undergraduate
Industrial and product design
Best schools with industrial and product design
What is an industrial and product design major?
Industrial and product design is a concentration in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences via the creation of effective forms, shapes, and packaging for manufactured products. Course topics include designing in a wide variety of plastic and digital media, prototype construction, design development and refinement, principles of cost saving, and product structure and performance criteria relevant to aesthetic design parameters.
of students said hands-on experience was a highlight of this major.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said balancing many projects & deadlines was a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do industrial and product design majors make?
This data isn't currently reported, but we're working on it!
How popular is industrial and product design as a major?
Each year, around 1,640 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 35 students obtain an associate degree in industrial and product design. In 2021, 1,574 students received a bachelor's degree and 30 students received an associate degree. This is 2% fewer industrial and product design majors than there were in 2020. Industrial and product design is a relatively uncommon major within design.
Advice from industrial and product design majors
Share your experienceUse whatever resources you have access to. If your school has a maker space, spend time at the beginning of semesters making yourself familiar with the space and the tool and supplies offered to you.
Start researching on this early on. Research successful peoples' portfolio to get some inspiration. Connect with people in the field through LinkedIn to get advice about the field and how to be successful. Join design societies such as the Industrial Designer Society of America.
Remember that you can always design better and to learn to accept critique without taking it personally.
Take your time with the program and don’t rush it. It’s okay if you take longer compare to others, which would mean you are taking it very seriously. Also ask your professors or your classmates for help.
