Bachelor of Science
Product Design
Degrees and Certificates
Program Learning Outcomes
Mission Statement
Visualize and realize the future with thoughtfulness and intent.
Design Process
Graduates will be able to:
- Explore diverse strategies to conceptualize and generate original and relevant solutions to design problems.
Written and Visual Communication
Graduates will be able to:
- Communicate ideas and concepts into written, visual and digital presentations.
Verbal Presentation
Graduates will be able to:
- Convey comprehensive, detailed and meaningful information about a body of design work.
Research & Development
Graduates will be able to:
- Systematically conduct quantitative human, cultural and technological research to identify and develop appropriate design strategies.
Professionalism
Graduates will be able to:
- Perform as a professional designer as expressed through skill, knowledge, ethics, and motivation.
Technical Aptitude
Graduates will be able to:
- Strategically apply technical skill, knowledge, and craftsmanship to generate ideas and prove feasibility of concepts.
Sustainability
Graduates will be able to:
- Evaluate, design, and advocate for sustainable solutions, processes, and behaviors across environmental, social and economic pillars.
Our human-centered approach to product design provides an immersive experience in applying innovative design methods to create professional design solutions.
Along with core visual, creative, technical and analytical skills, students gain a comprehensive understanding of design research methodologies, business principles, materials technologies, manufacturing processes, global trends and sustainability through our state-of-the-art research lab, CMTEL (Color, Materials and Trends Exploration Laboratory).
Curriculum is subject to change.
For students entering Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
Courses
Future Sports Berlin: Ger Lng
This TDS will explore the "Future of Sports" in Berlin - a city that has a significant history in sporting events and a culture that continually redefines what sport means to its individuals and the community. The project will be sponsored by Adidas and Canyon Bikes with potential other sponsors. Topics to be explored include: future concepts in footwear, apparel, equipment, branded events and retail, digital interaction, etc. that will redefine the future performance and participation in sports. The project will leverage the immersion into the Berlin culture and interacting with local experts, sponsors and designers.
Available to fifth term and above students by application.
Experience working in trans-disciplinary teams. German language course provided by 3rd party inLingua.
Credits
3
Footwear Des Busn H&S 1
"This brand sponsored, footwear industry, study-away intensive has two main components: (1) three successive 2-week footwear design assignments targeting Nike, Adidas and UnderArmour and (2) two 1-week business courses at Portland State University Business School with their students. 1. Each 2-week design project will have recent ACCD alumni from these three footwear brands reviewing the students' work each evening leading to final presentations for each brand. 2. The two business courses at PSU are part of PSU's summer Athletic & Outdoor program that will expose our students to footwear business practices and interaction with footwear business students and guest lecturers from the footwear business outside of design. The courses will cover business competitive dynamics and product briefing. The PSU product briefing course I teach will have the students from both programs cooperate on a footwear product brief and resultant product ideation."
Credits
3
Footwear Des Busn H&S 2
"This brand sponsored, footwear industry, study-away intensive has two main components: (1) three successive 2-week footwear design assignments targeting Nike, Adidas and UnderArmour and (2) two 1-week business courses at Portland State University Business School with their students. 1. Each 2-week design project will have recent ACCD alumni from these three footwear brands reviewing the students' work each evening leading to final presentations for each brand. 2. The two business courses at PSU are part of PSU's summer Athletic & Outdoor program that will expose our students to footwear business practices and interaction with footwear business students and guest lecturers from the footwear business outside of design. The courses will cover business competitive dynamics and product briefing. The PSU product briefing course I teach will have the students from both programs cooperate on a footwear product brief and resultant product ideation."
Credits
3
INSEAD: Customer Insights
This course will provide you with a solid understanding of customer behaviors, and how to influence those behaviors by examining a wide range of customer insights and market driving strategies.
Credits
3
INSEAD: Dig Mktg & Entr
An intensive bootcamp that will have designers and MBA students working together to create viable concepts for improving INSEADs sustainable footprint. This course is based on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Designers will have the opportunity to gain insights into the challenges of implementing meaningful change in a challenging landscape. They will work on projects that are chosen by the teams and will work with a process developed by the instructor.
Credits
3
INSEAD: New Business Models
This course will look at the development and promise of new business models in support of the triple bottom line (People, Planet and Profit) It will provide you with an overview of the opportunities for designer to work closely with other disciplines to create and support business models that will be more sustainable.
Credits
3
Athletic Business
This course is an intensive exploration of the athletic industry business model and the ongoing digital influences challenging the paradigm. Student teams will analyze how products are developed, transported, marketed and sold by creating branded, team-generated individual projects and digitally driven business models.
Credits
3
Athletic Biomechanics
This course in human athletic biomechanics is taught by the team at BioMechanica LLC (biomechanica.com). Led by principals Martyn Shorten Ph.D. and Simon Luthi Ph.D., student teams will learn about the human mechanical attributes of sport and apply them to projects that reimagine footwear and digital documentation through team-generated individual projects.
Credits
3
CMF-X Mat Science Sprint
Hands-on and theoretical material understanding and creation. We will cover the history, properties and strategies of materials applied to products. Students will cover topics on mechanical properties, optical properties, thermal/electrical properties and material selection strategies.
Credits
3
CMF-X Business Sprint
How business affects and is affected by CMF. We will discuss Industrial Design as it relates to businesses and their customers, negotiation with vendors, Intellectual property. How to engage with Makers, customers. Managing info flow, alignment with internal management and outside vendors. Students will receive instruction on Copyright, Trademark and Patent as well as publicity and privacy rights, non-disclosure agreements and obligations and overview of contracts and deal memos/term sheets.
Credits
3
Future Sports Berlin: Cultrl
This TDS will explore the "Future of Sports" in Berlin - a city that has a significant history in sporting events and a culture that continually redefines what sport means to its individuals and the community. The project will be sponsored by Adidas and Canyon Bikes with potential other sponsors. Topics to be explored include: future concepts in footwear, apparel, equipment, branded events and retail, digital interaction, etc. that will redefine the future performance and participation in sports. The project will leverage the immersion into the Berlin culture and interacting with local experts, sponsors and designers.
Available to fifth term and above students by application.
Experience working in trans-disciplinary teams. Immersion into the unique Berlin culture to inspire project direction. Conceptual development of future-forward vision-casting ideas. Interacting with professionals from sponsoring organizations.
Credits
3
Safe Niños - Research
OPPORTUNITY: Envision Charity Shop System Envision a system of thrift shops to support pediatric burn treatment. Nonprofit charity shops are a new phenomenon in Chile, and have a huge potential to raise funds to support free treatment, while building a community of socially engaged volunteers. Interdisciplinary student teams will propose real world solutions: . Retail: charity shop spatial design / furniture & lighting / pop-up shops . Branding & Marketing: promotion for customers, donors, volunteers . Systems & Strategy: supply chain for donations / online store
MISSION: Free Pediatric Burn Treatment Partner with COANIQUEM, a leading nonprofit that provides free holistic treatment to children across Latin America who have survived severe burns.
