Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Prereq: Industrial Design Majors
Introductory studio focusing on industrial design fundamentals. Emphasizes user-centered design, problem solving, critical thinking, and market analysis. Integrates digital sketching tools, 3D modeling software, and rapid prototyping technologies. Develops skills in visual communication and presentation using industry standard design software.
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Prereq: Enrollment in INDD major; INDD 2010
This studio advances industrial design skills through technology-integrated exercises. Enhances proficiency in digital sketching, 3D CAD modeling, and data-driven design processes. Emphasizes both digital and analog fabrication techniques to create user-based design solutions.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Introduction to the discipline of Industrial Design: its definition, emerging and innovative technologies, innovative design, human factors in design, design thinking and systems thinking, creative problem solving, interdisciplinary approaches and basic principles of the profession. As well as an overview of technical, artistic, and social context of the profession.
Credits: 3.
Prereq: Industrial Design Majors
Introduction to fundamental industrial design tools and techniques, emphasizing basic 2D and 3D digital design software, introductory modeling, and entry-level prototyping technologies for manufacturing. First in a two-course series on analog and digital communication in design, laying groundwork for advanced applications.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Introduction of digital applications and workflows through the lens specific to industrial design tasks and professional practices.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Introduction to design for complex and dynamic situations that include people, products, activities and environments. Emphasizes the relationship between internal and external factors that impact pleasure and performance in these systems. Includes an overview of universal design and examines the role of the industrial designer in developing the artifacts of daily activity.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Advanced application of industrial design tools and techniques, building on foundational skills. Explores computational design, parametric modeling, and rapid prototyping technologies. Second in a two-course series on analog and digital communication in design.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Introduction to contemporary and historic factors influencing industrial design, engineering, innovation, materials, manufacturing, craft, and practice. This discussion explores the social, political, cultural, and technological contexts that have influenced industrial design.
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Prereq: Industrial Design Majors and INDD 2020
Exploration and application of systematic design methodologies including sustainable practices and research-driven creative thinking techniques. Emphasizing quantitative and qualitative analysis, computational design tools, and iterative problem solving through progressive technology-enhanced exercises.
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Prereq: Industrial Design Undergraduate Majors and INDD 3010
Exploration of commercial factors in industrial design. Integrates materials science, manufacturing processes, and business principles. Emphasizes data-driven decision making, technological innovation, and sustainable practices. Meets Industrial Design Experiential Learning Requirements through industry-relevant projects and collaborations.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Qualitative and quantitative research methods with an emphasis on contextual user-centered research. Integration of user data collection, statistical visualization, and synthesis methods to inform data-based design solutions.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Human-centered design (HCD) methodology that integrates scientific principles and data analysis for solving complex design problems. Investigation of creative thinking strategies, facilitation techniques, and problem-solving processes. Emphasis on the cognitive science of creativity and its application in diverse design contexts.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Studio 6.
Emphasis on computer-aided visualization techniques for 3D rendering and digital fabrication. Exploration and practice of several computer modeling applications as digitization tools for industrial design.
Credits: 1-3.
Focus on student learning engagement and knowledge retention through visual note-taking. Introduction to sketchnoting as a creative and non-traditional visual note-taking methodology fostering active listening and synthesis. Learn to create visual libraries as they pertain to select subjects and practice visual notetaking through live lectures and study note development. Reflection sketchnotes will provide students an opportunity to discover their own learning progress and connections across courses. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Laboratory 2.
Theory and application of human factors issues in the industrial design field, specifically their impact on the relationship of the user, the product, the product systems, and environment.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Introduction to fundamental materials and manufacturing processes for design professionals. Explores traditional and emerging materials, their properties, and applications in mass production contexts. Covers key manufacturing methods including injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing, and relevant contemporary processes. Examines the connection between material selection, manufacturing constraints, and product functionality.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Dismantling mysteries surrounding science and technology. Identifying key concepts from applied science, engineering and technology to obtain better understanding on how things work. Review and explanation of the principles behind the technologies that define our modern way of life. Common everyday technology such as building electronic gadgets, interface hardware with computers, writing applications, systems applications and making functional electronics units, are some of the examples illustrating scientific knowledge and applications.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
A historical exploration of the cultural significance and impact of objects on society through the lens of industrial design, engineering, materials science, and processes.
