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We live immersed in a world created and defined by products, systems, and experiences that product designers create. Students learn a process consisting of physical and digital skills that evolve from discovery through development to the delivery of meaningful design solutions. Product Design is broad and encompasses design aspects related to all the other art and design majors. The program aims to prepare students for future design practice through a broad-based, hands-on experience that blends traditional art and craft with industry-related skills, technology, design knowledge, and practices. The curriculum allows students to select elective courses that align with their needs, career interests, abilities, or skill sets. Students emerge from the program empowered with the design and business skills that enable them to work in any design field. Alums of the program work for companies and consulting firms such as Apple, Raytheon, SpaceX, Crate & Barrel, Target, Disney, Coach, Guess, Vans, Herman Miller, IBM, Mattel, Nike, Adidas, Sony Pictures, Nissan, and more.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students engage in the study and practice of design as a creative, iterative process that involves curiosity, research, insight, creativity and critical thinking, ideation, sketching, prototype making, and marketing. Students learn hands-on-making skills in hard and soft materials, craft-based processes, and 2D and 3D analog and digital skills design methods.

Graduates of the BFA in Product learn how to:

  • Design Process: Use the Product Design and Development Process as a means to manage the development of an idea from concept through to production.
  • Design Research: Employ research and analysis methodologies as it pertains to the product design process, meaning, and user experience.
  • Design Thinking: Apply creative process techniques in synthesizing information, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
  • Design Communication: Demonstrate skills in representing ideas and design solutions in 2D hand drawings and 3D digital imagery, displaying an acute awareness of technical fluency, visual storytelling, and craftsmanship.
  • Design Prototyping: Use of basic fabrication to build prototype models for hard goods and soft goods and packaging.
  • Design Engineering: Demonstrate, and recognize basic engineering, mechanical, and technical principles.
  • Design & Materials: Demonstrate, apply, explain, and recognize the basic family of materials used in soft goods and hard goods, including sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.

Course Sequence

  • Product Design Sophomore - Fall

    Design Studio I PRDS202 - 3 Credits

    In today's consumer-driven world, people constantly look for products that fulfill their needs, make them feel good, or fulfill their desires. Through a series of hands-on projects, students learn to apply various 2D drawing, computer, and making skills using hard materials applicable to furniture, lighting, home goods, and other product types. Students apply the design process to develop their ideas and explore the relationships between form, function, and how culture can be expressed by and be an influence on the object of design. Work is presented in a series of critique sessions and documented on a digital website. Skills introduced: design process, user experience, identification of form and function relationships, cultural design influence and forces.


    Design Communication I PRDS210 - 3 Credits

    Sketching and technical drawings are fundamental to product design in communicating ideas, designs, and concepts. This course presents techniques, tips, and tricks, from quick concept sketching to producing technical drawings to communicate ideas. Students will begin to delineate 3-D forms in 2-D space and the various phases and deliverables of the design process. Skills introduced: rapid ideation, iterations, concept sketches, perspective drawing and shading, color rendering, visual fluency, cross-sections, exploded views and digital rendering, 3-D modeling, and visual presentation. Skills reinforced: design process, design communication, storytelling, and intention.


    Methods and Materials I PRDS230 - 3 Credits

    Yes, products are made from materials. This course introduces students to hard materials (wood, metal, plastic, glass) and all the shops, labs, tools, and techniques for fabricating prototype and presentation models for Product Design. In this hands-on studio, students work with various types of materials in a series of small skills-oriented projects. They learn shop tools and develop skills in form-making. Skills introduced: model making, shop skills, 3D form, surface finishing, sketching, visual fluency, and forces on the form.


    History and Future of Product Design AHCS225 - 3 Credits

    An introduction to the relationship between design and functionality in objects with an emphasis on understanding designed objects in their broad sociocultural context. (Required for all Product Design majors.)


    Creative Action Lecture CAIL200 - 3 Credits*

    Creative Action Liberal Arts electives enable students to work in transdisciplinary teams with a community partner. Emphasizing collaborative methodology, synthesizing diverse perspectives, creativity, critical thinking, clear communication, and information literacy, students engage in issues that extend beyond the traditional classroom. See department for course offerings.