FIELD RESEARCH: 2 Weeks, Santiago, Chile Travel to COANIQUEM's pediatric burn center in Santiago, Chile, to understand their mission & research opportunities for charity retail
Credits
3
Prototype Process 1
Introduction to the ArtCenter Technical Skills model shop and 3 Dimensional design development (model making). Instruction includes shop safety, types of materials, power equipment and hand tool usage, fabrication skills, mold making, casting, detailing and finishing. This class emphasizes hand skills, proper and safe process, accuracy and craftsmanship. Demonstrations of model shop equipment are given by model shop staff; successful completion of all tool demonstrations is required for use of the model shop facility.
Credits
3
Professional Preparatn (wkshp)
The role of the designer has evolved significantly over the last 3-5 years. It is critical for graduating design students to identify specific personal and professional goals in order to create a concise career strategy and have a strong voice in a competitive marketplace.
Building on The Design Professional and The Business of Design, this class involves a series of workshops and guest speakers focusing on how to be an effective leader in collaborative teams, creative environments, corporate organizations and start-up culture. Students will also learn and apply techniques to better prepare them for entry into the professional world, including finding and expressing personal voice, refining final portfolio and collateral materials, effective interview strategies, and preparing for graduation (including Graduation Show). 0 Credits.
Credits
0
Prof Prep & Grad Review
This class will prepare your portfolio for review, prepare you for the graduation show and cover an overview and discussion of the following topics: 1.Principles of Design Leadership and Being a Leader 2.Principles of Design Project Management 3.Planning a Project 4.Managing a Project 5.Being an Effective Leader to Lead a Project Team 6.Project Organization 7.Starting a Design Career 8. Prepare your portfolio for industry review 9. Prepare Strategy and Execute Grad Show.
Credits
0
Visual Communication 1
Introduction into the basic principles of ID sketching. Key points of focus will be on perspective, visualization of 3D forms, and the familiarization of basic ID mediums. Students will visualize and sketch geometric forms (i.e. cubes, cylinders, spheres, and cones), and implement building blocks into their design language.
Credits
3
Product Design 1
Product Design 1 offers an introduction to the design process from basic research through to mock-ups. It is a foundational level design course focused on developing iterative design skills for creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking primarily through hand sketching and physical model making. This course will provide an experiential entry to design through hands on material exploration, Orthographic Drawings and making and testing of design concepts. It will also touch upon resources and techniques for research and analysis, as well as communication and presentation of design ideas using visual and verbal tools.
Credits
3
Visual Communication 2
This class focuses on descriptive product sketching while drawing with line economy, sketch composition, color and contrast. This course brings together all the skills and media from the foundation Vis Comm classes and applies them to the skill of design visualization.
Credits
3
Product Prototype Process 2
Product Prototype Process 2
Based on the foundation knowledge from 3D Fundamentals-1, you will experience design and fabrication projects using stock materials and standard shop methods. Fabrication planning and time management skills will be reinforced for your successful completion of this course.
An introduction to the industrial clay medium and techniques will provide you with a basic knowledge of the clay model making process and a foundation to create and develop clay models of your designs.
This course will explore basic principals of form development while reinforcing your understanding of 2D to 3D design translation, presented in a finished, painted hard model.
Credits
3
Footwear Prototype Process 2
Footwear Prototype Process 2, teaches students the knowledge and skill sets to design and produce a high fidelity prototype that displays the design concept. Students learn industry best practices for designing and prototyping footwear by going through the complete design process of; research, assessing benchmark products, ideation and exploration drawings, rapid study models, internal assembly design, material and color selection, and will develop orthographic control documentation. This is a hands-on design and build studio were students use traditional and advanced manufacturing techniques will provide them with a strong foundation for future FW studios. By the end of the course students will present a high-fidelity prototype, CMF board, control documents and process book.
Credits
3
Intro Wearable Product Design
For students Interested in wearables, soft goods and fashion as seen through the product design lens. Project topics include: bags, footwear, fashion and functional apparel. Projects focus on all the stages of the product design process: brainstorming, trend research, market research, fashion/product sketching, form/material experimentation, and problem solving with the final goal to create a finished mock up. Beginners welcome. In-class discussions will cover careers and opportunities.
Credits
3
Intro to Apparel Patternmaking
Instructor will demonstrate how to drape a muslin of a basic woman's top with inset sleeves and transfer it to paper to create a flat pattern. Term project involves working from commercial patterns of the student's choice. Students will learn how to adapt patterns to create new designs and adjust for fit to specific measurements. Students will need to buy their own commercial patterns and fabric. Access to a sewing machine is required. Students can check out a machine from the Sewing Lab for the entire term.
Credits
3
3rd Term Review
Required for all 3rd term Product Design students. Consists of a portfolio review & successful review by the Dept Chair.
Credits
0
Product Design 2
Credits 3Product Design 2
This is an introductory level product design course that focuses on a single comprehensive industrial design project. The project and course instruction will introduce students to problem-solving and form development exploration, as they relate to "form-follows-function" Industrial Design protocols. Students will strengthen their use of the design process and develop more advanced prototyping skills to test and prove out concepts. Instruction about and practice of storytelling and presentation skills will be covered as well. Students are expected to document their process and work throughout the term.
Credits
3
Visual Communication 3
Vis Com 3 focuses on dynamic sketching techniques to effectively communicate design concepts. Emphasis is on the development of vivd freehand drawing skills and the ideation process. Assignments range from visualizing products with simple geometry to complex industrial shapes and organic forms. Additional topics include user scenarios, storytelling, creative exploration, aesthetics and craftsmanship.
Credits
3
Rhino: Basic Product Creation
Rhino is a powerful CAD tool used by a wide variety of industry professionals. This course is open to those students wishing to learn how to use the program in order to produce 3-D printed parts. This is a beginner's class and no prior knowledge of 3-D CAD is necessary. You will access the user interface tools, build solid models and prepare the models for 3-D printing. The program is friendly to many other CAD platforms and is useful in translating over 30 file types, making it a valuable option when creating products. Your will be expected to show your work through the files you make and the parts you have printed. Instructional videos will be offered during the class.
Credits
3
3D Modeling 1
This course will teach product design students (and those who want to produce 3D ideas digitally) the fundamental tools of Solidworks to create objects that function with intent and present the aesthetic goals of the designer. Students will learn and practice using all methods of rapid representation available at ArtCenter (FDM, objet, starch and CNC) and methods of prototype creation with vendors outside of ArtCenter. preferred workflow, basic rendering and drawings will be taught to get comfortable with Solidworks to make simple multi part objects.
Credits
3
Keyshot I
This is an elective course that will help students acquire rendering techniques and skills in KeyShot to more effectively communicate their designs and ideas in a compelling and believable way. This course is open to all levels and majors; no previous KeyShot experience is required. Previous experience or classes in CAD/SolidWorks, and product design is a plus but not required. This course will cover the basics of KeyShot workflow, materials, textures, lighting, and KeyShot animation. Projects will be focused on grasping the functionality of all features, workflow techniques, and achieving photorealism. The first 10 weeks will revolve around rendering still images while the last 4 weeks will be focused on creating animated videos. This class will meet once per week for instruction and discussion on the class topics, in-class assignments, and one-on-one breakout sessions. Projects will use given models and assets for recreating an image and animation inspired by photo real images. Students can also use their own CAD models if they so choose.
Credits
3
PRO Design Visualization
Participate and Learn professional design visualization tips, techniques, and application for product design development. Projects will feature quick sketching tips, use of thumbnails and wireframes, line weights, sketching in gradient values, user interaction sketching, and strategic use of perspective views, infographics, and overall page composition.
