The Bachelor of Science in Product Design empowers you to channel your artistic vision into creative, user-focused solutions for complex design challenges. Through a project-centered curriculum that fuses aesthetic intuition with advanced technologies, you’ll gain direct experience in human-centered design approaches, digital modeling, physical and digital prototyping, and fabrication technologies. You’ll learn to design products that enhance sustainability, usability, and meaningful human experiences.
The program emphasizes hands-on prototyping, systems thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, giving you technical fluency in both digital and analog fabrication, user research, and design process management. You’ll work on industry-sponsored projects and collaborate with professional partners, developing the creative, technical, and strategic capabilities needed for long-term career success.
To ensure your workflow keeps pace with your imagination, you will be equipped with a high-performance mobile workstation through LTU’s laptop program: the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 G5. This standardizes the technology across the program, meaning faculty and students alike utilize the same professional software tools essential for digital modeling, visualization, and prototyping, supporting a seamless, collaborative workflow from concept development to fabrication.
With an emphasis on iterative design, adaptable thinking, and real-world application, you’ll graduate prepared for careers in consumer products, emerging technologies, toys and sports equipment, medical devices, furniture and housewares, mobility systems, user experience and user interface design, and more, carrying a versatile foundation for professional growth and leadership.
If you want to specialize your studies, you can pursue the Concentration in Mobility Design within the Product Design program. This concentration builds the critical skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving mobility industry, focusing on the design of products and systems that help people move, ranging from automobiles, boats, and planes to recreational vehicles, drones, and emerging mobility technologies.
Graduates pursue careers in product design and adjacent fields, including:
Current students and graduates work for local and national companies, including Apple, OXO, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Altair Design Studio, Sundberg Ferar, Pophouse, Bose, The Portable Factory, Polaris, Under Armour, Posh Interior Studios, Adidas, Dom Interiors, Dassault Systèmes, Toyota, Bennington Marine and Stanley Black & Decker.
Admission follows standard University requirements. No portfolio required.
Total Semester Credit Hours: 121
The information below is based on the Bachelor of Science in Product Design Progression Flowchart for the 2025 – 26 academic year (last updated March 27, 2025). View our Course Catalog page for more information about our individual courses.
College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.
COM1103
3
An introduction to the fundamental issues shared by all design disciplines: design as process, visual literacy, how design communicates, ordering systems, principles of composition, global design cultures, and design ethics. Examples for study and discussion are drawn from a broad range of designed media: architecture, transportation, literature, graphics, games, music, cinema, common consumer objects, cultural artifacts, and dance.
DES1022
2
Mathematics Elective 1*
XXX4
4
An introduction to formal and process principles that underlie all design disciplines. The course explores both fundamentals of visual interpretation as well as conceptual processes and tactics that are involved in building more complex methodologies. The focus of the course is on visual literacy, formal principles and the identification of relevancies as building blocks in design project significance and meaning.
DES1213
3
The ability to draw complex concepts, objects, and environments from the imagination is absolutely essential to the industrial and transportation design professions. Visual communication of physical objects is exemplified throughout this course. The students will be introduced to the basic tools and methodologies of sketching, both free-hand and digitally. Extensive information is presented on the correct usage of tools, basic perspective, composition, light and shadow, and line dynamics. Basic geometrical 3-view drawings and 3D CAD software will be introduced, as well, that will support and validate the reality of expressed ideas. This class requires extensive and repetitive practice to develop the skills of sketching and visual communication.
IDD1813
3
Total Credits:
15
The methodology of the surface modeling process will be introduced by moving from two-dimensional sketches into a three-dimensional digital environment. Students will become familiar with fundamental approaches to surfacing and modeling formats including menu tools and their respective functionality. Students will develop an understanding of three-dimensional space, the principles of modeling, and exploring the creation of digital models. Aesthetics, construction, communication, sculptural skills, and quality of work are emphasized.
IDD1313
3
Manufacturing practices in current industry are examined, including forming, molding, assembly technologies, and selection of the manufacturing process respective to production requirements. Material selection as an input to production technique and Design for assembly will be reviewed for cost effective analysis. Students will develop an awareness of prototype and production tooling with respect to program timeline.
