Industrial Design Course Descriptions

IDUS 100 Introduction to Industrial Design
This course introduces students to the industrial design profession. Lectures, discussions and problem solving exercises explore industrial design as a creative process, examine its history and provide insight into professional opportunities in the field. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

IDUS 160 Survey of Industrial Design
In this course students focus on the chronological context of the development of the industrial design profession, relating it to the social, cultural and economic events that helped shape our modern day society. Studies are focused on major industrial designers and innovations. Prerequisite: DRAW 100.

IDUS 212 Model and Prototype Development
This course introduces the use of hand tools and workshop equipment to develop rapid study models and mid-fidelity prototypes related to industrial design. Students build study models of products to professional standards of accuracy and finish, with an emphasis on rapid development. All aspects of workshop practice and safety are emphasized. Prerequisite: IDUS 100.

IDUS 213 Industrial Design Idea Visualization
This course develops the drawing skills and 2-D presentation techniques used to convey design ideas in the industrial design profession, including the rapid construction of perspective systems, the ability to sketch quickly and accurately, the use of basic line and weight methods to convey ideation rationale, and the visual representation of product assembly. Additionally, students learn how to manipulate hand drawn sketches using computer software. Prerequisite: IDUS 212.

IDUS 215 Contextual Research Methods
This course presents the techniques necessary to conduct relevant and useful research of a novel domain in context. Students gain knowledge and expertise to contribute to the design process in user-centered products and systems in which user, goals and task needs are given primary importance. Prerequisite: IDUS 212.

IDUS 221 Human Factors in Industrial Design
This course explores the physical, psychological, perceptual and behavioral characteristics of humans. Through a series of lectures and projects, this information is applied to the field of industrial design to develop safe and effective products. Prerequisites: IDUS 213, IDUS 215.

IDUS 250 The Development of Product Form
A sequence of short projects provides students with an opportunity to investigate the design issues associated with familiar mass-produced products and to gain an understanding of design methodology. Projects are developed to enhance working knowledge of the importance of form, and the impact and relevance of visual and physical design decisions. Prerequisites: IDUS 213, IDUS 215.

IDUS 308 Advanced Model and CNC Prototype Construction
In this course, students combine skills from a range of studies to explore designing and producing objects. Students work with a variety of tools to learn how to design and finish presentation models. Students use metal shop machinery and painting equipment to learn the techniques commonly employed in accurate scale-model fabrication, assembly and finishing. Students are also introduced to the basic principles of computer numerated controlled model creation. Prerequisites: ELDS 205, IDUS 212.

IDUS 312 Manufacturing and Assembly Technology
The course emphasizes the practical relationship between industrial design and the manufacturing industry and the technical considerations that influence the choice of material and process for small batch and mass production. Prerequisites: IDUS 221, IDUS 250.

IDUS 313 Computer Modeling
This course applies design-based simulation and 3-D modeling to the industrial design process. State of the art software is used as a modeling tool, and computer graphics are used as a communication tool for newly developed products. Prerequisites: IDUS 221, IDUS 250.

IDUS 316 Portfolio and R??sum?? Development
Students begin to structure their industrial design projects into a cohesive and formal portfolio of work, preparing them for internship and employment opportunities. Emphasis is placed on interviewing skills, portfolio preparation, and presentation refinement. At the end of this course students formally present the majority of their industrial design work in a structured critique to multiple faculty evaluators. Prerequisites: IDUS 312, IDUS 313.

IDUS 320 Design for Emergent Markets
Students are introduced to the design issues relating to product development and manufacture in markets without a mature mass production culture or infrastructure and markets that are developing their industrial base. Students produce designs for specific geographic regions, with an emphasis on current industry strategies. Prerequisites: IDUS 312, IDUS 313.

IDUS 321 Industrial Design in the Marketplace
Through a sequence of design projects, students consider more complex design issues and their corresponding problems. Students work through the product development cycle, and while they are expected to apply their project skills and technical knowledge to formulate design solutions that are both visually appealing and functional, they also focus on the skills necessary to communicate ideas to engineers, marketing and other stakeholders. Prerequisite: IDUS 316.

IDUS 325 Emerging Manufacturing Materials
Students examine innovative trends in manufacturing methods and materials via lectures, studio assignments and research. Techniques for discovering, analyzing, and identifying potential applications for these new methods and materials are presented. Students explore various sources for innovative technology, including organizations such as: NASA, NSF, ASM and University Research Centers. Prerequisite: IDUS 316.

IDUS 331 Advanced Model Building
This course offers advanced study and practice in the tools, techniques, materials and equipment used to construct professional-quality models and prototypes related to industrial design. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, realism and making multiple function prototypes. Workshop practice and safety are emphasized. Prerequisite: IDUS 212.

IDUS 355 Sensory Awareness
Humans perceive their environments with all of the senses. This course seeks to incorporate that understanding into the design process to provide an understanding of the sensory nature of products and their environments as a whole. Through a sequence of design projects, students learn to consider and anticipate human sensory, perceptional, and cognitive abilities. Students work through the product development cycle, gaining an understanding of users' needs and desires based on the acquired sensational knowledge and learn to incorporate that knowledge into the design process for clients, engineers, marketers and other stakeholders. Prerequisite: IDUS 221.

