Industrial Design
Chair: Ed Dorsa - IDSA
Associate Professors: E. Dorsa, W. Green, and B. Kennedy
Professor of Practice: M. Sullivan
Assistant Professors: J. Hauptman and E. Morshedzadeh
Adjunct Professor: R. Reuter and A. Sharma
Professor Emeritus: R. Kemnitzer
Overview
As described by the Industrial Designers Society of America, "Industrial Design (ID) is the professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer.
Industrial designers develop these concepts and specifications through collection, analysis and synthesis of data guided by the special requirements of the users, client and manufacturer. They are trained to prepare clear and concise recommendations through drawings, models and verbal descriptions.
Industrial design services are often provided within the context of cooperative working relationships with other members of a development group. Typical groups include management, marketing, engineering and manufacturing specialists. The industrial designer expresses concepts that embody all relevant design criteria determined by the group.
The industrial designer's unique contribution places emphasis on those aspects of the product or system that relate most directly to human characteristics, needs and interests. This contribution requires specialized understanding of visual, tactile, safety and convenience criteria, with concern for the user. Education and experience in anticipating psychological, physiological and sociological factors that influence and are perceived by the user are essential industrial design resources."
The internationally recognized program at Virginia Tech, fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, prepares individuals to enter this dynamic field through a rigorous curriculum and an experienced, dedicated faculty.
Program Requirements
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.
The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
Minor in Industrial Design
Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for minor requirements.
Satisfactory Progress
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree in Industrial Design.
Satisfactory progress requirements toward the degree can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (IDS)
2015-2016: INDUSTRIAL DESIGN LABORATORY II
Introduction to the discipline of Industrial Design.
Emphasis on form generation, including: design theory,
problem solving methodologies, conceptualization of ideas,
and aesthetic sensibility. Secondary emphasis on skill
development in 2 and 3 dimensions: awareness of materials
and manufacturing processes, storyboarding, model making,
written documentation of design process, and verbal
presentation. IDS 2015 is taught in conjunction with IDS
3224: Topics in Design Competencies: Workshop and IDS 2065:
Visual Design.
Pre: ARCH 1016 for 2015; 2015 for 2016.
2015: (3H,7L,5C) 2016: (3H,9L,6C)
2044: HUMAN FACTORS
This course examines human factors as it informs the
design process, and as a tool to maximize the physical
and psychological aspects of design toward the
establishment of a human centered design. Frameworks
of industrial design philosophy, research methods,
standards and data, human issues, cultural context,
and design outcomes.
Pre: ARCH 1016.
(3H,3C)
2065-2066: DESIGN VISUALIZATION
An introduction to two-dimensional modes of representation.
Emphasis is placed on the development of drawing skills
to facilitate documentation, analysis and presentation
in the design process.
Pre: ARCH 1016 for 2065; 2065 for 2066.
(2H,2C)
2114: HISTORY AND THEORY OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
The aesthetics and useful function of objects of
industrial production. This class is based upon the
concept that the values, ideals, and aspirations of a
culture are expressed in material objects and a thorough
knowledge of the history of the profession is
essential to understand one's own particular
circumstance and time.
(3H,3C)
2124: HISTORY AND THEORY OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN-DESIGNERS
The study of individual designers and how their
values, ideals, and aspirations influence the evolution of
design.
(3H,3C)
2214: IDS STUDIO FOR MINORS
Introduction to the discipline and the critical elements
that contribute to the complexity of a work of design.
Emphasis on intellectual discipline, skills development,
communication of ideas, materials research, and a
self-motivated search for critical issues.
For registered Industrial Design Minors only.
(3H,9L,6C)
2304: COMPUTER AIDED INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
An introduction to computer aided two and three-
dimensional design and modeling as applied in
industrial design using both solid and surface
software modeling techniques.
Pre: ARCH 1016.
(3H,3C)
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
3015-3016: INDUSTRIAL DESIGN LABORATORY III
Introduction to systematic processes in design.
Introduction and application of Human Factors
and systematic planning methods in the
development of industrial products in the
areas of work, education and health.
Development of professional presentation
skills and methods.
Pre: 2016 for 3015; 3015 for 3016.
(3H,9L,6C)
3124: MATERIALS AND PROCESSES
Current design processes, materials, manufacturing
processes, techniques, and equipment used in the design
of products for mass and rapid production. Variety of
materials and manufacturing processes available to the
industrial designer for mass production impact his/her
design process. Emphasis placed on the relationship of
processes and equipment, to the environment and the end
user. Includes concepts of material science. Practical
issues of material selection and application, process
selection, and specification.
(3H,3C)
3204: TOPICS IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Issues of practicing in an industrial design professional
environment: public speaking, portfolio presentation,
client/civic engagement (service learning),
interdisciplinary teamwork and leadership in the
development process of industrial products.
Repeatable with instructor permission.
Variable credit and duration.
Variable credit course.
3214: IDS SUMMER STUDIO
Design Laboratory for industrial design. Introduction to
systematic processes in design. Application of Human
Factors and systematic planning methods in the development
of industrial products in the areas of work, education and
health. Development of professional presentation skills and
methods.
For industrial design majors only. Faculty permission
required.
(3H,9L,6C)
3224: TOPICS IN DESIGN COMPETENCIES
Issues of industrial design competencies and expertise
required in a professional design environment, for example:
software; model making (both hand making and digital rapid
prototyping); workshop (wood, metal and plastics);
specialized product design areas (packaging, furniture or
exhibit design).
Repeatable with instructor permission
Variable credit and duration.
Variable credit course.
3234: TOPICS IN DESIGN THEORY
Issues of industrial design theory required for advancement
in a professional design environment, for example: Product
Semantics; Design Ethics; EcoDesign/Sustainability;
Universal Design.
Repeatable with instructor permission.
Variable credit and duration.
Variable credit course.
3514: DESIGN RESEARCH
The course looks at the question of research and the
ongoing exercise of re-definition for designers using
examples of current design research corporations.
Pre: 2016.
(3H,3C)
4015-4016: INDUSTRIAL DESIGN LABORATORY IV
Detailed analysis, research and application of human
factors to the design of equipment, work spaces
and environments. Design and construction of full
scale, interactive models and spaces. Introduction to group
activities. Emphasis on the needs, the production
and marketing factors of special populations, such
as the elderly and disabled.
Pre: 3016 for 4015; 4015 for 4016.
(3H,9L,6C)
4044: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Focus on assembling multidisciplinary teams to engage in the
process of bringing a product to market, building a business
around a core competency in design, the structure of a
design office, and the development and protections of
intellectual property.
Pre-requisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor.
Pre: 2015.
(2H,2C)
4094 (ENGE 4094) (MGT 4094): STARTUP: COMMERCIALIZATION OF INNOVATION
Work in interdisciplinary teams in an experiential
environment replicating modern innovation environments.
Engage in real world innovation commercialization
opportunities. Individual experiences and projects
involving actual inventions, innovations, technologies,
intellectual property (e.g. patents) and market
opportunities. Integrate design thinking, scientists,
entrepreneurs, advisors and other potential collaborators.
Create a representation of a plan for a minimum viable
product for an innovative product or service based on
customer and market feedback.
(3H,3C)
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.