Product Design
About the Program
Bachelor of Science Degree: 187.0 quarter credits
Product Design combines the fields of art, business, and engineering to design the products people use every day. The program in Product Design focuses creativity and intellect, and prepares students for careers in a range of product design fields including corporate product design, design consulting, entrepreneurial endeavors, sustainable product development, and global design initiatives.
The major in Product Design is centered on teaching students the skills to develop and design products for a vast array of industries, specializing in multidisciplinary design research focused on product development and commercialization. It will also encourage collaboration in green design, sustainability and innovation in product development, facilitating and combining the fields of art, business, engineering and technology.
Students have the opportunity to create products ranging from furniture and toys to medical devices and consumer electronics in design competitions and charrettes. Students learn in state-of-the-art facilities that include a modeling shop and studio, laser cutters, 3D printers, rapid prototypers and molding clays and tools. The modeling shop and studio are large design-centered spaces, built to promote and sustain the studio culture students will enter upon graduation.
Students enrolled in the Product Design major will be expected to pursue a minor outside of product design that will allow them to apply their design capabilities toward a specific area of expertise.
For more information about this major, visit the College's Product Design page.
Degree Requirements
In addition to the following requirements for graduation, students enrolled in the Product Design major will be expected to pursue a minor outside of product design that will allow them to apply their design capabilities toward a specific area of expertise.
| General education requirements | ||
| ENGL 101 | Expository Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Persuasive Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Analytical Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| CHEM 201 | Why Things Work: Everyday Chemistry | 3.0 |
| COM 220 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3.0 |
| MATH 101 | Introduction to Analysis I | 4.0 |
| PHYS 103 | General Physics I | 4.0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
| PSY 332 | Human Factors and Cognitive Engineering | 3.0 |
| UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 2.0 |
| Arts and humanities electives | 9.0 | |
| Free electives | 27.0 | |
| Visual studies requirements | ||
| ARTH 102 | History of Art II: High Renaissance to Modern | 3.0 |
| ARTH 103 | History of Art- Early to Late Modern | 3.0 |
| ARTH 300 [WI] | History of Modern Design | 3.0 |
| DIGM 100 | Digital Design Tools | 3.0 |
| PHTO 110 | Photography | 3.0 |
| PHTO 234 | Studio Photography | 4.0 |
| VSCM 230 | Visual Communication I | 4.0 |
| VSCM 240 | Typography I | 3.0 |
| VSST 101 | Design I | 4.0 |
| VSST 102 | Design II | 4.0 |
| VSST 103 | Design III | 4.0 |
| VSST 110 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| VSST 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following: | 4.0 | |
| Multimedia: Performance | ||
| Multimedia: Space | ||
| Multimedia: Materials | ||
| Product Design requirements | ||
| ECON 201 | Principles of Microeconomics | 4.0 |
| ENGR 220 | Fundamentals of Materials | 4.0 |
| DSMR 201 | Analysis of Product | 3.0 |
| MEM 201 | Foundations of Computer Aided Design | 3.0 |
| MGMT 260 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 4.0 |
| PROD 101 | History & Analysis of Product Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 205 | Applied Making I | 3.0 |
| PROD 210 | Introduction to Product Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 220 | Product Design Form Studio | 4.0 |
| PROD 225 | Computer Aided Imagining in Product Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 230 | Product Design Process Studio | 4.0 |
| PROD 235 | Applied Design Visualization | 3.0 |
| PROD 245 | Seminar Professional Landscape | 3.0 |
| PROD 255 | Applied Materials in Product Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 340 | Interdisciplinary Product Design Studio | 4.0 |
| PROD 345 | Applied Human Centered Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 425 | Applied Design Research | 3.0 |
| PROD 460 | Research Synthesis Studio | 4.0 |
| PROD 470 | Create Build Studio | 4.0 |
| PROD 475 | Professional Practice in Product Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 480 | Exhibition Studio | 4.0 |
| Optional Product Design electives | ||
| Design Thinking in Production Design | ||
| Sponsored Product Design Studio | ||
| Independent Study in Product Design | ||
| Special Topics in Product Design | ||
| Total Credits | 187.0 | |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Center. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
Sample Plan of Study
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 101 | Expository Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| PROD 101 | History & Analysis of Product Design | 3.0 |
| UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| VSST 101 | Design I | 4.0 |
