Tabletop Games Product Designer

What is it really like working in product design and the board game industry?

In this episode of Time We Discuss, host Dan sits down with product designer Dougal Grimes to explore his career designing toys and games for global brands. From studying product design engineering in Scotland to working in games marketing and product design, Dougal shares what it takes to build a career in the tabletop game industry.

This conversation dives into how creativity and engineering come together in product design, the role of education versus hands on experience, and how board games have continued to grow even in a digital world. Dougal explains why tabletop games remain important for connection, creativity, and face to face interaction, especially as screen fatigue becomes more common.

You will learn how Dougal broke into the toy and game industry, what product design teams actually look like inside major companies, and what the day to day reality of designing games is really like. He also shares honest advice for anyone considering a career in product design, game design, or the board game industry today.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Product design careers
• Game design and board game development
• Working in the toy and game industry
• Education and career paths in product design
• How board games continue to grow in a digital age
• What it takes to succeed as a product designer

If you are interested in product design, board games, creative careers, or learning what different jobs are really like, this episode is for you.

Listen to more episodes of Time We Discuss and explore careers through real conversations with professionals from a wide range of industries.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy learning about unique career paths and creative industries.

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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:43 - Talking product design
1:52 - Proper education for product designers
2:57 - Getting started in the game and toy industry
5:18 - Marketing and games
7:15 - Industry outlook from the inside
10:36 - The best way to get into the toy and game industry
13:11 - Types of jobs in product design
15:53 - Remote and in-person work for product designers
18:40 - Difficulty in breaking into the games industry
21:17 - What's not to like about this work?
23:39 - Talent has the floor
25:03 - Outro

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Guest Information:

Dougal Grimes

• Dougal's Website

Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:

• Work as Board Game Writer
• Becoming an Inventor, From Idea to Success
• Creating a Company Mandatory Fun Trivia (Gordon Southard)

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