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What They Do

Commercial and Industrial Designers Career Video

Insider Info

Think about all the elements that go into a snowboard. Designers have to determine the materials that go into each board -- fiberglass, carbon fiber, epoxy, steel and even wood. They have to consider the shape of each board -- its flex pattern, torque, sidecuts, waist size and binding position.

Snowboard designers have to know how to combine these elements to make snowboards for different riders and different conditions. After all, a 180-pound man and a 120-pound woman aren't going to ride the same board. And you're likely to choose a different board, depending on whether you like riding the half-pipe, jumps or boarding freestyle.

Designers have to consider all these factors when they create or modify snowboards. They have to listen to input from testers, team riders and consumers.

"What we build is a reflection of all kinds of people. My job is to listen to all those people and say what I think," says designer Julia Carlson. And of course, snowboard designers should be able to ride!

Snowboard designers typically work an average workday, Monday to Friday. But some days, instead of driving to work, they get to hit the slopes to try out a new design. "There's always something to test," laughs Carlson.

At a Glance

Create and modify snowboards to suit individual needs

  • You have to listen to input from testers, team riders and consumers
  • You should love to hit the slopes
  • A mechanical engineering degree is a good place to start

Contact

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  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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