IDD1723
3
Advanced application of basic principles in dynamic situations that include multiple disciplinary interests and priorities. Students are introduced to working methodologies that are used in design contexts practice to ideate, generate, explore, propose, and finalize works of design. Disciplinary-specific contexts are introduced within larger project-based delivery. (Studio)
DES1223
3
As a continuation of Drawing & Design Geometry 1, this course introduces more realism techniques for communicating surface transitions, colors, materials, textures, reflectivity, and transparency. More advanced 3D CAD modelling techniques will be taught to build the complex surfaces required for manufacturing processes. This course requires extensive and repetitive practice to develop the skills of sketching and visual communication, that address the needs of the industrial design profession.
IDD1823
3
This course introduces students to techniques of physical construction such as joinery techniques, structure, construction, and 3D form-making through the examination of foundational prototyping techniques and materials. Students prototype simple designed forms, learn how simple structures work and experiment on form and function.
IDD1523
3
Total Credits:
15
*Mathematics 1 and 2 sequence options are based on placement scores:
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to critically engage texts of the ancient global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.
HUM1213
3
Students will be challenged to develop a series of assembled products from two-dimensional drawing to three-dimensional prototype. Introduction to design constraints centered around objectives, material types and processes, as well as features and content components. Through these functions, analyze product and material properties and simulate features and performance characteristics.
IDD2313
3
This course will focus on physical and cognitive ergonomics. Students learn to observe and examine the behaviors and skills of humans and specifications for our designed environment.
IDD3713
2
An introduction to industrial design with the historical perspective of the profession and emphasis on balancing aesthetics and function. The students will learn problem-solving techniques and develop hand-drawn ideation sketches, perspective skills, rendering, and orthographic views. Theme exploration will be discussed, with an emphasis on problem-solving and design thinking. Areas to be covered include the dissection of products into components and subsystems concerning manufacturability. 3D mock-ups, technical drawings will be created from 2D sketches.
IDD2613
3
This course focuses on developing an intimate knowledge of natural and synthetic materials and crafting techniques. Students learn traditional and contemporary processing methods by experimenting directly with the materials. Hands-on problem-solving and technical processes are emphasized.
IDD2513
3
Total Credits:
15
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to engage texts of the modern global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, photography, film, digital media, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.
HUM1223
3
Students will be met with human-centered design challenges for rapid organic prototyping. This design process will take solutions from two-dimensional to three-dimensional modalities and capture sculpted surface topology using digital tools to make a high fidelity dataset. An emphasis on digital systems that augment conceptual exploration and rapid manufacturing techniques will lead to critical dialogue and an exploration of the relationship between design and fabrication.
IDD2323
3
History of Design from the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution to rapid shifts in both the tangible, artistic aspects of design and today’s digitally charged computer interface creations. Topics include the historic movements as well as surveying the dramatically evolving modern markets for design icons, from devices to automobiles. Addresses differentiation of why certain brands and products not only survive but flourished while others did not.
IDD3723
3
The course is a one-time portfolio submittal during the second semester of the sophomore year. It is administered by the Directors of the respective programs. Used for advising, faculty from the programs will review the contents of the portfolio to guide students towards a successful completion of their chosen degree path. Students will be provided a template to inform the content of their portfolios.
DES2020
0
In this course, students design products that are functional and inclusive by analyzing users, their needs, and by applying human factors/ergonomics and usability techniques. Emphasizing concept development, the course asks students to find a focus area through broader research. Students will investigate their projects using 2D sketching, hands-on and digital rendering, 3D drawing, and animation.
DES1223
3
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
3
Total Credits:
15
SSC Elective
SSC2XX3
3
A working knowledge in on-screen evaluation is developed using virtual, augmented and mixed reality tools. Rapid ideation techniques will be introduced aligned with quick and deliberate design decisions. Outcomes will stress audience driven animations by setting tone through lighting and environment attributes
IDD3313
3
Mathematics Elective 2*
XXX4
4
This studio focuses on product design as part of a larger system. Students conduct extensive research to inform creative work that addresses diversity, adaptability, and resilience in the face of ever-changing conditions. In all steps of the design process, hand-sketching in multiple perspectives is emphasized. Mock-ups and theme models are generated, and package drawings are developed in conjunction with digital renderings. Course material includes human factors, dissection of product architecture, and consumer interaction.
