This course focuses on the product design process for the industry, focusing on market awareness, and manufacturing strategies. Students define target markets, conduct benchmarking, and design products aligned with the identified parameters. Through case studies and materials explorations, they identify components, manufacturing processes, and performance requirements that inform design decisions. Students will refine their designs into high-fidelity prototypes using digital fabrication tools, addressing aesthetic, functional, and brand-driven goals. **Fee: A course fee is required for this course and applied via student account**

This upper-level special topics course offers theme-based investigations that frame relevant subjects within industrial design. Through focused research, students explore advanced strategies for design thinking and problem-solving, translating insights into well-developed concepts from ideation to high-fidelity prototyping. Emphasis is placed on the integration of form, material, technology, and manufacturing considerations. Students will develop comprehensive design proposals supported by representation, prototyping, and professional communication. Topics for this course will vary by instructor and semester offering, but may include toy design, lighting design, housewares, sponsored/collaborative design, experimental design, systems design, soft goods, sustainable design, mobility design, etc. **Fee: There is a course fee applied via student account.**

This course will introduce students to the business practice of industrial design. Field trips, guest lecturers, and discussion of current trends help students understand the various employment opportunities for the design professional. The course will cover the mechanics of job searching; creating a résumé, cover letter structure and portfolio, and interviewing to help prepare for design internships, co-ops, and entry-level positions.

Industrial Design Independent Study provides students the means to study in a specialized area with an individual faculty member. With the assistance of their faculty advisers, students will propose a course of study. Students must obtain permission of an instructor and complete the Independent Study Permission Form to enroll. A 3.0 or higher GPA required.

The first of a two-course thesis sequence, the focus of this course is on establishing content, planning, scheduling, and research seeking innovative solutions through the process of concept development, ideation, and in-process evaluation. Final articulation of the project is approved by a faculty committee, presented in a graduate thesis show and accompanied by a written document that addresses how the theories and methods used in the project impact the current and future state of design in society.

Industrial Design Independent Study provides students the means to study in a specialized area with an individual faculty member. With the assistance of their faculty advisers, students will propose a course of study. Students must obtain permission of an instructor and complete the Independent Study Permission Form to enroll. **NOTE: Student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA **

The second of a two-course thesis sequence, this course focuses on continued concept development of a thesis, concluding with the implementation and retrospective evaluation of chosen design problem. Solution is presented in a public exhibition, complemented by a written articulation of how the theories and methods employed in the project impact the current and future state of design in society.