Product Design Courses

PD240: Fabrication for Design Concepts

Fabrication for Design Concepts introduces students to hands-on fabrication methods for different materials and problem-solving challenges. Students learn how manual and digital fabrication skills, when combined with good craft, accelerate the understanding of form, function and aesthetics.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): F130 & F113/F115

PD241: Advanced Design Fabrication: Softgoods, Mechanisms & Clay Surfacing

Advanced Design Fabrication: Softgoods, Mechanisms & Clay Surfacing introduces students to complex problem-solving in patternmaking, sewing, mechanism and gearing systems, and surfacing design for hydrodynamic vehicles. Each project encourages independent decision-making as design challenges become more complex.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD240

PD250: Design for Human Interface

Design for Human Interface examines design challenges presented by different users. The course highlights the power of design in society and the responsibility of the designer to their client.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): F130 & F113/F115

PD251: Human-Centered Problem-Solving in Product Design

Human-Centered Problem-Solving in Product Design deepens students’ understanding of user research and how this research impacts product design.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD250

PD252: Design Visualization & 3D CAD Modeling

Design Visualization and 3D CAD Modeling introduces students to a variety of manual visualization and digital design documentation skills required to develop ideas, communicate them to others and document designs for next steps in manufacturing.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): F130 & F113/F115

PD253: Design Visualization & Presentation

Design Visualization and Presentation moves students to fluency in sketching skills (line, visual hierarchy, perspective, proportion, lettering, and prolificacy). Tablet drawing using Sketchbook Pro and Illustrator is introduced to master the speed and control required in the professional design studio.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD252

PD340: Design Research & Sponsored Design

Design Research and Sponsored Design introduces students to the role of research to achieve design solutions for corporate client. Projects and deliverables range from consumer products to transportation to workstations to wearable technology.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD251

PD341: Collaborative Design – Usability Studies in the Sponsored Context

Collaborative Design – Usability Studies in the Sponsored Context provides the student with sponsored team-based projects solving ergonomic challenges. User feedback provides essential direction for design refinement and resolution.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD340

PD342: Manufacturing Processes & Technologies; Sustainability

Manufacturing Processes and Technologies; Sustainability examines processes and systems used in manufacturing of consumer products. Widely-used technologies in plastics, metals and composites are studied both as industrial processes and as essential design strategies and protocols. Students learn the most appropriate manufacturing strategy with an emphasis on sustainable materials and processes.

Credits: 1.5
Prerequisite(s): PD241

PD343: Portfolio & Internship Preparation

Portfolio and Internship Preparation readies students for the process of securing a design internship. Students will develop and present a full portfolio to the department faculty for assessment.

Credits: 1.5
Prerequisite(s): PD241

PD344: Digital Modeling & Surfacing

Digital Modeling and Surfacing strengthens students’ CAD modeling skills through a focus on industry expectations. Students learn how to position their design in environmental context and configure lighting schemes for optimal client presentation. Photoshop and Illustrator are used in conjunction with rendering results to deliver an integrated approach modeling and visual presentation.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD250 & PD252

PD345: Advanced Design Surfacing

Advanced Design Surfacing focuses on 3D CAD modeling protocol. Visualization considerations for product renderings include texture mapping, exploded views and animation.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD344

PD352: Digital Sketching, Visualization & Narrative Systems

Digital Sketching, Visualization and Narrative Systems connects manual drawing skills to designing narrative presentations.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD252

PD359: Human Factors: Designing for the Human Condition

Product Designers play a key role in developing solutions for users and their interaction with man-made objects and environments. Human Factors teaches students to observe and better understand human cognitive, physical and behavioral factors in order to develop solutions that address challenges unseen by the average person.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD344

PD440: Smart Objects in the Home: User Experience/User Interaction (UX/UI)

Smart Objects in the Home focuses on UX/UI learning outcomes to prepare students for the International Housewares Association competition and research and problem finding for the Senior Project. Students engage in independent design thinking and research modules independently and individual reviews with department faculty. Students pursue problem framing and design for their projects.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD341

PD441: Senior Project: Capstone Initiative

Senior Project: Capstone Initiative is a self-directed exploration into a passion and problem of the student’s choosing. Research and user input help guide the student towards a viable and innovative solution. This culminating experience is framed and structured by all prior coursework and learning outcomes.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD440

PD442: Business of Design Practice

Business of Design Practice prepares students for the professional expectations of the design industry. The course focuses on networking, professional conduct, professional communication, portfolio development, business contracts for entrepreneurial or freelance work and intellectual property rights.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD341

PD451: Display & Exhibit Design

Display & Exhibit Design leads students through the processes and outcomes expected in display, exhibit, trade show and point-of-purchase (POP) systems offering a range of opportunities for the graduating student to pursue.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): PD440