| VSST 110 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| ARTH 102 | History of Art II: High Renaissance to Modern | 3.0 |
| DIGM 100 | Digital Design Tools | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Persuasive Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| VSST 102 | Design II | 4.0 |
| Arts and Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| ARTH 103 | History of Art- Early to Late Modern | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Analytical Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| MATH 101 | Introduction to Analysis I | 4.0 |
| VSST 103 | Design III | 4.0 |
| VSST 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3.0 |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| PHYS 103 | General Physics I | 4.0 |
| PROD 205 | Applied Making I | 3.0 |
| PROD 210 | Introduction to Product Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 235 | Applied Design Visualization | 3.0 |
| VSCM 240 | Typography I | 3.0 |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| COOP 101 | Career Management and Professional Development | 0.0 |
| ECON 201 | Principles of Microeconomics | 4.0 |
| MEM 201 | Foundations of Computer Aided Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 220 | Product Design Form Studio | 4.0 |
| VSCM 230 | Visual Communication I | 4.0 |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| CHEM 201 | Why Things Work: Everyday Chemistry | 3.0 |
| DSMR 201 | Analysis of Product | 3.0 |
| ENGR 220 | Fundamentals of Materials | 4.0 |
| PROD 225 | Computer Aided Imagining in Product Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 230 | Product Design Process Studio | 4.0 |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 7 | ||
| PHTO 110 | Photography | 3.0 |
| PROD 245 | Seminar Professional Landscape | 3.0 |
| PROD 255 | Applied Materials in Product Design | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following: | 4.0 | |
| Multimedia: Space | ||
| Multimedia: Performance | ||
| Multimedia: Materials | ||
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 8 | ||
| PHTO 234 | Studio Photography | 4.0 |
| PROD 340 | Interdisciplinary Product Design Studio | 4.0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
| Arts and Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 9 | ||
| COM 220 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3.0 |
| PROD 345 | Applied Human Centered Design | 3.0 |
| PSY 332 | Human Factors and Cognitive Engineering | 3.0 |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 10 | ||
| ARTH 300 [WI] | History of Modern Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 425 | Applied Design Research | 3.0 |
| PROD 460 | Research Synthesis Studio | 4.0 |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 11 | ||
| MGMT 260 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 4.0 |
| PROD 470 | Create Build Studio | 4.0 |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Term 12 | ||
| PROD 475 | Professional Practice in Product Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 480 | Exhibition Studio | 4.0 |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 13.0 | |
| Total Credit: 187.0 | ||
Co-op/Career Opportunities
Product designers have careers in a wide range of industries including consumer electronics, housewares, furniture, fashion accessories, medical devices, toys, automotive and transportation. The work of product designers improves the usefulness and appearance of countless products that contribute to the quality of our work and personal lives.
Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center page for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities.
Minor in Product Design
Students in this minor—through a combination of three studio courses and four applied lecture courses—learn to combine skills in creative problem solving with a visual product design process. Students develop product concepts and collaborate on the development of product ideas, including the creation and integration of new technologies, sustainability, health-care and socially responsible design, all of which are beneficial for design professionals.
The minor is specifically created to offer students a unique multi-disciplinary studio experience. Students will develop skills in the rapid visualization of ideas, creative problem solving, transformative design thinking and an understanding of the product development process in a collaborative setting. This minor is offered to all students having an interest in developing product ideas, including students from the College of Engineering, the LeBow College of Business, and the School of Biomedical Engineering as well as College of Media Arts and Design students who would like to add a product focus to their design degree.
Academic requirements
To be eligible for the minor in Product Design, a student must have completed a minimum of 30.0 undergraduate credits, have declared a major, and have a minimum GPA of 2.7. No pre-requisite courses are required. Students may be encouraged to augment or prepare for this minor. Only upon review by the faculty advisor for the minor will students with design credits from other institutions or departments be allowed to apply these to the requirements.