Credits: 2. Repeatable.
Academic and cultural visits to major landmarks, production facilities, companies, museums in Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands that provide context for understanding more about the traditions and practice of design and craftsmanship. (Typically Offered: Summer)
Credits: 1-6. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Prereq: Enrollment in INDD major; INDD 2020; 18 credits in INDD; Permission of Instructor
Professional industrial design, off-campus experience. Meets Industrial Design Experiential Learning Requirements.
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Repeatable, maximum of 18 credits.
Prereq: Junior Classification in Industrial Design major and (INDD 3010 or INDD 3020)
Exploration of advanced industrial design applications in commercial industries. Integrates cutting-edge technologies, data analytics, and sustainable practices. Topics vary, emphasizing interdisciplinary problem-solving and innovation. Topics vary each time offered. Meets Industrial Design Experiential Learning Credits.
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Industrial Design Undergraduate Majors and INDD 3010
Advanced topics focused on industrial design applications in service-learning and community engagement projects. Topics vary each time offered.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
User-centered concept generation using AI tools focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to create ideas, products, or solutions tailored specifically to the needs, preferences, and pain points of the end users. The course will look at the existing industrial design process that utilizes behavioral research concepts to develop design insights, design interventions, and user testing strategies before creating a proposal that is economically viable, creates a better user experience, and addresses the core factors responsible for the issue at hand. The course focuses on the traditional industrial design process while utilizing cutting edge, AI-based tools. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 39 credits.
This course examines the critical role of aesthetic intelligence in creating human-centered products and brand identities. Exploration of the theory and practice of industrial design, focusing on how aesthetic elements can be strategically employed, evoke emotions, to differentiate brands, and drive consumer engagement. A series of lectures, workshops, self-reflections, and hands-on activities will develop a strong foundation in aesthetic intelligence and its application to industrial design. All aimed at creating visually compelling and emotionally resonant products that contribute to the success of brands. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Review and development of executable strategies for entrepreneurial, commercial and business efforts. Focus on strategic thinking, economics of innovation, tactical approaches and effective measures in order to integrate a full cycle of product/service development. Advanced technical design processes, design management, decision-making and value proposition.
Credits: 3.
Prereq: Industrial Design Undergraduate Majors and INDD 3010
Discussion of industrial design practices, job market and career roadmap planning. Development and preparation of personal promotional materials for a range of media, including professional websites, personal brand, resumes, cover letters, business cards, print and/or digital portfolios.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
This course covers advanced artificial intelligence tools and methodologies to design compelling stories about the solutions they have created in other classes/studios aimed at specific audiences to create an effective narrative. The course will utilize digital/social platforms to not only analyze the current trends but also create content. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Industrial Design Majors and INDD 2020
Advanced techniques of prototyping and model making for industrial design, using materials and manufacturing methods for product development. Exploration of the stages of design fabrication, systems-level implementation, testing, and constructing on par with the engineering realm. Use of typical prototyping materials, such as foam, wood, metal, plastic, plus new and emerging materials; CNC and 3D printing technologies will also be applied. Coupling the "makers-lab" movement with design entrepreneurship, development of advanced functional models and high-fidelity prototypes.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable.
Provides a foundational understanding of textiles from a material science and engineering perspective, focusing on their application in industrial soft goods. Instructional methodology includes theory, application-oriented projects focused on the manufacture, acquisition, and utilization of textiles for product development and industrial uses.