IDUS 360 Advanced Product Rendering
Students develop the skills necessary to prepare high quality design presentations in mixed media. The course builds on the knowledge and skills developed in earlier courses. Prerequisite: IDUS 250.

IDUS 383 Product Animation
This course addresses industry interest in product simulation using Alias, a high-end 3-D computer software. The class explores product animation and assembling simulation in order to develop an aesthetic of motion. Advanced techniques and methods of creating hyper-realistic images and believable movements are studied. Prerequisite: IDUS 313.

IDUS 384 Design for Sustainability
The concept of ???green design??? is introduced and integrated into design projects. Specific techniques, guidelines and examples are used to emphasize the practical aspects of green design. Valuable case studies are included. While considering the profitability of the product, students are required to design in a way that benefits the global environment. Prerequisite: IDUS 321.

IDUS 386 Design Semantics
The theory of product semantics is introduced and integrated into projects. Techniques, guidelines and examples illustrate the practical aspects of product semantics. Students apply both symbol theory and morphological psychology to their projects. Prerequisite: IDUS 321.

IDUS 387 Marketing and Industrial Design
This course introduces systematic objective research and analysis of information relevant to the identification and solution of problems in marketing. Students analyze theories of consumer behavior and their application to industrial design and utilize marketing knowledge in their designs. Prerequisite: IDUS 321.

IDUS 400 Transport Design
Students are introduced to the specialized design skills and techniques and the issues involved in developing design solutions for transport-related products. Transportation is considered in its broadest terms and includes the primary motive products and the infrastructure they require. Prerequisite: IDUS 321.

IDUS 401 Prototype Project Conceptualization
This is the first in a three-quarter sequence covering the research, design and construction of a full-scale working prototype. In this course, students, working in a team environment, research user needs, human factors, aesthetic issues, manufacturing requirements and market demands to identify user needs and product opportunities. Teams use brainstorming and other ideation methodologies to produce and develop numerous design concepts. Students work with industry partners to gain a deep understanding of issues related to the project concept. Student designs are developed through final concept and full-scale mock-up. Prerequisite: IDUS 321.

IDUS 402 Prototype Project Construction
This is the second in a three-quarter sequence covering the research, design and construction of a full-scale working prototype. In this course, students begin to translate their design concept into the major systems of the working prototype. Mass production and assembly issues impact the design and must be resolved by students. Prerequisite: IDUS 321.

IDUS 403 Prototype Project for Final Production
This is the third in a three-quarter sequence covering the research, design and construction of a full-scale working prototype. In this final course, students complete construction of a working prototype and use the fabrication and assembly process to develop production line concepts. Students document the prototype and construction process. Prerequisite: IDUS 321.

IDUS 410 Industrial Design Innovation
This course explores the methods of identifying and developing inventive solutions to a wide range of design problems. Students are presented with design problems concerning user and function, which require them to develop the skills to devise, test and experiment with new design directions and solutions. The course also covers the means of protecting design ideas. Prerequisite: IDUS 325.

IDUS 421 Commercial Practices for Industrial Design
Students undertake projects that investigate a broad range of design, marketing and production issues. Project time scales are extended, the need to undertake research is emphasized, and overall project management skills are accentuated. Students are introduced to market-related design issues, product ranging and the key influences in a selection of product series, as well as issues of patent law, project planning, and contract negotiation. Prerequisites: IDUS 321, IDUS 325.

IDUS 431 Industrial Design Senior Studio
In this final studio, students apply all their skills to develop a product of their selection. Under supervision, students demonstrate control of all aspects of the design process. Prerequisites: IDUS 421.

IDUS 451 New York Industrial Design Seminar
This dynamic seminar explores the forefront of industrial design in New York City. Students interact with professionals in the field working in ideation, marketing and manufacturing through visits to prominent I.D. firms and emerging design studios. Students make professional contacts, meet practicing professionals and see the working design environment firsthand. Visits to museums, galleries and an exploration of the most fascinating city in the world complete the trip. Prerequisite: IDUS 421.

IDUS 490 Special Topics in Industrial Design
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various issues in the field of industrial design and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the topic of the course. Prerequisites: Vary according to topic.

IDUS 704 Applied Theory and Management in Industrial Design
In this course, students explore the current practices and theories that form the basis for industrial design projects through lecture and discussion. This course explores advanced methodology and the management of the design process and prepares students for the responsibilities of the profession. Other topics include compilation and interpretation of briefs, production of cost estimates, documentation, design changes and design protection.

IDUS 709 Graduate Research in Industrial Design
A series of demonstration lectures and short projects introduces students to the concept and practice of design inquiry, the discovery of consumers' unarticulated needs and the translation of research conclusions into actionable design objectives. The course, which builds on concepts introduced in Applied Theory and Management in Industrial Design, introduces students to tools with which to conduct primary research, present new ideas effectively, guide the innovation process and foster collaborative behavior within interdisciplinary teams.