| Required courses | ||
| PROD 101 | History & Analysis of Product Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 205 | Applied Making I | 3.0 |
| PROD 210 | Introduction to Product Design | 3.0 |
| PROD 215 | Design Thinking in Production Design | 4.0 |
| PROD 230 | Product Design Process Studio | 4.0 |
| PROD 235 | Applied Design Visualization | 3.0 |
| PROD 340 | Interdisciplinary Product Design Studio | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 24.0 | |
Courses
PROD 101 History and Analysis of Product Design 3.0 Credits
This class studies the chronological context of the development of the product design profession, relating it to the social, cultural and economic events that helped shape our modern day society. Studies are focuses on major industrial designers and innovations. This course has both a project and written analysis paper component.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PROD 205 Applied Making I 3.0 Credits
This course introduces the development of rapid study models and mid-fidelity prototypes related to product design. Students, through a series of exercises, build study models of products to professional standards of accuracy and finish, with an emphasis on rapid development. Aspects of workshop practice and safety are emphasized.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: PROD 101 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 210 Introduction to Product Design 3.0 Credits
This course introduces students to basic product design techniques. It combines lectures, demonstrations, discussions and problem solving exercises exploring product design as a creative process in the producation of simple objects. Students develop a command of product development, skills in modeling and communication of their novel solutions.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: PROD 101 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 215 Design Thinking in Production Design 4.0 Credits
This course is a studio-seminar introducing principles and theories of product design, systematic design process, problem-solving, decision making and design as authorship. The course uses design research methods, and topical design issues to explore and expierience design thinking.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
PROD 220 Product Design Form Studio 4.0 Credits
This course uses principles of design in the visual organization of physical elements and analysis of form. Building on abstract relationships including additive and subtractive forms as well as gestalt. Students develop a sensitivity to form language, semantics and aesthetics of volumes and synthesize this abstract language into functional objects.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: PROD 210 [Min Grade: D] and PROD 205 [Min Grade: D] and PROD 235 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 225 Computer Aided Imagining in Product Design 3.0 Credits
This is an applied computer class in which students pursue the development of design projects using current product design photo-realistic rendering softward for object design and three-dimensional modeling of products applicable to rapid prototyping.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: MEM 201 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 230 Product Design Process Studio 4.0 Credits
In this course students are presented complex design issues in mass-produced objects. Students develop an understanding of the product development process focusing on the designers skills and technical knowledge to formulate appropriate design solutions. Students practice collaboration of ideas with engineers, marketing, users and shareholders.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: PROD 220 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 235 Applied Design Visualization 3.0 Credits
This course will provide students with schemas and strategies for using visualization as a thinking tool, as well as persuasive techniques for communicating design intent. It will put into practice the essential techniques that product designers use to think and communicate visually.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PROD 245 Seminar Professional Landscape 3.0 Credits
In this course students explore current trends in the product design profession today. Students will research and present insights into important design issues, trends, and criticism in contemporary product design. Through extensive readings and discussions, students develop an understanding of the relationship of product design to society and culture.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: PROD 220 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 255 Applied Materials in Product Design 3.0 Credits
The course emphasizes the practical relationship between product design and the manufacturing industry and the technical considerations that influence the choice of material and process for small batch and mass production.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: PROD 235 [Min Grade: D] and ENGR 220 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 340 Interdisciplinary Product Design Studio 4.0 Credits
Through a focused design project, students of various backgrounds and departments collaborate on complex design issues as they seek to create an appropriate and novel solution to the assigned design problem. Bringing both the PROD majors and PROD minors together, students work as teams through the product development cycle.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: PROD 230 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 345 Applied Human Centered Design 3.0 Credits
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 product design to develop safe and effective products.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PSY 101 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 350 Sponsored Product Design Studio 4.0 Credits
Students undertake projects that are sponsored by industry partners to investigate a broad range of design, marketing and production issues. In this course, students, working in a team environment, research user needs, human factors, aesthetic issues, manufacturing requirements, and market demands to indentify user needs and product opportunities.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: PROD 340 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 399 Independent Study in Product Design 3.0 Credits
Provides individualized study in product design in a specialized area of study. May be repeated for credit.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 6 credits
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD and classification is Junior or Senior.
Prerequisites: PROD 340 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 425 Applied Design Research 3.0 Credits
This course covers diverse theories and methods for conducting product design research. Emphasis is given to understanding quantitative and qualitative research methods and the role the designer in synthesizing and applying research as a critical part of the design process. This course combines writing and short projects.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: COM 220 [Min Grade: D] and PROD 345 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 460 Research Synthesis Studio 4.0 Credits
In this first of two senior studios, students apply their skills to initiate research on an opportunity of their selection. Under supervision, students demonstrate control of applied design research and synthesis. This course focuses on the information gathering, study, and analysis that product designers do to inspire and inform themselves.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: PROD 340 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 465 Special Topics in Product Design 4.0 Credits
Provides study in product design on a special topic or on an experimental basis. May be repeated 2 times for credit if topics vary.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 8 credits
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD and classification is Junior or Senior.
Prerequisites: PROD 340 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 470 Create Build Studio 4.0 Credits
In this second of two studios, students apply their skills to develop a solution based on the research conducted in the previous studio. Under supervision, students will demonstrate control of the product design process in the producation of a novel and appropriate user-focused solution.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: PROD 460 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 475 Professional Practice in Product Design 3.0 Credits
This course provides information about career planning and job seeking, including the development of cover letters, resumes, online and physical portfolios and the interview process. Practicing design professionals serve as guest speakers and conduct mock interviews to address topics relevant to the practice of product design.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: PROD 460 [Min Grade: D]
PROD 480 Exhibition Studio 4.0 Credits
This final studio is a culmination of the educational experience in the production of a senior exhibition highlighting the students' accomplishments. Under supervision, students work together to demonstrate control of all aspects of the design process and visual communication in the production of a graduation exhibition.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PROD.
Prerequisites: PROD 470 [Min Grade: D]