Credits
3
Blender Intro for ID
This course is an introduction to Blender for Product Design as a powerful modeling tool to bring your concepts into the 3D digital world. You will follow step by step Demos to narrow down the vast functionality of Blender for a beginners approach onto building objects with confidence. We will focus on software interface, foundational tools, workflow, modeling from sketches and EEVEE as our Rendering Engine for our final visualizations. The final outcome from this course will give you the skills to build 3D objects in Blender using tools like Subdivide, Loop cuts, Bevels, Extrudes and Insert Faces. Students will have a good overview on setting up clean scenes with emphasis in lighting control to create strong 2D presentation images, applying Materials and Textures, and to create simple but effective animations for a well rounded beginner's course.
Credits
3
Intro to CMF Design
The CMF Design course focuses on general key fundamental principles and processes of the use of colors, materials, and finishes as they apply to consumer products and consumer goods. It is also an overview of the different industries integrating CMF Design into their innovation process, the areas of expertise that professionals need to master, an overview of its emotional and functional context, and a step-by-step guide to the CMF process.
Credits
3
Way Things Work
It is important for I.D. students to have an intuitive understanding of how products function in various ways in order that design solutions be intelligent. For this class each student is required to select a product which is then taken apart,the constituents analyzed,information recorded, and then it is reassembled. The wide range of products examined provides useful information and understanding of things from motors to materials. Deliverables consist of a notebook of research material, sketches and notes of the process plus one large exploded view drawing of the product that was examined.
Making Things Work It is one thing to have an idea and it is quite another to make it work. Students in this class are assigned a goal, governed by a set of rules, that require building a device to accomplish it. Deliverables are a built thing and a notebook of sketches Illustrating the thought process.
Credits
3
Product Design 4
Product 4 / Design Innovation is an intermediate product design class with a focus on innovative thinking, concept development and presentation skills. Students will create a product and/or service design solution, employing the design process, focusing on user research, market and trends research, sustainable concept development, prototyping and testing for refinement and developing basic control drawings for prototyping. Appropriate form and functional development, CMF (color materials and finishes), packaging, sustainability strategy and control drawing development will be covered. The final deliverables include a high-quality appearance model (where appropriate), a video to explain the concept, control drawings or a digital framework for service applications and a deliverable that communicates the project's design process and scope.
Credits
3
Creative Strategies
This class will teach students a strategic approach to creativity that will stimulate, encourage and liberate their own creative potential. Through in-class exercises, they will learn how to break patterns, reframe problems and apply new conceptual thinking into their work. The homework assignments are designed to explore the theoretical components of creativity further and to discover their individual unchartered territories for new methods of problem solving. With the use of cross disciplinary evaluation techniques students will better understand their own learning process and be able to apply them to expand their range of creative thinking skills.
Credits
3
4th Term Review
This 0 credit 4th term review will take place towards the end of the term. It is tied directly to the PRD-422 internship portfolio and review prep class. Department chair and key faculty will review all aspects of skills shown by student in their processes and projects. This will result in a pass/no pass grade.
Credits
0
Product Design 3
This is an intermediate level product design course that will focus on human centered design principles by strengthening foundational design skills used in professional practice to generate a product/solutions that improve performance around a task(s) or desired outcome. Students will learn to utilize multiple research methods, critical thinking and trial and error to develop, test and refine product solutions. Heavy emphasis will be on rapid prototyping and role playing testing to facilitate decision making. Students will compare their final solutions to existing solutions in order to identify the benefits and advantages they have developed.
Students are expected to document their process and work throughout the term.
Credits
3
ID Graphics
ID Graphics teaches baseline competency in areas of Graphic Design including typography, creating a logotype for a product/brand, and layout with type and image. Projects are suited to the long-term needs and graphic design insights of product designers.
Credits
3
3D Modeling 2
Introduction to 3D CAD using leading edge technology software for product design and development. The class simulates a typical industrial design project in miniature by taking an existing product, utilizing its functional components, and presenting a re-defined new product.
Credits
3
Visual Communication 4
Review of Photoshop tools and processes of rapid rendering. Students will be taught how to use basic brushes, layer effects, sketching in Photoshop, and shortcuts. Assignments will include how to sketch products, render materials,lighting, and graphics.
Credits
3
Design Runway
This course combines physical and digital tools and methods for creation of wearable concepts or product lines. The course will also use physical and digital tools and methods for a creative presentation experience of the same wearable product line. Students will design a wearables collection of their choice: accessories, bags, shoes, or other worn apparel. Students may use The Sewing Lab or make use of outside sample makers and fabricators to assist them in completing their collection samples. The collections created in this course will be presented at the end of the semester in a final showcase presentation to the general ArtCenter family, industry contacts, sponsors and press. Designed for advanced students. Open to all majors Prerequisite: Sewing Lab.
Credits
3
Apparel Patternmaking 2D-3D
Students will learn the basic principles of patternmaking by flat pattern manipulation and draping on dress forms. They will create a sample book of flat pattern manipulation for a variety of designs including construction of a basic sloper and selected samples. The course will culminate with an Introduction to the application of computer patternmaking currently in use in the industry. Prerequisite: Sewing Lab sticker or (experienced sewers can test on machines)
Credits
3
Toy Design
This class is designed to teach students basic skills and concepts necessary for the application of their product, illustration, and graphic work in the field of Toy Design. With a focus on play patterns and storytelling students will create a product concept or world of characters, plots and environments. From this concept or world they will design a line of marketable and manufacturable toys.
Each week different aspects of product development are covered from the design and business perspective including developing a business plan, manufacturing and production strategies, marketing methods, financial planning, sales and contract negotiations.
Outcomes: Students will: -Build a prototype and packaging for one design in the line. -Develop a professional licensing proposal to distribute to potential manufacturers. -Have a final exam on the business content of the class.
Topics included in class Toy design: Play Patterns, validating toy concepts, character design and story building, style guides.
Research: Toy industry, competitive products, intellectual property, focus groups
Marketing: Distribution networks, marketing strategies, sales
Modeling and prototyping: Materials selection, packaging design
Manufacturing and production: Manufacturing process overview, working with vendors
Financing: Sources of investment money, terms of the deal for licensing
Intellectual property Character licensing, copyright, patent, and trademark
Required texts: Toy and Game Inventors Handbook by Richard Levy and Ronald O. Weingartner
Credits
3
Sewing Lab
Learn to sew or advance your current sewing skills. Get help with your apparel and soft goods projects. Learn how to read and understand commercial patterns. Create your own designs by combining, adjusting and redesigning commercial patterns. This is a multi-level class. For beginners, design and make new projects. For advanced students, expand on existing projects to create additional prototypes. Use CMTEL home sewing machines to sew fashion fabrics, light weight upholstery fabrics, denim, and light weight leather or vinyl. Heavy weight leathers will require the use of industrial sewing machines which are available to rent through sewing resources in the area or through the use of sample makers. You choose your project. Come to the first class with a proposal and sketches of your idea. Complete one or more projects during the semester.
Credits
3
Visual Communication 5
The Visual Communication 5 course is built on finding and using the best methods for effectively communicating an idea to a target audience. Methods such as freehand sketching and rendering using traditional media such as marker, pen, watercolor, and pencil to digital means such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and other tools will be used throughout the course; Other non-traditional means such as paper prototyping, wireframing, keynote/powerpoint, and cloud based services will also be covered.
