No, a formal degree is not always a strict requirement to become a Product Designer. While many employers value a degree in fields such as Product Design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, or a related discipline, it is possible to pursue a career as a Product Designer without a formal degree.

Product Design is a skill-based profession that places a strong emphasis on creativity, problem-solving, and user-centered design. Many successful Product Designers have diverse backgrounds and gain practical experience and skills through self-learning, workshops, online courses, and hands-on projects.

Here are some factors to consider regarding education and qualifications for a career as a Product Designer:

1. Practical Skills and Portfolio: Building a strong portfolio that showcases your design skills, creativity, and ability to solve design challenges is crucial. Employers often prioritise practical skills and a well-documented portfolio over academic qualifications.

2. Self-Learning: Many Product Designers learn through self-study, online resources, design communities, and design tutorials. You can develop skills in areas such as sketching, prototyping, user research, and 3D modeling through self-learning.

3. Bootcamps and Workshops: Short-term design bootcamps and workshops offer intensive, hands-on training in specific design skills and tools. These programs can help you gain practical experience and build a foundation in Product Design.

4. Online Courses and Certifications: Online platforms offer a wide range of design courses and certifications in Product Design and related areas. These courses cover design principles, user-centered design, prototyping, and more.

5. Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Internships or entry-level design positions can provide valuable experience and mentorship, allowing you to apply design principles to real-world projects.

6. Freelancing and Personal Projects: Engaging in freelance design work or personal design projects can help you build a diverse portfolio and demonstrate your design skills.

7. Networking and Design Communities: Joining design communities, attending design meetups, and networking with professionals in the field can provide insights, learning opportunities, and potential connections.

8. Design Thinking and Problem-Solving: Develop strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of user needs. Design thinking methodologies can be valuable for approaching design challenges.

While a degree can provide a comprehensive education and demonstrate dedication and discipline, it is not the only path to becoming a successful Product Designer. Practical skills, a strong portfolio, and a passion for design can be equally, if not more, valuable in the eyes of employers.

Focus on building a robust design skill set, creating a portfolio of relevant projects, and actively seeking opportunities to gain practical experience. Continuous learning, staying updated with design trends, and exploring innovative design concepts will greatly enhance your prospects as a Product Designer.

The average salary for a Product Designer in the region can vary depending on factors such as experience, industry, company size, and the specific responsibilities of the role. It's important to note that salary ranges can change over time due to various factors, including economic conditions and demand for content design professionals in the region.

The average annual salary for a Product Designer in the region last year was £47,312.

It's worth noting that some organisations may also offer additional benefits and incentives, such as bonuses, healthcare, retirement plans, flexible working arrangements, and professional development opportunities, which can impact the overall compensation package.

Keep in mind that salary information can change over time, and it's always a good idea to conduct thorough research specific to your location and circumstances to get the most accurate and current salary data.

Progression opportunities for a Product Designer are diverse and can lead to exciting and rewarding career paths. As you gain experience and develop your skills, you can explore various directions to advance your career in the field of design. Here are some common progression opportunities for Product Designers:

1. Senior Product Designer: With experience, Product Designers can move into senior-level roles. Senior Product Designers take on more complex and high-impact projects, provide mentorship to junior designers, and contribute to strategic design decisions.

2. Lead or Principal Product Designer: Lead or Principal Product Designers provide leadership within design teams. They guide design direction, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure the quality and consistency of design work across projects.

3. Design Manager: Design Managers oversee design teams, coordinate projects, and facilitate collaboration between design and other departments. They focus on both design execution and team management.

4. UX Design Specialist: Some Product Designers choose to specialize in user experience (UX) design, focusing on creating intuitive and user-friendly interactions. UX Design Specialists often work closely with researchers and other UX professionals.

5. UI Design Specialist: UI (User Interface) Design Specialists focus on the visual aspects of design, including typography, colors, icons, and layout. They ensure that the visual elements align with the brand and create an appealing and cohesive look and feel.

6. Design Strategist: Design Strategists work on high-level design strategies, aligning design initiatives with business goals and user needs. They may contribute to shaping the overall design direction of products or services.

7. Product Manager: Some Product Designers transition to Product Manager roles, where they take on a broader scope of responsibilities, including product strategy, business analysis, and project management.

8. Entrepreneurship: Experienced Product Designers may start their own design studios, agencies, or tech startups. This path allows for creative autonomy and the opportunity to shape products from concept to realisation.

9. Design Educator: Sharing your expertise by becoming a design educator, teaching workshops, courses, or writing design-related content, can contribute to your growth and the growth of the design community.

10. Specialization in Emerging Technologies: With the rise of new technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI), Product Designers can specialise in designing for these cutting-edge platforms.

11. Innovation and Research Roles: Some Product Designers move into roles that involve research and innovation, exploring new design trends, technologies, and methodologies.

12. Cross-Disciplinary Roles: As a Product Designer, you can explore cross-disciplinary opportunities by collaborating with other fields such as engineering, marketing, data science, and business development.

Remember that career progression is a personal journey and can vary based on your interests, strengths, and goals. Continuously developing your skills, seeking out new challenges, and staying updated with design trends and technologies will open up a range of opportunities for growth and advancement in the field of Product Design.