Category: Product Design Courses

2026-2027 Academic Catalog

  • DPR-125 INTRODUCTION TO PRODUCT DESIGN

    This course orients students to the fundamentals,of the design process. Students will create a,series of product design solutions that explore,and refine skills related to design thinking,,drawing and physical making. Each project will,build on the learning from the previous project to,facilitate competency through repetition. Projects,will explore creativity as it relates to,inspiration, aesthetics and problem solving.,Students will develop a basic understanding of,various analog and digital design tools, along,with utilizing the prototyping facilities to,create 3 dimensional functional concepts.,Throughout this course students will be exposed to,various guest presentations from alumni and,professionals, along with participating in design,related field trips,This course introduces students to the,fundamentals of the four phases of the design,process. Students should demonstrate a basic,understanding of problem solving, user needs, and,if applicable the elements of diversity, equity,,and inclusive design.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DPR-126 PRODUCT DESIGN I

    This course dives deeper into the fundamental,phases of the design process. Students will,expand their knowledge of each phase of the design,process from research, to ideation and concept,refinement and ending with a complete finalized,story. Students will cultivate confidence in 2D,drawing and sketching which will then translate,into quick physical mock-ups and 3D prototypes. By,the end of this class students will have a better,understanding of how products are designed and,made as well as what skills are necessary for,success in the industrial design profession.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DFN 132

  • DPR-161 3D MODELING & RENDERING I

    This introductory course is designed to equip,students with essential digital modeling skills to,craft a design from concept to final realistic,rendering. Students will gain an understanding of,the role digital modeling plays within the field,of Product Design by incorporating it into the,design process from ideation, design refinement,,3D printing to final renderings. This is a,foundational course as these skills will translate,into future courses and other software packages.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DPR-205 INFORMATION DESIGN: 2D LAYOUT

    This course focuses on enhancing two-dimensional,design abilities for Industrial Designers,,emphasizing effective communication and,storytelling. Through various projects, students,explore the principles of 2D design to develop,skills in organizing page layouts and,presentations for clear and concise communication.,Content includes understanding visual hierarchy,,aesthetics, and spatial relationships. Projects,vary from digital slide presentations,,presentation board layout and even advertising,posters and banners.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DFN 119

  • DPR-213 VISUAL COMMUNICATION FOR PRODUCT,DESIGNERS

    This required course is the first in the sequence,of courses where students learn to communicate,their ideas and concepts in a clear and effective,manner. Students will gain further confidence in,their sketching and concept ideation skills by,advancing their traditional paper and pencil,methods as well as an introduction to various,digital tools and techniques. This course dives,deeper into advanced sketching and drawing,including composition and storytelling with an,introduction to basic rendering techniques. These,skills are necessary for success in the future.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DFN 101

  • DPR-214 ADVANCED VISUAL COMMUNICATION

    This required course is the final in the sequence,of courses where students learn advanced methods,to communicate their ideas and concepts. Here,students will gain advanced sketching, concept,ideation and rendering skills utilizing various,digital tools and techniques to create,professional outcomes and an effective design,workflow. 3D digital models along with rendering,software will be utilized to effectively,communicate ideas through animations and video,editing.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DFN 119, DPR 213, DPR 161

  • DPR-220 DESIGN RESEARCH

    In this course, students will be introduced to,research tools used in the Discovery Phase of the,design processes. These foundational research,tools will equip students with the ability to,identify user insights that will inform iterative,ideation and creative prototype solutions that are,respectful of users’ needs and goals. Students,will also explore how user experiences are,designed and improved; considering the,interactions that users have in different contexts,and with different products in order to make them,more useful, enjoyable and accessible.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DPR-221 DESIGN THEORY

    Students will engage in a deep exploration of,aesthetics, form, shape, and color, nurturing,their ability to recognize and appreciate the,elements that make a design visually captivating.,Through a combination of theoretical discussions,,practical exercises, and hands-on projects,,students will embark on a journey to understand,the essence of beauty in design. They will explore,various design principles and theories, analyzing,how aesthetics contribute to the overall impact,and emotional resonance of a design and its brand,message.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DPR-225 PRODUCT DESIGN II

    In this course students will cover the full,product development process from creative,problem-solving based on consumer needs all the,way through to finished models. The course,emphasizes human factors and an exploration into,inspiration, form and brand language to develop a,broad range of concepts that explore aesthetic,sensitivity with an attention to detail. Students,will understand color, form, material and texture,and how it relates to the brand vocabulary. If,applicable, course topics will consider themes of,inclusivity and equitable design.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DPR 126

  • DPR-226 PRODUCT DESIGN III

    In this course students will cover the full,product development process from creative,problem-solving based on consumer needs all the,way through to finished physical models, advanced,renderings and animations. The course emphasizes,exploration from user experience research and,inspiration, human factors and ergonomics, along,with form and brand language to develop a mature,and successful design solution with aesthetic,sensitivity and attention to detail. Course topics,may consider sustainable, equitable and inclusive,design strategies

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: