Product Design Myths – Debunked

Product design myths often create misconceptions about what it takes to be a great designer. While product design is about bringing innovative ideas to life, it’s not just about aesthetics or having a degree.

In this article, we’ll debunk common product design myths and clarify what truly matters in the field.

A common product design myth is that it only applies to physical products. In reality, product design is about solving user problems, whether through physical or digital products.

Digital product design and industrial design serve different purposes but share a common goal—creating effective solutions.

The second myth is that you have to be creative. What you actually need to be is a problem-solver. Creativity is a plus, but it’s not necessary from the get-go because it can be developed.

Understanding the user, the problems you’re solving, the market you’re in, and the other products your audience interacts with is crucial.

A widespread product design myth is that it’s all about aesthetics.. What’s actually true is that you need to focus on value. Product design is equally about functionality, usability, accessibility, and aesthetics.

Successful products solve problems and add value to users’ lives while also having the previously mentioned attributes. 

Some believe that a degree is necessary to succeed in product design. But, in reality, skills are what matter. Getting a degree helps gain skills, but companies and clients are actually looking for talent, relevant experience, skills, and cultural fit.

Crucial skills, useful experiences, and a killer portfolio will get you hired, not the degree.

Many assume that mastering design tools is crucial. While tools help streamline tasks, the real focus should be on understanding design concepts. Tools help us do our tasks more efficiently, but they are not the most important things to learn.

Put effort into understanding the concepts behind the tools and the methods that get results. 

A final product design myth is that there is a single process for all products. In reality, iteration and adaptation are key. Designers must consistently gather user feedback and iterate on their designs to improve the user experience.

Product design must be individually tailored for each product and its intended audience.

By debunking these product design myths, we gain a clearer understanding of what truly drives successful product design. It’s not just about tools, creativity, or degrees—it’s about solving real problems and continuously improving. Keep challenging these misconceptions and refining your approach to product design.

For other valuable educational resources, explore our Learn section. Here, we offer heaps of courses, workbooks, and other resources that will help you improve your skills in UX/UI.
Happy designing! 🤗