Credits
3
Package Des 3: Interactive Sys
PKG Design 3 focuses on one advanced packaging system involving the retail consumer experience utilizing interactive strategies. The process and methodologies used to innovate and create extensive packaging systems complete with retail merchandising experiences to promote the brand, it's product offerings and story will be key in how one develops, strengthens defines a marketing and brand strategy. Through considered and thoughtful assessment of a brands global equity and portfolio needs, you will learn to influence, persuade and sell the packaging strategy through advanced audit, manufacturing, sustainability, evaluation & presentation techniques. Sub-branding, Co-branding, global considerations, and retail systems such as end caps, counter tops, freestanding retail and interactive displays will add to the understanding of the complete packaging & branded experience.
Credits
3
Design Lab 1
The first of four advanced product design sections; this class will expose students to the complete design process from concept to production with an emphasis on brand.
Credits
3
Package Des 3: Interactive Sys
PKG Design 3 focuses on one advanced packaging system involving the retail consumer experience utilizing interactive strategies. The process and methodologies used to innovate and create extensive packaging systems complete with retail merchandising experiences to promote the brand, it's product offerings and story will be key in how one develops, strengthens defines a marketing and brand strategy. Through considered and thoughtful assessment of a brands global equity and portfolio needs, you will learn to influence, persuade and sell the packaging strategy through advanced audit, manufacturing, sustainability, evaluation & presentation techniques. Sub-branding, Co-branding, global considerations, and retail systems such as end caps, counter tops, freestanding retail and interactive displays will add to the understanding of the complete packaging & branded experience.
Credits
3
Package Des 3: Interactive Sys
Building on Package Design 2: Brand Systems, Package Design 3: Interactive Systems focuses on the development of an extensive packaging system and retail consumer experience with interactive components and AI visualization. The result will be an in-depth, visionary case study founded on the assessment of a brand's global equity and portfolio needs that includes innovative manufacturing, technology, 3D modeling/rendering, and sustainable materials and techniques. Sub-branding, co-branding, global considerations, and industry-standard retail systems such as end caps, counter tops, freestanding retail and interactive displays will add to the understanding of the complete packaging and brand experience.
THIS COURSE IS ONLY OFFERED IN THE FALL AND SPRING TERMS, DEPENDENT ON DEMAND
Credits
3
3D Modeling 3
Build upon the skills learned in 3D modeling 2 by utilizing CAD as an essential tool throughout the design process. Students will use CAD to help create internal package layouts, low fidelity mock-ups and prototyping, high quality sketch renderings and a final "mock-up" ready CAD model with all of the necessary part breaks, engineering/manufacturing considerations and a full set of CMF specification sheets. Students will have the flexibility to create a completely new design concept or re-vamp a concept from a previous class or project. Although the focus is on consumer electronics, there could be a wide variety of potential products to design such as Virtual Reality Headsets, Personal Mobility, Drones, Mobile Devices, Smart Wearables, Home IOT, or even integrating technology into other products such as furniture or sports equipment.
Credits
3
Adobe Substance Studio
A complete walk through of the entire Adobe Substance 3D ecosystem. This class will focus on how to create materials and models; then light and render those assets. The class will focus on a wide range of objects, and will be open to any major who wants to learn digital material creation processes, or the Substance tool set. We will also have guests from Adobe talk about how these materials are used at companies like Nike, Epic Games, BMW, Zaha Hadid Architects, and many other companies & Industries.
Credits
3
3D Modeling 4
This advanced course is designed for students ready to elevate their parametric modeling skills, progressing from their SolidWorks foundation. 3D Modeling 4 introduces Siemens NX, the industry-standard software employed by top-tier global product manufacturers. This course will immerse students in creating intricate models driven by a deep understanding of parameters, relationships, and constraints, while also developing expertise in sophisticated surfacing techniques to achieve aesthetic excellence and precise form. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, specifically how advanced parametric and surfacing modeling enhances Manufacturability (DFM) processes, and optimizes production follow-up. The course structure includes foundational NX modeling exercises leading to a substantial final project with flexibility.
Credits
3
Keyshot II
This is an elective course that will help students master rendering techniques in KeyShot to more effectively communicate their designs and ideas in a compelling and believable way. This course is open to all majors; previous experience in KeyShot is required. Previous experience or classes in CAD/SolidWorks, photography, and product design is also required, unless instructor judges CAD competency based on a case by case basis. This course will cover how to optimize your KeyShot workflow, advanced materials, textures, and lighting, photorealism, and animation techniques. This class will dive deep into creating more compelling compositions in KeyShot, advanced materials, and material/texture creation. The first several weeks will be focused on improving skills for rendering still images (including Photoshop tips), while the majority latter weeks will focus on animation in KeyShot - introducing other software tools (such as Premiere, Blender, and iMovie). This class will meet once per week for instruction and discussion on the class topics, in-class assignments, and one-on-one breakout sessions. Projects will range from recreating an image with given models and assets to making photo real images and animations of your own 3D models in your own style.
Credits
3
Product VFX
Product VFX is a technical class that focuses on the digital tools necessary for advanced ID design / rendering. Different digital tools/processes will also be explored in this class. Artistic experimentation is encouraged within the framework of visual cohesiveness and communication.
Credits
3
6th Term Review
Required for all 6th term Product Design students. Consists of a portfolio review & successful review by the Dept Chair.
Credits
0
Visual Communication 6
Vis Com 6 is an industry-level, presentation, and storytelling class. It focuses on how to visually communicate your projects and process succinctly through various techniques other than sketching and rendering.Techniques include the use of graphics, photography, videography, 3D rendering, and motion in order to convey considered stories of your work and you. Throughout the term, you will learn how to best utilize these techniques to showcase your work in an exciting and emotionally compelling way on your website and in presentation decks. This will be done for the purpose of learning targeted storytelling, creating a unique point of view for each of your projects, and connecting with peers and professionals in preparation for internships, design awards, and, eventually, full-time positions.
Credits
3
Design Lab 2
Design Lab 2 / Sustainability Design is an advanced level product design course that will build upon the key concepts of sustainability, principles of ecology, circular economy, and environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) introduced in DfS1 and prior design studios. Students will consider relevant environmental, social and economic factors, and apply comprehensive research and experimentation to the design of a product/service and/or system. Students will draw from their existing knowledge of the topic (of sustainability) along with their abilities to use the design process and creative methodologies to develop desirable, viable, feasible and ethical solutions that incorporate and reflect the sustainable focus of this course. Students will be expected to make informed decisions during the design process and present their solutions using professional and relevant topic terminology.
Credits
3
Intro to Digital Wearables
This course will focus on creating digital apparel + accessories, developing digital patterns, soft-good rendering, and visualizing digital presentation. Students will mainly focus on learning CLO 3D and creating apparel and accessories in different methods/digital platforms. The final goal of the class is to build 3D objects in different programs, combine and render them in Keyshot.