  • Product Design Sophomore - Sophomore

    Design Studio II PRDS203 - 3 Credits

    Products like footwear and fashion accessories express culture and personality and build self-esteem. Building on the skills learned in Design Studio I and Digital Design I, students deploy them in thoroughly investigated and contextualized designs, cultural awareness, and self-expression. Digital modeling and design components are introduced as part of the design process. Through 2-3 projects throughout the semester, students will distill research and explore data visualization, contextualization, trends, user flow, and storyboarding, emphasizing the user. Skills introduced: Students learn to communicate their design concepts and user scenarios using 2D, 3D, and 4D methods (UX). Skills reinforced: design process, research, contextualization, user interaction.


    Design Communication II PRDS211 - 3 Credits

    Students continue to develop a 2D drawing foundation of 3D space by hand and digitally. Interface design is introduced to add a digital element to the previous semester’s project. Students will learn orthographic hand drawing and rendering (precise annotation, translating physical assets and photographic references into graphic representations) with pencil, pen, and marker, as well as 2D digital drawing and rendering (Illustrator, Photoshop, basic technical package for manufacturing, storyboarding), and advanced digital sketching. Skills introduced: orthographic drawing, composition, digital drawing. Skills reinforced: hand and digital rendering, 2D form, visual fluency, and visual stylization. Software and tools: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Figma. Students will learn to prepare work for portfolios, presentations, exhibitions, decks, and websites.


    Methods and Materials II PRDS231 - 3 Credits

    A continuation of the previous semester’s course, the focus is on advanced techniques and finishing skills. Students are introduced to equipment, tools and techniques for fabricating prototype samples and presentation models in Product Design. Students deploy the design process skills they have learned in the Design Studio I, and II courses to their projects and presentations. In this hands-on studio, students work with various materials in a series of small skills-oriented projects. Skills reinforced: sketching, 3D form giving, forces of form, visual fluency, surface finishing, and craftsmanship.


    Theories and Trends in Contemporary Art, Media and Culture AHCS224 - 3 Credits

    This course stresses the relationships between contemporary culture and media and their connections to related creative and theoretical disciplines that have influenced art practice and human experience in the years roughly from 1955 to the present. “Theories and Trends in Contemporary Art, Media and Culture” critically examines the range of roles that popular culture, mass media and colonial institutions of privilege play in all creative practices. This class challenges facile and well-worn constructions of gender, difference, ableism, race, ethnicity, “high” and “low” art to work towards conceptions of the self, identity, and of culture that are fluid. Research and case studies focus on the inter-textual and the inter-disciplinary. Students learn and critically evaluate major theories of contemporary art and design through textual, visual, and hands-on inquiry, encouraging independent thinking via active in-class and student-directed projects.


    LAS Sophomore Elective LIBS214 - 3 Credits*

    More than one course may be available, see the Course Catalog and consult the department and/or your advisor for more information.

  • Product Design Junior - Fall

    Product Design Studio III - Hard Goods Product Lines PRDS302 - 3 Credits

    A project-driven course focused on the design and development of durable goods (hard goods) which are products intended to remain functional for an extended period of time. This include furniture, electronics, appliances, tools, jewelry, sporting goods, housewares, and more. Course content and projects involve all aspects of the product design and development process from research, ideation, product definition, prototyping and presentation for these types of products. Students learn a wide range skills and fabrication processes using hard materials that include plastics, metal, wood, glass, ceramic, cement, and sustainables. Projects vary in complexity and the type of product from semester to semester by the instructor and/or industry partner. Focus is on students demonstrating their awareness of design skills, and fabrication skills learned from previous semesters.


    Design Communication III - SolidWorks - Digital Modeling PRDS310 - 3 Credits

    A computer-aided design (CAD) program widely used in the Product Design industry is SolidWorks. CAD software enhances all aspects of the product design process. It goes beyond 2D renderings allowing designers to work in 3D to ensure it fits the criteria of function and aesthetic with a degree of accuracy and certainty that in the past would not have been possible. This introductory course to SolidWorks teaches the basics of 3D modeling, rendering techniques, and the processes for manufacturing. Students learn to digitally build and manipulate 3D forms and output their efforts through renderings, drawings, or 3D objects. Instructors give weekly demonstrations of the software techniques and capabilities. Individual desk crits and group presentations and critiques provide feedback on each student’s design process and abilities. Skills introduced: Solidworks 3D CAD software, modeling, rendering, and 3D print output. Skills reinforced: drafting, rendering, 2D digital fluency, visual stylization, and composition. Software: SolidWorks and Keyshot.


