Philosophically, the ID Department believes that students become better designers when they have an intimate knowledge of a range of natural and synthetic materials. In this course, 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, promote creativity, problem solving, and the correct use of materials. Facility procedures, safety, and care and use of tools and equipment will be stressed.

Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Industrial Design Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design

This course will acclimate new graduate students to the shop environment of the Industrial Design Department. The Metal, Wood and Model Shops are invaluable resources, clarifying pragmatic aspects of the design process from general feasibility of manufacturing to the challenges of translating concepts into tangible objects. This course covers excerpted information from both undergraduate courses Wood I and Metals I and emphasizes safety in the utilization of shop facilities.

Preference is given to first-year Graduate Industrial Design Students.

Major Requirement | MID Industrial Design

This course is a continuation of Design Principles (ID-2464) with an emphasis on problem solving and design process and skills.

Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Industrial Design Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design

This course is a continuation of Design Principles (ID-2464) with an emphasis on problem solving and design process and skills.

Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Industrial Design Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design

This course is a continuation of Design Principles (ID-2464) with an emphasis on problem solving and design process and skills.

Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Industrial Design Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design

This course is a continuation of Design Principles (ID-2464) with an emphasis on problem solving and design process and skills.

Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Industrial Design Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design

This course is a continuation of Design Principles (ID-2464) with an emphasis on problem solving and design process and skills.

Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Industrial Design Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design

This course is a continuation of Design Principles (ID-2464) with an emphasis on problem solving and design process and skills.

Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Industrial Design Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design

The purpose of this course is to expose students to SolidWorks, a widely used solid modeling software program. Students will learn how to translate their hand-sketches into three-dimensional CAD models. Lectures and assignments will focus on the development of form as it applies to plastic part design and assembly. Physical models will be realized through ABS rapid prototyping allowing students to experience true plastic part design. Students should anticipate additional costs for supplies and materials.

Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Industrial Design Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design

The purpose of the CAD course is to introduce students to CAD softwares and techniques used in Industrial Design for 3D modeling. Students may select from sections devoted to (a) solid modeling for manufacturing and assembly, using software like Solidworks or Fusion 360, (b) surface modeling and rendering, using Rhino and Grasshopper, and (c) other forms of computer aided design. Specific offerings vary year to year. The CAD requirement is fulfilled by taking a CAD offering within the department or in a comparable course offered outside the department with department approval.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design

The purpose of the CAD course is to introduce students to CAD softwares and techniques used in Industrial Design for 3D modeling. Students may select from sections devoted to (a) solid modeling for manufacturing and assembly, using software like Solidworks or Fusion 360, (b) surface modeling and rendering, using Rhino and Grasshopper, and (c) other forms of computer aided design. Specific offerings vary year to year. The CAD requirement is fulfilled by taking a CAD offering within the department or in a comparable course offered outside the department with department approval.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design

The purpose of the CAD course is to introduce students to CAD softwares and techniques used in Industrial Design for 3D modeling. Students may select from sections devoted to (a) solid modeling for manufacturing and assembly, using software like Solidworks or Fusion 360, (b) surface modeling and rendering, using Rhino and Grasshopper, and (c) other forms of computer aided design. Specific offerings vary year to year. The CAD requirement is fulfilled by taking a CAD offering within the department or in a comparable course offered outside the department with department approval.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design

This course introduces the students to methods, materials, and manufacturing processes that translate design activity into finished goods. A significant portion of downstream design activity is devoted to manufacturing issues - the techniques by which materials are selected, shaped, and then assembled. Students will be evaluated based upon success of weekly field study research assignments and a final exam.

Enrollment is limited to Junior Industrial Design Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design

This course concludes the Graduate Thesis through iterative prototyping, application and verification that positions and delivers a human-centered, discipline-engaging proposal that will be communicated through an exhibition format, product, product prototype and a final Graduate Thesis document.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate Industrial Design Students.

Major Requirement | MID Industrial Design

This course concludes the Graduate Thesis through iterative prototyping, application and verification that positions and delivers a human-centered, discipline-engaging proposal that will be communicated through an exhibition format, product, product prototype and a final Graduate Thesis document.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate Industrial Design Students.