Credits
3
Design for: Hay/Danese/Muji
In this class students will design and make a line of accessories for one of the following brands: Hay (Denmark) - Danese (Italy) - Muji (Japan). Research will lead to understand the brand identity/values and their target, as well as understanding the current market trends. The design will include a range of small, functional objects - 3 to 5 objects, selected from a curated list - which fits the brand identity and considers the company's manufacturing techniques, as well their use of materials. This range will respond to a specific, targeted need, while reflecting its designer's approach. The final products will be in real scale,using the actual materials and colors .
Credits
3
LalaLand
LalaLand: This W+SG course is intended to provide practical knowledge of footwear and bag making in a factory setting to students from 3rd Term and above. Lower term students can gain insights into the production process and upper term students with previous W+SG coursework (Product 4 and/or 5) will learn the application of their previous coursework.
Credits
3
7th Term Review
Required for all 7th term Product Design students. Consists of a portfolio review & successful review by the Dept Chair.
Credits
0
Industrial Design Research
This course focuses on the information gathering, study, and analysis that product designers do to inspire and inform themselves at the start of, and during, the design process.
Credits
3
Design Lab 3
Design Lab 3 / Design for Production is second of three advanced product design courses. This course will engage students in the complete design process from concept to production with an emphasis on product development for mass production. Students will take their design process to a level where the product(s) can be manufacturable/producible, fit inside a business eco-system and have a go to market strategy (outline of a basic business plan and a branding strategy) for a near future launch. Course will prepare students to be able to control design intent and ability to professionally communicate with vendors, engineers and factories through the creation of a final tech pack and/or style guide.
Credits
3
Internship Portfolio
Credits 3Internship Portfolio
The goal of this course is to help you build a web portfolio to apply for an internship and to prepare you for a comprehensive departmental gateway review. The material covered will form a foundation for your portfolio, which you will continue to develop as you progress through the program. You will present three of your best projects in your portfolio website, framing each project's message to illustrate your full design thinking and decision-making process. You will graphically design and produce a portfolio website and upload the website to the internet. You will focus on strengthening your written communication to describe your educational journey, outline your professional aspirations, and strategically position yourself as a qualified candidate for two different internship opportunities.
In the second half of the semester, your portfolio, as a representation of your design work, will be reviewed by a panel comprised of the department chair and faculty. That review will allow the team to recommend your future class strategy, area of emphasis, and strengths and areas for improvement. That review will advise on your 4th Term Review pass/no pass status.
Credits
3
Formula E
The Formula E (elastic) Challenge is a 13 week long project in which student teams design remote controlled race vehicles powered by 16 feet of rubber band. The class is held during the summer term and teams compete in a series of race events including a handling course, a drag race, a hill climb, a beauty contest, and best in show. This year, the project will provide an opportunity for ArtCenter undergrad students to join the competition along with teams from Grad ID, Pasadena City College, winning teams from Formula E-China, and Sacramento State Univerisity, among others.
The project is designed to teach lessons in strategy, product development, science, engineering, design fabrication, branding and event planning. Students also learn about competition, working in teams, setting goals, and implementing plans that meet them. The vehicles are design and created through an iterative process with the latest computer design and rapid prototyping tools with advanced materials and mechanisms. Race vehicles rapidly accelerate them to speeds over 25mph.
Credits
3
Package Des 1: Des Principles
This course provides a broad overview of essential packaging design basics, including materials, production methods, and experimental investigation.
Credits
3
Package Des 1: Des Principles
Package Design 1 introduces the fundamentals of packaging design through hands-on exploration of structure, materials, printing methods, and production techniques. Students will create strategic packaging concepts that respond to content and context, and develop the ability to evaluate, synthesize, and communicate ideas. Emphasis is placed on developing thoughtful, innovative package design solutions that integrate both technical knowledge and conceptual rigor.
Credits
3
Package Design 2: Brand Sys
Building on Package Design 1: Design Principles, Package Design 2: Brand Systems focuses on packaging design as a core component of a strategic branding system. Students will develop creative concepts that are appropriate to the brand's goals and intent, as well as the market in which the brand is positioned. Additional emphasis will be placed on exploring sustainability within the world of package design, creating high-quality physical and digital prototypes, and expanding the packaging system into promotional campaign assets.
Credits
3
Package Design 2: Brand Sys
This elective course focuses on packaging systems as relevant branding mechanisms in contemporary consumer packaging design and development. Students will be exposed to creative concepting as it relates to strategic planning and thinking appropriate to the client?s goals and intent as well as the market in which the client is positioned. Additional emphasis will be placed on developing students ability to conduct meaningful research and analysis. Students will address projects involving the revitalization of existing brands as well as creating a brand image vis-224-vis a product, identity and subsequent packaging applications within a cogent marketing program.
Credits
3
Capstone Workshop
This 0 credit course is required prior to enrolling in the Product Capstone Studio. This workshop style course will prepare students for their Capstone Studio and will help students think through their final term strategy. Students will identify their individual goals in a defined opportunity space that will allow them to showcase their design skills and processes. Students will be required to select an appropriate opportunity space, develop a high level research plan and project schedule in order to pass this course and enroll in the Capstone Studio.
Credits
0
Product Capstone Project
The Product Design Capstone studio is the last of three advanced product design courses; In this course, students will develop a final project employing the skills they have mastered to date as well continuing to develop skills they still need. The Capstone studio is primarily a self-guided studio with focus on decision making, communication, and creating products that are functionally and aesthetically relevant for the identified customer. Students will work on establishing the business context and developing a go-to-market strategy and/or brand strategy for their project. The course will require the creation of a final tech pack and/or style guide. Advanced storytelling and narrative skills will be taught and mastered as well as the integration of sustainable design where feasible.
Credits
3
Product Design 8
In this course, students will develop a final project by exploring the typical process of bringing a product to market in the corporate landscape.
Credits
3
Professional Preparation
This class provides an overview and discussion of the following topics:
1.Principles of Design Leadership and Being a Leader 2.Principles of Design Project Management 3.Planning a Project 4.Managing a Project 5.Being an Effective Leader to Lead a Project Team 6.Project Organization 7.Starting a Design Career with Your First 145Launch Pad146 Job
Credits
3
Advanced Sewing Design
For students with advanced sewing skills who have taken Sewing Lab. Students may explore new ideas or expand on existing ideas to create themed projects such as: soft goods collections, performance costume, fashion, custom textile applications, or fine art soft installations. Get help with apparel and soft goods projects for other courses. You choose your project. Come to the first class with a proposal and sketches of your idea. Complete one or more projects during the semester.
Credits
3
Wearables: Material Futures
This course explores the frontiers in the development, use and manufacture of new materials for wearables and soft goods. New textiles are being developed all the time so this course will offer new topics as they arise. Through lecture and in-class material exploration students will learn about the advances in 3-D printing, bio-grown materials, wearable tech, digital printed imagery, and a whole host of other new methods in development. Through access to ArtCenter Shop facilities and Sewing Lab resources, students will research, innovate and create samples of new experimental textile materials. A full term Research Book will be required with research, notes, sketches, photographs and material samples students create.
Credits
3
Prof Prep & Grad Review
This class will prepare your portfolio for review, prepare you for the graduation show and cover an overview and discussion of the following topics: 1.Principles of Design Leadership and Being a Leader 2.Principles of Design Project Management 3.Planning a Project 4.Managing a Project 5.Being an Effective Leader to Lead a Project Team 6.Project Organization 7.Starting a Design Career 8. Prepare your portfolio for industry review 9. Prepare Strategy and Execute Grad Show.
