Foundations of Integrated Product Design

In this introductory seminar, you will learn the entire process of Integrated Product Design – from research and initial ideas to visualization and the finished prototype. You will design and develop a low-complexity product (e.g. home accessory), from sketch to completion. You will be guided through the process step-by-step, with new input and corresponding assignments each week. By the end of this course, you will have designed a real product for a specific context of use and produced it in a small batch (10 pieces). We will cover topics such as design history, design research, ideation techniques, form development and design principles, visualization and prototyping, selection of appropriate materials and possible fabrication, serial production, and costing. The object to be designed is of low-complexity and feasible to make with available resources. Interdisciplinary teamwork (2 people) is encouraged.