Major Requirement | MID Industrial Design

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of footwear design and construction based on two different shoe styles: pump/court/slip-on and derby. During that first project you will develop skills for working with a last, pattern making, sewing, construction and finishing techniques. These skills will be applied to a second project of your own choosing and design. You will gain general understanding of the parameters of the last and its correlation to feet and pattern-making. You will gain general understanding of footwear production. From Sketching demo to Spec Specification Sheet Overview to different construction techniques applied. You will acquire a general understanding of footwear construction and terminology. You will learn basic pattern making skills and how to develop your own ideas/styles using the skills acquired. You will acquire skills necessary to work with the tools/machines on hand (knives, sewing machine, lasting pliers etc.) You will develop the skills necessary for constructing basic cemented footwear from start to finish, applying it to different styles. You will learn about materials used in shoemaking, in particular leather, but also alternative materials. For the second half of the semester (final project) you will apply and experiment using techniques/skills learned on a style of your choosing, incorporating your personal skill set to design and build your own unique footwear project (either a pair or two singles).

Elective

Senior Studio is a 12-week intensive experience where you conceptualize, develop, and execute a project that reflects your unique vision and career aspirations. Unlike traditional coursework, this studio is entirely self-directed, allowing you to explore areas that interest you most while building skills directly applicable to your future goals.

Note: Senior Studio uses an application process that has concluded for the Spring 2026 semester.

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design, MID (2.5yr): Industrial Design

Senior Studio is a 12-week intensive experience where you conceptualize, develop, and execute a project that reflects your unique vision and career aspirations. Unlike traditional coursework, this studio is entirely self-directed, allowing you to explore areas that interest you most while building skills directly applicable to your future goals.

Note: Senior Studio uses an application process that has concluded for the Spring 26 semester.

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design, MID (2.5yr): Industrial Design

Clay has been used to make objects for over 20,000 years. It has unique inherent properties with a broad application of use. This course introduces students to the principals involved in the design and production of functional ceramics objects for tabletop and interior spaces. We will employ plaster mold making and ceramic slip casting techniques since this is the preferred method of manufacturing ceramics for both design studios and industry. Students will design at least five distinct objects and produce multiple editions of most of them in response to specific prompts. Innovation and expression will be encouraged. Each project will go through an iteration process to promote refinement of design. This course not only focuses on prototypes but also on completed glazed and fired pieces. The production variations make it possible for students to produce resolved work.

The First half of the semester will focus on two projects. The first will be the design and production of a drinking cup with handle, and the second will build on that with a larger form. We will also do an initial mold-making project to become familiar with the process and a subtractive method for model making.

The second half of the semester will be devoted to designing a collection of interrelated pieces. This will provide a chance for students to dive more deeply into form and function, build on the skills acquired during the first half of the semester and to pursue individual areas of interest. Two or more of the objects in the collection will be selected for production and then developed and refined to finished pieces.

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design, MID (2.5yr): Industrial Design

In “Designing Food” students will explore the product development process through an edible lens. Students will learn to design food-based products ranging from fine dining tasting experiences to sensory experiments to traditional packed products. With an emphasis on material exploration and iterative design, students will identify opportunities surrounding undervalued ingredients and examine how design fits in a culinary landscape. We will practice iterative making with frequent group tastings and discussions to perfect form, formulation, and process. Through this semester we will speak with industry experts to explore the material, ecological, economic, and interpersonal power of food product design.

Projects will include short in class exercises, individually lead culinary prototyping, and a long-term group-based product development inquiry culminating in a final product presentation. Class will often center around group discussions on various parts of food systems, occasionally focused on assigned readings and videos.

Learning objectives include strengthening critical thinking and opportunity identification abilities, honing user research skills, understanding culinary benchtop formulation and processes for manufacturing, and strengthening communication and presentation skills. This studio is focused on sharing so bring your voice and your appetite!

Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design, MID (2.5yr): Industrial Design