career because it would allow me to do just that. Product design engineering is an engineering discipline that allows one to design a product from start to finish. Typical key roles of a product design engineer consist of sketching and utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software to design, prototype, and create physical consumer products. This is different from just being an engineer or a product designer instead of choosing one or the other I want to merge the two and get the best of both worlds. Engineers are interested in product development such as product reliability, quality, dimensional details, materials supply, and manufacturing processes. Whereas regular product designers are more focused on the creative aspects such as design features, user experience, and competitive alternatives.
Something that intrigued me about product design and becoming a product design engineer is honestly just being a kid with a dream. Along with looking at the world around me and being inspired by everyday items, my biggest inspiration in wanting to pursue this career was Ironman … well actually Tony Stark! No, I didn’t want to become a superhero or anything like that but what I became infatuated with was the idea of creating something amazing out of nothing, having my own building, and having a business where my products could be used to help people’s everyday lives.
In order to turn this kid’s dream into reality I have been actively taking steps that will allow me to reach these seemingly unreachable goals. A dream is only a dream until acted on, it can seem impossible at times but by planning and staying persistent I have been getting closer and closer to living out my dream. I currently attend Rice University where I major in mechanical engineering and minor in engineering design. Both my major and minor allow me to learn and gain experience in the fundamentals of engineering and product design. Upon graduation, I plan on attending Stanford University to pursue a master’s degree (MS) in Design. After getting my master’s degree I want to work for Apple as a product design engineer for 2-10 years and then start my own engineering design consultancy.
The types of products I would love to make as a product design engineer include consumer products specifically electronics, robotics, automotive, and/or aerial vehicles (drones). Working at a company like Apple will allow me to learn the ins and outs of what a successful company looks like. All while allowing me to create consumer electronics such as the next Air Pod or iPad. Starting my own consultancy after Apple will allow me to reach other work industries and create products in the remaining consumer products previously listed. One of the products I am currently fascinated about creating in the future is aerial drones. These products could be used to help people beyond their current use and I would love to explore different ways drones can be utilized.
As a product design engineer, my goal is to create products that can and will change the world for the better. In order to achieve this main goal I have set two personal goals of my own that will also help allow me to make this change in the world. The first of my two personal goals is to start my own engineering design consultancy. Having my own design consultancy will allow me to make products in all different industries. Reaching these different industries is impactful because my work would then reach all aspects of everyday life. The second of my personal goals is to, much like Tony Stark, have my own building. I would like to help design my own building, which will not only showcase my skills but will also improve my credibility. This building will serve as the main office for my design consultancy and allow me to have a space where I can create these world-changing products. Achieving these goals is why I strive to become a product design engineer. So when people ask me “Why Product Design Engineering?”, this is what I tell them.