Industrial Design Technology

Topics in history of industrial design from 1750 to 1945, such as collaborations between art and industry, mass production, changing patterns of consumption, advances in material processes, the social and/or technological impact of industrial design, and the social and/or technological impact of industrial design on transportation, healthcare, consumer goods, domestic space, and the workplace.

The design process is introduced and practiced as students apply learned fundamental principles to multiple 3-D forms, structures, and products. Students will be introduced to various model-making methods. Students address the historical context of their designs as they practice critical thinking, research, problem solving, and aesthetic refinement. Projects require sketches, models, written reports, and verbal presentations of design concepts.

Computer-aided design (CAD) has become a major part of the product designer’s skillset in recent years. This includes digitally constructing 3-D models of designs for manufacturing as well as image creation for marketing review and material visualization. There are many different CAD programs and associated rendering technologies available, and a design firm’s decision of what to use often comes down to cost, availability, and the experience of those who will use the program. One option is called Rhinoceros, or just Rhino. It is inexpensive, powerful, and easy to learn. Rhino also communicates directly in many of the same file formats as those CAD packages used by mechanical engineers. This combination of attributes make it a good choice to learn for students looking to enter a design firm or start one of their own.

Anywhere there is a person using a system, human factors and engineering concepts inevitably apply. The class concerns the design of systems, products, and services to make them easier, safer, and more effective for human use. The course focuses on human factors concepts and is a broad survey of human factors topics important to designers and researchers. This course surveys topics related to the design of products and interfaces ranging from alarm clocks, cell phones, and aircraft cockpits to logos, presentations, and web sites. Design of such systems requires familiarity with human factors and ergonomics, including the physics and perception of color, sound, and touch, as well as familiarity with case studies and contemporary practices in interface design and usability testing. Students will solve a series of design problems individually and in teams.

Students become better designers when they have an intimate knowledge of a range of materials. Students will learn about the properties of natural wood and engineered wood-based materials, investigate the related technical processes, and evaluate how this information is both connected to and influenced by the design process. Students will work with materials directly and master skills needed to manipulate these materials. They will develop projects that allow them to engage in the design and development process and promote creativity, problem-solving, and the correct use of materials. Facility procedures, safety, care, and use of tools and equipment will be stressed.

Moving a great idea into a sustainable reality requires a fundamental understanding of business. Successful designers understand that business principles overlap, complement, and enhance design principles. Through a variety of exercises students will learn how to approach a variety of real-world scenarios, understand company expectations, and anticipate employer concerns that will help them transition into an entry-level career opportunity. At the end of the course, students will have a started a portfolio and will understand basic professional practices including interviewing for jobs, pitching ideas, networking, freelancing, licensing, and contracts. Students will also understand basic business vocabulary and the way design thinking skills can be used to identify and execute.

Explores the structures, properties, and behavior of plastics as well as how they can be altered through mechanical working and heat-treating. Consideration is also given to the selection of these materials to meet manufacturing and design criteria. Lab experiments will complement the classroom presentations.

Introduces students to methods, materials, and manufacturing processes that translate design processes into mass-produced goods. A major component of downstream design activity involves manufacturing issues – the techniques by which materials are selected, manipulated, and then assembled. Consideration is also given to the selection of these materials to meet manufacturing and design criteria. In-class demonstrations of manufacturing techniques and site visits to local manufacturers will complement the classroom presentations.

Students will work in teams and continue to hone the design process by dissecting an existing product, analyze a market segment, and redesign the product to fit the described market. Students integrate their drawing, model making, and material knowledge to design for consumers.