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Most product designers find it difficult to deal with changes if they do not constantly update their knowledge. However, under the current economic situation, the work schedules of product designers have become even more demanding. They also frequently need to work outside their home cities. Inflexibility in learning environment arrangements (for example, timetables and locations) in turn has become a major barrier for designers wishing to pursue lifelong learning. Borrowing Hong Kong as a case study, this paper reviews the social and industrial changes that have occurred and the new needs that have arisen. It then briefly discusses the limitations and constraints of the current credit-based system and of e-learning (as well as web-based learning). In presenting how a flexible learning environment has been provided for part-time students in a new product design program, this paper discusses the successes, limitations, constraints and future possibilities for such an environment to meet ever-changing social and industrial needs.