IDUS 710 Sensory Awareness in Design
Humans perceive their environment with all five senses in parallel. Designers can build products that capitalize on all five senses, allowing users to better understand and appreciate these products. Through a sequence of lectures, observations, and design projects, students learn to consider and anticipate human sensory, perceptional and cognitive abilities and limitations. Students develop sensation kits and learn to incorporate these tools into the design process in order to communicate multisensory design solutions to clients, engineers, marketers and other stakeholders.

IDUS 711 Methods of Contextual Research
This course presents the techniques necessary to conduct relevant and useful research of a novel domain in context. Students are expected to gain knowledge and expertise to contribute to the design process in user-centered products and systems in which user, goals and task needs are given primary importance. The course covers interviews, focus groups, contextual inquiry and design, surveys and questionnaires, and the creation of new research techniques.

IDUS 713 Industrial Design Studio I
This studio requires students to undertake a project that focuses on more than one stand-alone product. Students are expected to acquire the ability to research and assimilate the design needs of a client and become skilled at placing their own designs within those parameters. Students are required to formulate concept proposals that establish and lead to new design directions.

IDUS 718 Industrial Design Studio II
Students apply advanced design methodology and management techniques by designing two products simultaneously. Students must consider not only the key components in the current designs, but must also propose future improvements based on possible technological advances. Students research technical feasibility and user requirements, as well as construct prototypes, models and components to test the manufacturability or functionality of their proposals. Prerequisite: IDUS 704, IDUS 713.

IDUS 723 Computer Modeling
This course addresses industry interest in product simulation using high-end, 3-D computer software. The course explores product modeling and assembling simulation and analyzes their application to the design process. Computer graphics are used as a communication tool for newly developed products.

IDUS 729 Industrial Design Studio III
Students undertake work that presents them with complex design problems in products intended for mass production. Design briefs are formulated with conflicting criteria that require the simultaneous consideration of function, visual appropriateness and technical practicality. This course provides students with an opportunity to apply the skills learned in previous studios. Students work in an environment that places typical demands on time, creative output and professionalism. Prerequisite: IDUS 709, IDUS 718.

IDUS 733 Entrepreneurship for Designers
This course presents the principles of leadership and project planning critical to forming a profitable, successful new business entity based on an existing original product concept. Business plan development is discussed, as well as core financial business strategies toward the end of achieving innovation in the marketplace. In this course students are exposed to the process of developing original concepts into actual manufactured, marketed and sold products. Prerequisite: FASH 716 or FIBR 719 or FURN 713 or IDUS 713 or MTJW 713.

IDUS 748 Industrial Design M.A. Final Project
In this final studio, M.A. students apply all their skills to develop a product concept that addresses a unique set of needs through an understanding of the consumer and the market. With the collaboration of the supervising professor, students must demonstrate command of all aspects of the design process, from the application of original research findings to the creation of a marketing and production strategy for a product of their choosing. Prerequisite: IDUS 718.

IDUS 755 Directed Studies in Industrial Design I
In association with the professor, students formulate an advanced project study brief in an area of their particular interest. Students refine their design methodology and conceptualization skills while developing in-depth technical knowledge within their chosen specialty. Prerequisite: IDUS 713.

IDUS 760 Model and CNC Prototype Construction
This course encourages students to combine skills from a range of studies to design and produce objects. Students work with a variety of tools to design, create and finish presentation models. By working with simple hand tools, metal shop machinery and painting equipment, students are expected to become familiar with techniques commonly employed in accurate scale model fabrication, assembly and finishing. Emphasis is placed on the production of useful process and presentation models. Prerequisite: IDUS 723.

IDUS 763 Graduate Seminar in Methodology
This course prepares students to formulate original frameworks of thought and methodologies of the design process based on influential writings in design, aesthetics and business theory. Through structured discussions, presentations and documents, students develop and test theories and models of design thinking, innovation and their value in the real world of design management, practice, critical review, education and public service. Prerequisite: IDUS 718.

IDUS 765 Directed Studies in Industrial Design II
Students must formulate a second advanced project brief in a field of study of their choosing, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of design methodology and project management. Prerequisite: IDUS 755.

IDUS 770 Professional Practices in Industrial Design
This course serves as a forum to discuss and prepare for the concerns of the professional world. Emphasis is placed on budgeting skills, portfolio preparation, presentation refinement and professional practices, including ethical issues related to the profession. Prerequisite: IDUS 729.

IDUS 780 Special Topics in Industrial Design
This course provides an opportunity for students to focus on particular issues in the field or to study advanced techniques and processes. Faculty, course content and prerequisites vary each time the course is offered. The course includes lectures, discussions, individual projects and critiques, depending on the nature of the topic.

IDUS 790 Industrial Design M.F.A. Thesis
All industrial design M.F.A. students are required to prepare an original thesis that researches an area of their particular interest. The thesis culminates in a written submission, in conjunction with a conclusive exhibition of research as applied to a specified product design. Prerequisite: IDUS 765.