Credits
3
TestLab Berlin: Studio 1
TestlabBerlin is a sponsored studio abroad project. Projects utilize the city as a direct source for research, inspiration, and experimentation. One core faculty member will run the project for the entire semester, additionally there will be guest faculty/lecturers/guest critics in Berlin.
Available to fifth term and above students by application, preferrably with Mediatecture experience.
Students will experiment with new creative strategies for art and design production, which will be informed by responses from a European and American audience. This feedback process will be enabled both through traditional and social media and through in-person and secondary interaction with the audience. the resulting projects are cross-cultural in nature and dramatically broaden the creative horizon of all participants.
Credits
3
Testlab Berlin: Studio 2
TestlabBerlin is a sponsored studio abroad project. Projects utilize the city as a direct source for research, inspiration, and experimentation. One core faculty member will run the project for the entire semester, additionally there will be guest faculty/lecturers/guest critics in Berlin.
Available to fifth term and above students by application, preferrably with Mediatecture experience.
Students will experiment with new creative strategies for art and design production, which will be informed by responses from a European and American audience. This feedback process will be enabled both through traditional and social media and through in-person and secondary interaction with the audience. the resulting projects are cross-cultural in nature and dramatically broaden the creative horizon of all participants.
Credits
3
Footwear Des Busn S1
"This brand sponsored, footwear industry, study-away intensive has two main components: (1) three successive 2-week footwear design assignments targeting Nike, Adidas and UnderArmour and (2) two 1-week business courses at Portland State University Business School with their students. 1. Each 2-week design project will have recent ACCD alumni from these three footwear brands reviewing the students' work each evening leading to final presentations for each brand. 2. The two business courses at PSU are part of PSU's summer Athletic & Outdoor program that will expose our students to footwear business practices and interaction with footwear business students and guest lecturers from the footwear business outside of design. The courses will cover business competitive dynamics and product briefing. The PSU product briefing course I teach will have the students from both programs cooperate on a footwear product brief and resultant product ideation."
Credits
3
Footwear Des Busn S2
"This brand sponsored, footwear industry, study-away intensive has two main components: (1) three successive 2-week footwear design assignments targeting Nike, Adidas and UnderArmour and (2) two 1-week business courses at Portland State University Business School with their students. 1. Each 2-week design project will have recent ACCD alumni from these three footwear brands reviewing the students' work each evening leading to final presentations for each brand. 2. The two business courses at PSU are part of PSU's summer Athletic & Outdoor program that will expose our students to footwear business practices and interaction with footwear business students and guest lecturers from the footwear business outside of design. The courses will cover business competitive dynamics and product briefing. The PSU product briefing course I teach will have the students from both programs cooperate on a footwear product brief and resultant product ideation."
Credits
3
Footwear Des Busn S3
"This brand sponsored, footwear industry, study-away intensive has two main components: (1) three successive 2-week footwear design assignments targeting Nike, Adidas and UnderArmour and (2) two 1-week business courses at Portland State University Business School with their students. 1. Each 2-week design project will have recent ACCD alumni from these three footwear brands reviewing the students' work each evening leading to final presentations for each brand. 2. The two business courses at PSU are part of PSU's summer Athletic & Outdoor program that will expose our students to footwear business practices and interaction with footwear business students and guest lecturers from the footwear business outside of design. The courses will cover business competitive dynamics and product briefing. The PSU product briefing course I teach will have the students from both programs cooperate on a footwear product brief and resultant product ideation."
Credits
3
INSEAD: Creative Strategies
Focuses on the use of creative strategies to drive business success. Integrates business and design through lectures and team exercises, resulting in a final digital design project done in teams in CT 2. Designers will each work in teams with MBAs and will coach the MBAs in the design process and strategic integration.
Credits
3
INSEAD: Product Design Studio
IXD fundamentals bootcamp- a two week intensive course that will prepare you for the Digital Project in Creative Strategies Part 2. It will include developing skills in Figma (prototyping SW). the other component of this 3 credit course is a reading and discussion segment focused on the Lean Start-up. Students will read and discuss the text. The course will include a field trip to meet with an Lean Development team.
Credits
3
INSEAD: Ixd & SDG Bootcamps
Prior to being involved in the two Innovation by Design workshops, you will be in a customized training course to better prepare you for an engagement with Executive MBA participants. Innovation by Design is a three and a half day programme that will help integrate design thinking with business thinking. EMBA participants will be shown how to create and support a culture of design within their organisation and at the same time acquire the knowledge to put creative thinking into action. Students will be the design coaches for 2 EMBA sessions. They will be assigned roles and responsibilities.
Credits
3
Digital Athletic Sprint 1
PasX will be a two week intensive deep dive into a prescribed athletic brand. Covering research, brand analysis, and future line expansion opportunities. Students will create prototypes and tech packs for their final presentation.
Credits
3
Digital Athletic Sprint 2
PasX will be a two week intensive deep dive into a prescribed athletic brand. Covering research, brand analysis, and future line expansion opportunities. Students will create prototypes and tech packs for their final presentation.
Credits
3
Digital Athletic Sprint 3
PasX will be a two week intensive deep dive into a prescribed athletic brand. Covering research, brand analysis, and future line expansion opportunities. Students will create prototypes and tech packs for their final presentation.
Credits
3
CMF-X Studio 1 ADOBE Sprint
Use Adobe Substance to create digital materials, colors and surfaces in the metaverse.
Credits
3
CMF-X Studio 2 HOKA Sprint
Create real-world CMF for athletic footwear and apparel.
Credits
3
CMF-X Studio 3 GM Sprint
Combine real-world and metaverse CMF for an automotive brand.
Credits
3
Ceramics Manufacturing
The course explores the dynamic interplay between architecture, interior design, graphic design, and product design. Students will engage with various ceramics design strategies, ranging from traditional hand-based methods to cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. A vital aspect of the course is researching "Jugaad," which involves frugal and sustainable fabrication methods. This includes studying various modes of development and stylistic integrations in a modern society with a traditional cultural background. Additionally, the course delves into the rich history of Thai culture, emphasizing its contributions to sustainable design. A particular focus is given to Thai cuisine, both traditional and contemporary, to design tableware. The expected outcomes are diverse, including wall tiles, vessels, and objects that serve dual purposes and act as both intermittently. Students are encouraged to apply their observations and learnings from Thailand to create ceramic tableware and interior fixtures suitable for a restaurant setting. The course emphasizes approaching everyday objects in unconventional ways and learning to effectively communicate design ideas to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers through use-case scenarios.
Credits
3
Color, Material & Concept
Credits 3Digital Process 4
Credits 3Spatial Design 4
Credits 3Design Lab 4
Credits 3Portfolio Studio 2
Credits 3Materials Innovation: Seaweed
Discover how sustainability and creativity intersect through material innovation. In this course, you'll explore and create seaweed-based materials to develop new solutions for furniture design. Consider taking the new materials a step further in the summer term by creating furniture.
Credits
3
Meyers Manx Sponsored Studio
Students will reimagine a golf cart that transcends navigation on a traditional recreational course. Push the limits of what the driving and passenger experience can look and feel like for the current and next generations of golf cart users, including use in other environments like resorts, event venues, etc. This is an opportunity to envision a new model of this multi-purpose vehicle that could potentially go straight to production for a leading industry brand that is always looking to blend their classic heritage style with forward-thinking innovation.