Credits: 1-6. Repeatable, maximum of 18 credits.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Advanced topics focused on theory, criticism, and methodologies in industrial design applications.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-6. Repeatable, maximum of 18 credits.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Advanced topics focused on industrial design applications. Topics vary each time offered.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-6. Repeatable, maximum of 18 credits.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Advanced topics focused on distributed collaboration in industrial design applications. Topics vary each time offered.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-6. Repeatable, maximum of 18 credits.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Advanced topics focused on distributed collaboration in industrial design applications. Topics vary each time offered.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-6. Repeatable, maximum of 9 times.
Prereq: Membership in the University Honors Program
Independent investigation.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 1-12. Contact Hours: Studio 24.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 times.
Prereq: Industrial Design Undergraduate major or Permission of Instructor
Project-based topics related to user-based design, design with various internal and external stakeholders, experimental learning, three dimensional design, distributed collaboration that supports experiential learning.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 36 credits.
Advanced topics focused on industrial design applications. Topics include theory, criticism, methodology, experimental techniques, and three dimensional design. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter Session)
Credits: 1-6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Prereq: Enrollment in INDD major; INDD 2020; Permission of Instructor
Special topics in Industrial Design, design history, environmental design, historic and contemporary practice. Travel to relevant countries. General cultural and historical studies, topical projects, and individual inquiry. Courses may be taught by departmental faculty or faculty from approved Iowa State Study Abroad programs. See current offerings for detailed syllabus. Meetings industrial design experiential credit requirements.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Prereq: Enrollment in INDD major; (DSNS 5460, INDD 4010, INDD 3970, or INDD 4950); Senior classification in INDD
Advanced design studio incubating innovative product, service, and system development. Explores cross-disciplinary methodologies, integrating digital fabrication, sustainability, and universal design. Emphasizes research-driven, user-centered approaches, culminating in functional prototypes demonstrating advanced design thinking.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Design development through research, innovative technologies, and human-centered design. Covers fundamental industrial design concepts, design processes, and research methods, including cutting-edge technologies and user-centered approaches. Project-based investigations apply design models and procedures to optimize form, structure, function, and communication for advanced, user-friendly solutions.
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Advanced industrial design course emphasizing project-based application of theoretical frameworks and analytical techniques. Focuses on service and systems design for community innovation. Integrates data-driven methodologies, computational modeling, and user-centered design principles. Applies entrepreneurial approaches to engineer innovative solutions for complex design challenges.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 1, Studio 4.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
This workshop series develops core competencies in industrial design through project-based, applied learning. Weekly sessions provide practical instruction and demonstrations of fundamental design concepts, analytical techniques, and established procedures and processes for innovative human-centric design solutions. Offerings vary with each term; check with department for available sections.
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
This studio provides a platform for applied research and development in industrial design through project-based collaborations with external partners. Project topics vary. Meets Industrial Design Experiential Learning Requirements.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 1, Studio 4.
Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Advanced workshop series developing expertise in industrial design through the application of analytical and problem-solving skills. Practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises focus on design thinking, service and systems design, and their implications for community outreach and industry partnerships. Offerings vary with each term, check with department for available sections. Course contact hours can range from (2-0) to (3-0) depending on number of credits.