    Studio Elective - 3 Credits*

    A Studio Elective is any art and/or design course with visual production (not a Liberal Arts and Sciences course) that may be offered within or outside a student’s studio major. Students must meet the course’s prerequisite or co-requisite requirements, class level, or other criteria specified in the Course Description. See the Course Catalog (pdf) for a complete list of courses.


    Social Science SSCI210 - 3 Credits*

    More than one course may be available, see the Course Catalog and consult the department and/or your advisor for more information.


    Math MATH136 - 3 Credits*

    Explores the connections between math and art in two and three dimensions. The class includes an exploration of Escher’s work, tiling the plane, fractals, and the golden ratio. It also covers topics such as graphing equations and geometric constructions.

  • Product Design Junior - Spring

    Product Design Studio IV - Soft Goods Product Lines PRDS303 - 3 Credits

    Students connect and apply the soft goods making skills learned to design a family of objects in the soft goods category of projects. These products include fashion accessories, footwear, bags, and backpacks, activewear, packaging. Students will design specifications and research materials and create three-dimensional prototype products from flat patterns. Students will investigate human factors, need finding, materials and hardware exploration, function, style, and performance. There is a strong emphasis on concept, form, style, personal expression, and excellence in craftsmanship. This studio's content, structure, and emphasis vary from semester to semester. Skills and knowledge introduced: sketching for soft goods and the fashion accessory product category, business dynamics/value analysis, product development, and design writing. Skills reinforced: prototyping, sketching, photography, 2D layout, information design, brand, materials, manufacturing, sustainability, industry awareness,


    Design Communication IV – Advanced Digital Skills PRDS311 - 3 Credits

    A computer-aided design (CAD) program widely used in the Product Design industry is SolidWorks. CAD software enhances all aspects of the product design process. It goes beyond 2D renderings allowing designers to work in 3D to ensure it fits the criteria of function and aesthetic with a degree of accuracy and certainty that in the past would not have been possible. This introductory course to SolidWorks teaches the basics of 3D modeling, rendering techniques, and the processes for manufacturing. Students learn to digitally build and manipulate 3D forms and output their efforts through renderings, drawings, or 3D objects. Instructors give weekly demonstrations of the software techniques and capabilities. Individual desk crits and group presentations and critiques provide feedback on each student’s design process and abilities. Skills introduced: Solidworks 3D CAD software, modeling, rendering, and 3D print output. Skills reinforced: drafting, rendering, 2D digital fluency, visual stylization, and composition. Software: SolidWorks and Keyshot.


    Creative Action Studio CAIL301 - 3 Credits*

    An upper-division interdisciplinary studio course offering unique core content that shifts from term to term. This studio affords students the opportunity to engage with professionals from various fields and expand their notion of problem solving beyond their major in public site real world challenges. A limited choice of CAIL301 courses will count for the Community Arts Engagement and Sustainability Minor. Please see the Interdisciplinary Studies Director.


    Human Factors in Product Design NSCI319 - 3 Credits*

    Uses the principles of physics to understand human anatomy as a mechanical system. Emphasis is placed on physiological issues related to age, gender, and physical disabilities. Consideration is also given to the implications of these principles for applied ergonomics. (Required for Product Design majors.)


    LAS Upper Division Elective LIBS314 - 3 Credits

    This course can be an upper division Art History or upper division Liberal Studies elective. See the Course Catalog (pdf) for examples of upper division elective offerings or see the Department and/or your Adviser for more information.

  • Product Design Senior - Fall

    Product Design Studio V – Thesis and Wicked Problems Studio PRDS402 - 3 Credits

    There are many social or cultural problems that are difficult or impossible to solve because of their complex and interconnected nature – these are known as Wicked Problems. Multidisciplinary product designers are uniquely qualified to work within these areas, learning to discover and define and taking an integrated, collaborative design approach to design an appropriate solution. Students engage in deep investigative research within a field of interest to discover a problem, theme, or opportunity to serve as their project. Students integrate all aspects of their education to create a comprehensive brief for their senior project’s in-depth investigation and development. Instructors scaffold deliverables for all research, concept, and design work the students complete. The thesis project concept design, support research, and ideation are submitted as a presentation at the end of the semester. Students will continue to PD Design Studio VI after completing the Thesis Research. Skills, knowledge, and experience developed: research, UX-UI, Figma, teamwork, information design, sustainability, prototyping, leadership, ideation, brainstorming, time management, meaning/semantics, design writing, ethics, point of view, and voice.