By petition; 5th term or higher.
Credits
3
Intro to Digital Creation
Our industries are being disrupted by the convergence of ground breaking digital tools (computational design, machine learning, real time raytracing), exponential manufacturing technologies (new methods of make, additive manufacturing, 3D printing) and shifting consumer expectations (sustainable product made just for me, available right now). What does all this mean for our creativity ? How can we leverage these new tools and processes to create truly innovative products and experiences ? In this course, we will explore a number of tools that have the potential of transforming the way we create and bring ideas to life.
Credits
3
Gravity Sketch & Lulu Footwear
Gravity Sketch and lululemon athletica are co-sponsoring a TDS for Summer Term 2023. A selected group of interdisciplinary students will create focused, sustainable footwear, packaging and communication systems using Gravity Sketch for lululemon footwear. This is an opportunity to work with the teams from two international brands to envision the use of digital tools to create and explore LCA (life cycle assessment) sustainability opportunities; the deliverables ranging from the product to the films, packaging, graphics and CMF. Everything the consumer touches and feels. Gravity Sketch software experience will be helpful, but not required, for any major since you will learn it in this project. Team presentations and deliverables will be made to sponsor design teams and executives in the VR environment. If you've not yet worked closely with professional design teams in a class, this is your opportunity. Experience in footwear design not required. This class is by petition.
Credits
3
New Balance Sponsored Studio
Reinvent and create an advantageous tech and material-forward running experience. Design a concept that challenges athletes to run farther, faster, and more inclusively. Students will work in teams to create a shoe concept that pushes the current New Balance experience of running.
Credits
3
Fancy Feast Sponsored Studio
Home decoration is where many bring fanciness into their lives, but options for cat lovers are limited. Fancy Feast wants to deliver exceptional experiences beyond taste. We want to enhance the experience surrounding our product, by creating the Fancy Home.
Credits
3
Futures Studio
We explore and envision what alternative futures might look in the capacity as creative professionals and social influencers, ecological activists and technology disruptors that may trigger new paradigm shift. We will study cross-impact trends, research studies, science fiction and more that shape the futures. Rather than merely theorizing various futures, this course will prepare students in hands-on methods of future studies, creative exercise, speculative design and designing preferable futures.
Credits
3
ASUS ROG Sponsored Studio
Asus is back! ROG! ArtCenter's success with last year's Asus' ProArt Sponsored project has enabled a new opportunity in GAMING! Gaming culture isn't developing on its own, but starting to blend with subcultures like pop, street, and EDM. Underground movements are morphing together to inspire new gaming solutions. Asus ROG needs your expertise! Here is what we will endeavor: Laptop: Asus ROG wants us to develop innovative short animations for their G14 Laptop AniMe Matrix technology - which means we will be designing cool animations users can display on their laptop. Our creations will be featured on ROG's Social Media platforms with cash rewards and rewards! (No animation experience necessary! Really!) Accessories: Asus ROG wants us to develop a line of next generation / future accessories for gamers. Propose ideas for new markets, new technologies, better ergonomics / performance, etc! Students will have a chance to work individually AND on a team and the course is open to all students beyond Term 5. Resume, portfolio link or examples of work required with signup. The course is open to students above 5th Term.
Credits
3
Volvo Sponsored Project
This Volvo sponsored TDS studio gives students the opportunity to envision the future while tackling the next generation wheel loader construction equipment. Operators spend all day in the cabin executing a multitude of tasks. Taking this work to the next level in efficiency and comfort will require superior interior design, interaction design, functional and aesthetic exploration and execution. How can the operator experience be re-imagined and enhanced through digitization, gamification, CMF design, VR and AR? Students will be provided insight, feedback and support from Volvo Group throughout the 14-week studio as all explore the together Operator Cab Redesign Project together.
Students will work in teams with students from a variety of departments.
Credits
3
Kidmania
Kidmania: Designing for playing learning and growing is a TDS course that teaches students about child development and culture as applied to the design process. With a focus on interpreting psychological, sociological and anthropological research students will learn how to apply selected topics from the class to their own work and create a final project and presentation on their project. This course is ideal for students who want to design products, entertainment properties, artwork, games, apps, environments, or write and illustrate books for kids. Key content covered in the class includes: The history of childhood, thought leaders, research methods to use with kids, the design process, materials and safety considerations, developmental stages, physical development, psychological development, emotional development, social development, cognitive development, language development, cultural differences, global issues, education, entertainment, edutainment, the generation Z experience, and kids & consumerism. Throughout the class there will be weekly lectures, readings, writing and design exercises, and class discussion. During the class students will:
- Gather research, from texts, journals, trend sources, and articles and choose an area of interest for more in depth focus. - Engage in on-on-one interviews with individuals who are child development, children's culture and designing for children experts - Participate in field trips to children's museums and schools where students will observe and work with children to enhance their projects.
- Apply selected topics learned in the course to a project of their choosing.
Credits
3
Kidmania
Kidmania is a TDS course that is ideal for students who want to design products, entertainment properties, artwork, games, apps, environments, or write and illustrate books for kids. Students learn about child development and culture as applied to the design process. During the class students will develop several concepts based on class topics then choose an area of interest for their own personal project to focus on in depth for the final.
Key content covered in the class includes: Research methods, the design process, branding, materials and safety, developmental stages, physical development, social and emotional development, cognitive development, play, media and technology, education, entertainment, edutainment, children's spaces, generation alpha and Z experience, and kids & consumerism.
Required text: Designing for Kids: Creating for playing, learning, and growing. Krystina Castella
Credits
3
Brand Strategy Lab
This TDS course focuses on creating strategic design innovation by learning a systematic brand and design strategy toolbox. Students will learn how world's leading brands and start-ups create compelling user experience, customer-centered value proposition and unrivaled brand equity, by connecting with target customers through strategically designed multi-touchpoint experiences. It's a start-to-finish, comprehensive process at the art and science of branding, from exploring macro trends, competitive landscape and diverse customer archetypes to create brand strategy, culture, identity, multi-touchpoint design, and customer experience. Trans-disciplinary students will work on team or individual projects for selected existing brands or creating new brands targeting specific archetypes.
Credits
3
Samsung Sponsored Studio
This studio class will provide an immersive industry experience with a client, designing for a real-world challenge. The goal of this project is to set a new design strategy for Samsung wearable devices. In this class you'll be challenged with proposing a product strategy with a new design.
Credits
3
Samsung Sponsored Studio
Design Gen Z/A's ideal collaboration partner for Samsung that will excite young people. New opportunities for the brand in sports, luxury, transportation, soft goods and beyond. Students will be asked to research Gen Z and Gen A. Based on the insights gathered, students will (in teams) create bold and forward thinking concepts to help broaden opportunities for the Samsung brand beyond the traditional wearable tech and mobile phones they are known for. A strong interest in CMF and trend forecasting is a must.
Credits
3
Life Without Plastic
Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate, Sharpie, EXPO, Elmers, Coleman, Oster, Sunbeam, FoodSaver, Mr. Coffee, Graco, Calphalon, Rubbermaid, First Alert, etc. In this studio you will focus on new thinking around alternative materials and plastic replacements, the closed recycling and reuse loop with special emphasis on creating new alternatives to plastics use in new product offerings by inventing new brands or redefining existing brands. These companies MUST compete and disrupt / or grow current Newell Brands divisional areas of focus.
