Designing High-End Products after my Product Design Degree- Dylan's Chester Journey

Since a young age, I have always had an interest in design. Playing creative building games and being hands on with making have always been interesting ways to unwind and explore as a child. Throughout my education, I tried to use my creativity by taking subjects like Art and Design, and Product Design in school. It was this that led me to discover the Product Design course at the University of Chester.

Why did I choose Chester?

I was lucky enough to have friends and family already studying at Chester. Having the opportunity to discover the diverse range of courses and opportunities that were available to them, not only while studying, but the continued support they got after graduating made Chester an appealing choice. After doing my own research into courses that were of interest, I discovered Chester’s Product Design BA. Chester offered group sizes much smaller than any other, allowing for a more 1-1 experience. I was able to view and find information online about any module that made up the degree, which made the process of picking a university much clearer. This, along with the great experiences from others, sold me the course at Chester.

What did I enjoy about my course?

I studied Product Design from 2021 to 2024. There were several enjoyable times throughout my degree. Product Design is a diverse and varied subject which allows students to discover areas of design they enjoy and excel in. For me, this was being hands on with modelling. Early on in my degree, we learnt the principles of modelling in card, paper and foam which focused on design techniques such as rapid modelling and teaching designers to fail fast. Later in my degree, when I was participating in my Final Major Project, the hands-on experience shifted into using techniques like laser cutting and CNC machining. I was supported to not only learn how to use the available resources, but how to design for them too, making sure that what I was designing was achievable for my desired manufacturing technique.

My advice for those considering studying Product Design

Studying Product Design is the perfect opportunity to be creative, experimental, and make the kinds of mistakes that help you grow before entering industry. University gives you the freedom to test ideas and push boundaries in ways that may not always be possible in a professional environment. Product Design is also a demanding subject, so managing your time effectively is essential- learning to fail fast through methods such as modelling and rapid prototyping can save valuable time and improve your development process. You do not need to have your entire career planned out from the beginning, but directing your final major project toward a niche area of design can help you stand out and break into the sector you are most interested in. Finally, networking is incredibly important; having a strong presence on LinkedIn and connecting with past and present students from University of Chester can open doors and help build valuable relationships within companies and the wider industry.

My graduate role since leaving University

I graduated in 2024 with a First-Class Honours degree in Product Design. Since graduating, I have secured my role as a Junior Design Engineer at Rhino Products. My role allows me to work with a team of designers to create high-end products by taking part in an end-to-end design process. The team of design engineers takes part in the whole process, from an initial idea, right through to a final product. A typical day in my role can be varied. Overseeing the design process means my role experiences phases of sketching and idea generation, modelling and CAD, group discussion and redesigns, right through to testing and ensuring a high-quality design.

Going forward, I hope to develop my skills by continuing to work alongside experienced designers, learning from their knowledge and approaches within the industry. I am eager to take on more responsibilities and contribute to a wider range of design projects. By gaining more experience and exposure to different aspects of the design process, I will further refine my abilities, build confidence in my decision-making, and continue progressing as a well-rounded designer.

How did my time at Chester prepare me for my current role?

I use the skills I have learnt from my degree in my everyday responsibilities as a Junior Design Engineer. My role relies heavily on CAD design software like SolidWorks and Keyshot, which I first used at the University of Chester. Using this software was a large factor in the interview process for my current role, and I now use SolidWorks every day. If it wasn't for the dedicated staff at Chester ensuring every student has a great understanding of the software used in the professional world of design, I would not have the skills necessary to fulfil my role. Along with the essential CAD skills, Chester built my confidence in a number of ways. Most noticeable for me was my public speaking skills in front of large groups. My role allows me to use these skills in meetings with the design team and across departments, but also to those outside of the company such as external manufacturers. 

Make sure to check out our Product Design course page to discover how your degree with us can provide you with a foundation for a career in design.