Program Overview

Introduction to Industrial Product Design

Industrial Product Design incorporates hands-on practical skills, research, creativity, engineering, science, business, and marketing to develop novel solutions to a wide range of challenges.

About the Program

Industrial Product Designers harness the latest cutting-edge tools and techniques to solve problems and create desire in consumers. Examples of Industrial Product Design include power tools, parachutes, footwear, furniture, backpacks, bikes, inhalers, and interfaces.

Key Skills for Industrial Product Designers

To be an Industrial Product Designer, you need to be:

• imaginative with good artistic skills
• innovative
• able to work well under pressure
• able to accept criticism
• a good communicator
• persuasive at selling ideas to clients

Entry Requirements

Entry to the Industrial Product Design major is open to anyone with entry to the University. However, it is strongly recommended that you have at least 14 credits in NCEA Level 2 science and mathematics (passed AS level Mathematics in CIE or achieved a 4 SL Maths for IB). Secondary school studies in related subjects such as digital technologies, technology, or design and visual communication would be an advantage.

Subjects and Courses

To complete a Bachelor of Product Design in Industrial Product Design, you must complete compulsory courses in introductory product design, management, engineering, and mathematics, as well as required courses towards the Industrial Product Design major. During your study, you'll develop skills such as:

• Product design methods
• Fluid flow
• Heat transfer
• Sketching
• Drawing
• Computer-aided design
• Design aesthetics
• Materials selection

First Year Overview

In your first year, you will study the basics of the Industrial Design process and techniques, as well as core design science concepts. You will learn practical design skills and problem-solving methods, working on design projects both individually and in teams.

Degree Highlights

• Develop your skills as a designer across multiple portfolio outputs, create your identity and prepare for industry
• Leverage the product development lifecycle – through research, analysis, development, testing, and delivery
• Use industry standard Computer Aided Design and visualisation software to conceptualise, develop, optimise, and communicate your ideas for a wide range of audiences
• Get hands-on with our purpose-built workshop spaces and prototyping tools
• Maximise your ability by learning how the concepts of Engineering, Science, Business, and Marketing can be used to improve your creative solutions
• Take the opportunity to collaborate with NZ design-led companies through live industry project briefs throughout your degree

Career Opportunities

Industrial Product Design graduates have a broad range of skills that can be applied in a variety of creative roles. The degree can lead to a career in any industry that employs graduates with a technical background, creative flair, business mindset, and ambitions to change the world and make it a better place. Industries where you can work include:

• Toys
• Electronics
• Agriculture
• Automotive
• Healthcare
• Leisure and sports
• Set design
• Packaging
• Clothing