    Design Communication Elective PRDS410 - 3 Credits

    This elective studio allows students to focus on specific software or area that will further support their skills and goals as they prepare to graduate. Skills reinforced: 3D modeling, digital rendering, and visual storytelling. Skills introduced: Solidworks or Rhino 3D CAD software, modeling, rendering, and 3D print output. Software: Solidworks or Rhino 3D CAD software, Electives: Keyshot, AfterEffects, Cinema 4D, Figma. Skills reinforced: drafting, rendering, 2D digital fluency, visual stylization, and composition. Prerequisite: Design Communication II PRDS 211 or waiver upon Chair or instructor approval.


    Design and Market I – The Design of Business PRDS440 - 3 Credits

    Design-driven companies of today and the future are looking for hybrid designers who can work across design, business, and marketing functions while retaining their depth of design savvy. This advanced project-based course focuses on design, development, brand, and line extensions related to the development of the cycle of products from design concept to manufacturing and product distribution. Skills reinforced: cross-functional skill development, industry awareness, professional design practices.


    Studio Elective - 3 Credits

    A Studio Elective is any art and/or design course with visual production (not a Liberal Arts and Sciences course) that may be offered within or outside a student’s studio major. Students must meet the course’s prerequisite or co-requisite requirements, class level, or other criteria specified in the Course Description. See the Course Catalog (pdf) for a complete list of courses.


    Capstone LIBS440 - 3 Credits

    A required senior- level course where students identify and critically reflect on a theme that intersects with their own studio practice, discipline, and/or identity and their work in Liberal Studies. The Capstone is the signature course and culminating expression of the Liberal Arts program.

    A minimum grade of “C-" or better is required to pass this course.

    Note that Creative Writing, Art History, Cultural Studies, Sustainability minors, and Fine Arts majors take specific Capstones. Please see department for courses.

  • Product Design Senior - Spring

    Product Design Studio VI – Thesis Studio + Senior Exhibition PRDS403 - 3 Credits

    Using the previous semester’s designs, students build their prototypes, learn to work with vendors and develop their thesis project, and solve issues and constraints. The second part of the course focuses on preparing their work for the Annual Exhibition and the design of Exhibits and communication in a post-Otis world. Skills introduced: Exhibition design, graphic communication, video, animation, and editing. Skills and experience reinforced: design research, observational research, UX-UI, FIGMA, teamwork, information design, sustainability, prototyping, leadership, ideation, brainstorming, time management, meaning/semantics, design writing, ethics, point of view, and voice.


    Design and Market II – The Design of Business PRDS441 - 3 Credits

    Design-driven companies of today and the future are looking for hybrid designers who can work across design, business, and marketing functions while retaining their depth of design savvy. This advanced project-based course focuses on design, development, brand, and line extensions related to the development of the cycle of products from design concept to manufacturing and product distribution. Skills reinforced: cross-functional skill development, industry awareness, professional design practices.


    Studio Elective - 3 Credits

    A Studio Elective is any art and/or design course with visual production (not a Liberal Arts and Sciences course) that may be offered within or outside a student’s studio major. Students must meet the course’s prerequisite or co-requisite requirements, class level, or other criteria specified in the Course Description. See the Course Catalog (pdf) for a complete list of courses.


    Studio Elective - 3 Credits

    A Studio Elective is any art and/or design course with visual production (not a Liberal Arts and Sciences course) that may be offered within or outside a student’s studio major. Students must meet the course’s prerequisite or co-requisite requirements, class level, or other criteria specified in the Course Description. See the Course Catalog (pdf) for a complete list of courses.


    LAS Upper Division Elective LIBS314 - 3 Credits

    This course can be an upper division Art History or upper division Liberal Studies elective. See the Course Catalog (pdf) for examples of upper division elective offerings or see the Department and/or your Adviser for more information.

  • Electives

    Design Communication V - Elective - SolidWorks | Rhino | Interactive - 3 Credits

    This elective studio that allows students to focus on specific software or area that will further support their skills and goals as they prepare to graduate. Skills reinforced: 3D modeling, digital rendering, and visual storytelling. Skills introduced: Solidworks or Rhino 3D CAD software, modeling, rendering, and 3D print output. Software: Solidworks or Rhino 3D CAD software, Electives: Keyshot, AfterEffects, Cinema 4D, Figma. Skills reinforced: drafting, rendering, 2D digital fluency, visual stylization, and composition.

    Prerequisite: Design Communication II PRDS 211 or waiver upon Chair or instructor approval

*Must be completed during this academic year, semester may be assigned for CAIL course