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Provides a critical analysis of creative practices within design disciplines and their relevance to industrial design. Sessions feature presentations and discussions of exemplary projects, research methodologies, and pedagogical approaches in design, including faculty research, design education, and cross-disciplinary graduate work.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Synthesis of theoretical and methodological approaches to product design, integrating design science, research philosophies, cognitive models, creativity studies, and problem reframing. Critically examines user-centered research methods and their application in industrial design, service design, interaction design, and UX design, focusing on human, environmental, and social impact.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Senior or Graduate classification or Permission of Instructor
Exploration of design thinking process, toolkits, and mindsets as creative problem solving approaches for systems, products, and processes, across diverse contexts. Strategies for problem-framing, creative solutions and co-evolution process, with a focus on collaborative and interdisciplinary design to investigate real-world problems and opportunities.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Studio 6.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Exploration of methodological approaches to communicating design concepts through narrative and visual strategies. The course develops skills in digital media and information visualization to effectively convey complex data. Professional development components include positioning, intrapreneurship, design documentation, client relationship management, persuasive communication, and speculative design.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Human factors issues and the study of relationships between the user, the product, and the human body and its physical functions. Advanced investigations of bio-mechanics, anthropometry, instrumental displays and control, and their measurement as they relate to the design process. Emphasis on experience design, user narratives, interactions and context mapping. Includes an overview of Universal Design.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Explores the application of systems thinking to design for community impact, focusing on civic entrepreneurship. Through applied projects, students examine the role of design within service-learning, community engagement, design ethics, and transitional design, utilizing strategic and critical thinking frameworks. Change theory and management principles inform the analysis of innovation diffusion and disruption.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Explores 21st-century design challenges through systems thinking, problem reframing, and transitional design methodologies. Examines interconnected global issues, including societal transitions, biodiversity loss, climate change, circular economy, eco-centric design, aging, equity, mobility, robotics, and cybernetics, mapping their implications for industrial design.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Examination of cultural significance, historical evolution, and societal impact of objects. This interdisciplinary discussion will culminate in presentations and research projects to critically examine the history of industrial design and how it shapes the technology, materials, and manufacturing of global product industries.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1-6. Contact Hours: Lecture 2, Studio 10.
Repeatable, maximum of 18 credits.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Advanced topics focused on industrial design applications. Develops advanced analytical and practical skills in industrial design through the study of theoretical frameworks, critical analysis, research methodologies, experimental techniques, three-dimensional design, and distributed collaboration. Meets Industrial Design Experiential Learning Requirements.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Project-based exploration of theory, criticism, methodology, experimental techniques, 3D design, and distributed collaboration in industrial design.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Project-based exploration of industrial design theory and practice. Emphasizes data-driven methodologies, computational design, and advanced prototyping techniques. Incorporates 3D design and modeling, collaborative digital tools, and experiential learning approaches. Fosters critical thinking and innovative problem-solving through hands-on, technology-enhanced design projects.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
International study abroad program. Visits to design studios, showrooms, museums and manufacturing facilities. Meets Industrial Design Experiential Learning Requirements.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-6. Repeatable, maximum of 18 credits.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Professional practice experience in industrial design conducted off-campus. Meets Industrial Design Experiential Learning Requirements.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-6. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Industrial Design Masters Student or Permission of Instructor
The creative component consists of comprehensive research and design development of a student-selected and major professor-approved project within a defined area of industrial design. The project culminates in a formal oral defense, comprehensive process documentation, and a final model. Graded on a satisfactory/fail basis. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Courses for graduate students:
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Prereq: Industrial Design Masters students and INDD 5010
Advanced studio-based creative component emphasizing the methodological development of a specialized area of focus within industrial design or a related cross-disciplinary field. Development of a graduate design project development plan, project initiation document, and supporting documented inquiry.
Credits: 6. Contact Hours: Studio 12.
Prereq: INDD 5020
Graduate creative component project: involves the research, development, and execution of a specialized industrial design project or one within a related cross-disciplinary field. Culmination includes a physical or digital model of the design and supporting documentation, comprising a graduate defense presentation and a comprehensive design process document.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Provides an analytical framework for understanding the relationship between STEM literacy, critical thinking, and social justice. Applies scientific philosophy and technological and engineering literacies to evaluate the effects of design projects on human health, social structures, and the environment, considering impacts on economic growth and quality of life. Exploration of research methods prepares for the formulation of graduate thesis or project topics and development of corresponding research proposals.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 1, Studio 4.
Exploration of interactive technologies and digital thinking industries. Advanced concepts in computer to machine interface for manufacture, digital materiality, conversational interfaces, gamification, congruence, mixed reality AR/VR, and critical media for future industries.
Credits: 6. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
The graduate thesis research project requires scientific inquiry and the application of research methodologies resulting in an original contribution to a specialized area of industrial design. Culminating in a formal thesis document presenting original research findings and the knowledge derived from those findings. This knowledge may include new theoretical insights, methodological advancements, or empirically validated design principles, contributing to the broader field of industrial design.