Synopsis Design is a specialized discipline that needs a distinctive study. Usually it is considered a component of new product development. Product design has now emerged as a distinct discipline, due to its growing importance. As an integral part of new product development, design plays an important role in the commercial fate of products. What makes design stand out is the need for it to integrate several aspects. These include the basic product functionality, aesthetic looks, ergonomic features, manufacturing capabilities, customer sensibilities, cultural nuances, composition of materials, etc. Crucial for converting ideas into products, design influences brand positioning and corporate image also. This book covers the basics of product design, along with some of the challenges. These include the essentials of good design, stages involved, different levels of design, integrating design with research and innovation, etc. Apart from these, applications of product design in the following sectors are provided: ·Automobiles ·Aviation ·Semiconductors Approaches of BMW and IDEO to product design are also captured, besides case studies on Samsung, Motorola, Electrolux and Lenovo.