IDD3613
3
This course will focus on product design for wearable technology by emphasizing the creating of solutions through team-based projects. Students will utilize engineering tools and skills such as circuits, programming, computer-aided design, fabrication, and usability design of a wearable device prototype.
IDD3113
3
Total Credits:
16
LLT Elective
LLT2XX3
3
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
3
In this course students will be exercised in identifying their professional strengths and weaknesses in order to chart a long term career path. They will receive guidance from professionals to prepare resumes and portfolios. The student will be given basic insight into the business principles and practices for program management, providing a basic knowledge of leadership.
IDD3523
3
This course focuses on designing digital and physical user experiences and interfaces. Content will address concept ideation, user journeys, and information architecture, and will stress workflow, testing assumptions, and prototyping.
IDD3823
3
Course not found.
DES3623
3
Total Credits:
15
*Mathematics 1 and 2 sequence options are based on placement scores:
Training in a systematic method for producing effective technical communication, written reports, letters, and memos as well as oral presentations. Lecture 3 hours. 3 hours credit
COM2103
3
Natural Science Elective
BIO, CHM, GLG, FSC, PHY, or PSC
XXX3
3
Natural Science Elective Lab
BIO, CHM, GLG, FSC, PHY, or PSC
XXX1
1
This course focuses on leadership skills specific to the allied disciplines of design within the College of Architecture and Design. Students will engage models of leadership relevant to a dynamic and evolving professional context. Course content will include typologies of leadership organization, principles of successful teamwork and collaboration, viable economic frameworks, ethics and design entrepreneurship.
DES4112
2
This studio asks students to design projects and systems by analyzing, documenting, and measuring the impact of their deign in the world. Topics include the participatory design for affordability and sustainability, and strategies that benefit the preservation of landscapes, biodiversity, and livelihoods that are increasingly vulnerable. Students develop a theme-based design of their specific problem statement, ad execute design elements that react cumulative course content.
IDD4613
3
A comprehensive survey of the furniture and millwork industry. The selection, specification and procurement processes of residential and non-residential furniture will be introduced. Knowledge of the design and construction, with an emphasis on application of materials and components, and the technology used to fabricate furniture and architectural millwork, will be developed. Topics include ergonomics, performance standards, code implications, universal design principles, sustainability and parametric design.
INX3113
3
Total Credits:
15
Humanities Elective
LLT, PSY, or SSC
3/4XX3
3
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
3
Natural Science Elective
BIO, CHM, GLG, FSC, PHY, or PSC
XXX3
3
ID Senior Thesis course is an opportunity for students to develop a self-directed thesis project in a 3D design subject under the guidance of faculty. The project must be approved by the Design Faculty and will be reviewed by visiting critics and academic staff. A semester-long project will be concluded with a thesis exhibition. At the end of the semester, students present their work in a public exhibition. Research, innovation, and dissemination are emphasized.
IDD4623
3
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
3
Total Credits:
15
Purva Chavla
Material Design
Material Driven Founder
Pinar Guvenc
Social and Urban Design
Sour Studio - Open Style Lab Co-Founder
Carla Lemgruber
Strategic Design Studio
Atolye Director
Karen Lee
Soft Goods
Arcteryx Senior Materials Designer
Raveena Bhalara
Shoe Design
Nike Creative Lead Designer
Katie Tucker
Human Centered Design
GM Manager, Enterprise CX Customer Journey Design & Implementation - Onboarding
Mauricio Alfonso
Innovation Design
IKEA of Sweden Innovation Leader
Joni Steiner
Furniture Design - Technology
Opendesk Founder
Daniela Paredes Fuentes
Technology - 3D Drawing
Gravity Sketch Co-Founder & CXO
