Physical Product Designer Question:

Understanding mechanical loads and being able to choose the most suitable materials and design structures in response requires the theoretical and practical knowledge of physics. If you are planning to outsource design services, you can test candidates by asking them to define the difference between strength, stiffness and hardness. If they are unable to do that it is best not to proceed no matter how simple the product is. Technical understanding is the backbone of good plastic design, but it is worthless without the ability to apply it in practice.