You are responsible for promoting special items when you work in product development. This includes the entire product lifecycle, from conception to testing, from concept creation to prototyping. 

To be a successful product developer, you must thoroughly understand both the creative and technical facets of product development.

Depending on your position on the product team, different abilities are required to achieve a successful career in product development. 

Creativity, problem-solving, attention to detail and effective communication are some of the most critical abilities as you pursue job postings; you'll note that product positions frequently have very high pay rates. 

In the US, senior product development professionals earn up to $126,259 annually. Learn more about this satisfying career in this article.

Product development: Definition

Product development refers to creating and bringing a new product or service to market. Product development aims to create a product that meets the needs and wants of customers and provides value to the business. This process involves various stages, including creativity, design, testing, and launching, and can involve multiple teams, including marketing, engineering, and innovation. 

Steps in Product development

The steps in the product development process typically include the following:

• Ideation: Generating and evaluating ideas for new products.
• Market research: Gathering information about target customers, market trends, and competitors to inform product design and positioning.
• Concept development: Turning the initial product idea into a clear concept, including defining product features, benefits, and target audience.
• Prototype development: Creating a physical or virtual prototype of the product to test and validate its design and functionality.
• Testing and validation: Conducting tests to verify the product's performance and identify any issues that need to be addressed.
• Design for manufacturing: Optimising the product design for production and ensuring it can be manufactured efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Launch planning: Developing a plan for bringing the product to market, including setting a launch date, establishing a budget, and defining marketing and sales strategies.
• Launch: Making the product available for sale and actively promoting it to target customers.
• Post-launch review: Evaluating the product's performance after launch and making any necessary changes or improvements.

It is important to note that the product development process is iterative and may involve revisiting previous stages as needed. The exact steps and the time and resources invested in each step may vary depending on the product and the industry.

Product development industry overview 

The product development industry involves creating new products and services for various markets, including consumer goods, technology, healthcare, automotive, and more. The industry is characterised by rapid innovation, increased competition, and shifting consumer preferences, which creates a need for continuous product development and improvement.

Product development companies and teams use various methods and tools, such as design thinking, agile development, and lean startups, to create new products and bring them to market quickly and efficiently. Many companies also partner with external suppliers, such as contract manufacturers, to outsource certain aspects of the product development process.

The product development industry is becoming increasingly complex and global, with companies operating in multiple countries and facing various regulations and cultural differences. As a result, effective cross-functional collaboration and communication are critical success factors in the industry.

Overall, the product development industry is crucial in driving economic growth and improving people's lives by introducing new and innovative products to the market.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for careers in product development varies depending on the specific field and type of job. However, the demand for product development professionals will remain strong in the coming years.

The rise of new technologies and the increasing pace of innovation in many industries drive demand for product development professionals who can create and bring new products to market quickly and efficiently. In particular, initiatives such as technology, healthcare, and consumer goods are expected to continue to develop new opportunities for product development professionals.

Careers in product development can include positions such as product managers, product designers, product engineers, product marketers, and more. Individuals with strong technical and creative skills and business acumen are likely to have the best job prospects.

The job outlook for product development professionals is positive, and those with relevant skills and experience can expect various career opportunities in multiple industries.

Skills required for product development jobs

The skills required for product development jobs vary depending on the specific role and industry, but some common skills for many positions in this field include:

• Technical skills: Depending on the role, product development professionals may need to have expertise in areas such as engineering, software development, or manufacturing processes.
• Creativity: The ability to generate new ideas and think outside the box is essential in product development, as professionals are often tasked with creating new products and improving existing ones.
• Problem-solving: Product development professionals must be able to identify and solve problems that arise during the development process and make decisions based on limited information.
• Communication: Effective communication is critical in product development, as professionals must communicate their ideas, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and present information to stakeholders.
• Project management: Managing projects and leading teams is essential in many product development roles, as professionals often ensure that products are delivered on time and within budget.
• Market knowledge: A deep understanding of the target market and customer needs is essential in product development, as professionals must be able to create products that meet the needs and wants of their customers.
• Data analysis: The ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data is essential in product development, as professionals must be able to make data-driven decisions and evaluate the performance of their products.

In addition to these core skills, individuals seeking careers in product development may also benefit from pursuing relevant education and certifications, such as a degree in engineering, business, or design, and certificates in project management or product management.

Certification programs 

Several certification programs are available for product development professionals, which can help individuals build their skills and knowledge, demonstrate their expertise, and advance their careers. Some of the most widely recognised certifications include:

• Certified Product Manager (CPM): Offered by the Association of International Product Management and Marketing (AIPMM), the CPM certification recognises individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in product management.
• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO): The Scrum Alliance offers the CSPO certification for product owners and stakeholders responsible for defining and prioritising the product backlog in Scrum projects.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the PMP certification is a widely recognised certification for project managers and recognises individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in project management.
• Certified Design Thinking Professional (CDTP): Offered by the Design Thinkers Academy, the CDTP certification is designed for individuals who want to learn and apply design thinking methodologies in their work.
• Six Sigma Green Belt: Offered by several organisations, including the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the Six Sigma Green Belt certification recognises individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in quality management and process improvement.

These are just a few certification programs for product development professionals. 

When selecting a certification program, individuals should consider their career goals, areas of interest, and experience level.

Job Roles and Salaries

There are many job roles in product development, ranging from entry-level to senior management. Salary salaries can vary depending on the role, industry, location, and experience level. Some of the most common job roles in product development include:

• Product Manager: Product managers are responsible for defining and delivering a product and typically have a background in business, engineering, or a related field. The average salary for a product manager is around $120,000 annually in the United States.
• Product Designer: Product designers are responsible for creating the look and feel of a product and typically have a background in design, engineering, or a related field. The average salary for a product designer is around $85,000 annually in the United States.
• Product Engineer: Product engineers are responsible for designing and testing the technical aspects of a product and typically have a background in engineering or a related field. The average salary for a product engineer is around $100,000 annually in the United States.
• Product Marketer: Product marketers are responsible for promoting and positioning a product in the market and typically have a background in marketing or a related field. The average salary for a product marketer is around $90,000 annually in the United States.
• Program Manager: Program managers oversee multiple projects and ensure they are completed on time and within budget, and typically have a background in project management or a related field. The average salary for a program manager is around $120,000 per year in the United States.