Credits
3
Adv CMF Navigating Business
In this course we will focus on teaching the strategic business side of Color, Material and Finish design. Once in a production studio a CMF Designer will have to understand and use many traditional business techniques to integration their designs into business.
Credits
3
Designing Democracy
Designing Democracy: The Future of Civic Engagement
This research-led TDS will challenge students to explore the past, present, and future of democratic participation and civic engagement. Students will learn about how the landscape of US elections has changed over time, including the history of voting rights, civil rights, media representation and power. In partnership with Common Cause, a citizen lobbying group devoted to making government more ethical and accountable, students will participate in local canvassing activities and citizen ethnography. With knowledge partners from across the political spectrum, we will envision the role design can play in the election process and build frameworks and strategies for the future. Creative projects will invite public engagement in the political process through the creation of campaigns, collateral, systems, experiences, spaces (and more!) aimed at increasing voter participation in and beyond California.
Credits
3
Wearables
Explore wearable technology through research, concepting and prototyping. From devices to skins, and medical to expressionistic, we will investigate what it means to put technology on the body, and generate ideas for why and how. Students should expect to experiment and prototype at multiple levels: functionality/behavior, materiality/fabrication and test deployment. We will be sewing, building circuits, and programming; previous experience in any of these is a plus.
BY PETITION ONLY: Interested students should submit 1 paragraph (max 150 words) describing their vision of and interest in wearable technologies and 3 portfolio examples of wearable or interactive projects, to Danielle.ferrer@artcenter.edu.
Credits
3
Under Armour Sponsored Project
In this project you will create a brand-centric, authentic "Run Experience".This interdisciplinary approach will include footwear, apparel, retail space, visuals, packaging, etc. based on your team cohort. In addition to your instructors, you will be mentored by Under Armour teammates and have access to Under Armour running culture assets in Los Angeles. The final project deliverable will be a comprehensive presentation of team projects that represent the Under Armour Run Experience and will be presented to faculty and Under Armour teammates.
Credits
3
Community Studio
ACCD Community Program Connecting ACCD to Black & Minority Owned Businesses in Los Angeles Communities.
A transdisciplinary course that utilizes brand & product strategy, brand identity, product design & environmental design services to help in strengthening Black & Minority Owned Businesses in Los Angeles Communities. This course will be managed on the model of a design consultancy; pulling together necessary talent to create a team for each client to provide successful solutions and execute on deliverables. Students will work directly with real brands, clients, needs and deliverables, with immediate design implementation & results.
Credits
3
Creative Strategies
This class will teach students a strategic approach to creativity that will stimulate, encourage and liberate their own creative potential. Through in-class exercises, they will learn how to break patterns, reframe problems and apply new conceptual thinking into their work. The homework assignments are designed to explore the theoretical components of creativity further and to discover their individual unchartered territories for new methods of problem solving. With the use of cross disciplinary evaluation techniques students will better understand their own learning process and be able to apply them to expand their range of creative thinking skills.
Credits
3
Future of Creative Workflow
Students across disciplines are invited to explore "The Future of Creative Workflow" using ASUS ProArt. They will be asked to define pain points using tools from the ProArt product line, develop new products and services to help the creative workflow and enhance collaboration, use visual storytelling to help build brand awareness, and prepare new product line for simulated consumer launch event.
Credits
3
SMPL x DSGN
SMPL is a trans-disciplinary design consultancy that tackles complex problems with innovative and original solutions. We are made up of experts in product design, interaction design and graphic design. Over the next 14 weeks we will break into teams and take on 5 clients, each bringing a unique set of design challenges. Though we may be working on different projects, we will develop a shared approach to design and problem solving. Together we will build an inspiring portfolio of products and systems that are intuitive, effective and simple by design.
Credits
3
SMPLxDSGN Launch
This is a continuation class for students who have completed SMPLxDSGN mock studio, who wish to continue working on their projects beyond the single term. In this class, students will have the space to take their previously completed projects to the next level, and receive more focused coaching in an effort toward their goals. Objectives may include but is not limited to (1) prepare project for design competitions, (2) explore project for crowdfunding & launch, (3) polish project for portfolio, and (4) develop an alternative design direction not pursued in class.
Credits
3
Future Sports Berlin: ST1
This TDS will explore the "Future of Sports" in Berlin - a city that has a significant history in sporting events and a culture that continually redefines what sport means to its individuals and the community. The project will be sponsored by Adidas and Canyon Bikes with potential other sponsors. Topics to be explored include: future concepts in footwear, apparel, equipment, branded events and retail, digital interaction, etc. that will redefine the future performance and participation in sports. The project will leverage the immersion into the Berlin culture and interacting with local experts, sponsors and designers.
Available to fifth term and above students by application.
Experience working in trans-disciplinary teams.
Credits
3
Future Sports Berlin: ST2
This TDS will explore the "Future of Sports" in Berlin - a city that has a significant history in sporting events and a culture that continually redefines what sport means to its individuals and the community. The project will be sponsored by Adidas and Canyon Bikes with potential other sponsors. Topics to be explored include: future concepts in footwear, apparel, equipment, branded events and retail, digital interaction, etc. that will redefine the future performance and participation in sports. The project will leverage the immersion into the Berlin culture and interacting with local experts, sponsors and designers.
Available to fifth term and above students by application.
Experience working in trans-disciplinary teams.
Credits
3
Future Sports Berlin: ST3
This TDS will explore the "Future of Sports" in Berlin - a city that has a significant history in sporting events and a culture that continually redefines what sport means to its individuals and the community. The project will be sponsored by Adidas and Canyon Bikes with potential other sponsors. Topics to be explored include: future concepts in footwear, apparel, equipment, branded events and retail, digital interaction, etc. that will redefine the future performance and participation in sports. The project will leverage the immersion into the Berlin culture and interacting with local experts, sponsors and designers.
Available to fifth term and above students by application.
Experience working in trans-disciplinary teams.
Credits
3
Future Sports Berlin: ST4
This TDS will explore the "Future of Sports" in Berlin - a city that has a significant history in sporting events and a culture that continually redefines what sport means to its individuals and the community. The project will be sponsored by Adidas and Canyon Bikes with potential other sponsors. Topics to be explored include: future concepts in footwear, apparel, equipment, branded events and retail, digital interaction, etc. that will redefine the future performance and participation in sports. The project will leverage the immersion into the Berlin culture and interacting with local experts, sponsors and designers.
Available to fifth term and above students by application.
Experience working in trans-disciplinary teams.
Credits
3
Culture/Craft-Seika Kyoto Unv
In this course a select group of students will experience Japanese culture and craft through a trip to Kyoto, a city as rich in it's history and tradition as it is forward thinking. Here students will participate in a series of hands-on workshops, lectures, and outings in cooperation with Seika University. Upon returning to ArtCenter, the students will use their newfound knowledge and insight to reexamine Southern Californian design.
As a hybrid of Surface and Product Design, students will develop both a design pattern and home good product, with the unique opportunity to develop pattern and product side by side. They will also learn the history and tradition of textile design, and product development techniques with an eye towards cultural sensitivity and expression.
Credits
3