Product Design Course of Study
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 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024
| TERM 1 | |
| Writing Studio OR Writing Studio: Intensive | 3 |
| Prototype Process 1 | 3 |
| Product Analysis | 3 |
| Design Fundamentals 1 | 3 |
| Visual Communication 1 | 3 |
| Product Design 1 | 3 |
| TERM 2 | |
| 3 Credits of HHIS | 3 |
| Product Prototype Process 2 | 3 |
| Digital Design 1 | 3 |
| Design Fundamentals 2 | 3 |
| 2nd Term Review | 0 |
| Visual Communication 2 | 3 |
| Product Design 2 | 3 |
| TERM 3 | |
| History of Industrial Design | 3 |
| Materials & Methods 1 | 3 |
| Visual Communication 3 | 3 |
| 3D Modeling 1 | 3 |
| Product Design 3 | 3 |
| ID Graphics | 3 |
| TERM 4 | |
| Human Factors & Design Psychology | 3 |
| Product Design 4 | 3 |
| 4th Term Review | 0 |
| 3D Modeling 2 OR Intro to Zbrush for Wearables & Soft Goods OR Rhino: Basic Product Creation OR VR Modeling for Footwear | 3 |
| Visual Communication 4 | 3 |
| Internship Portfolio | 3 |
| TERM 5 | |
| Design for Sustainability | 3 |
| Visual Communication 5 OR Product Interaction Studio | 3 |
| Design Lab 1 | 3 |
| Industrial Design Research | 3 |
| TERM 6 | |
| Business of Design | 3 |
| 6th Term Review | 0 |
| Visual Communication 6 | 3 |
| Design Lab 2 | 3 |
| TERM 7 | |
| The Design Professional | 3 |
| Design Lab 3 | 3 |
| Capstone Workshop | 0 |
| Transdisciplinary Studio | 3 |
| TERM 8 | |
| Product Capstone Project | 3 |
| Professional Prep and Graduation Review | 3 |
| Grad Assessment | 0 |
| ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS | |
| Humanities & Sciences electives: | |
| Humanities | 3 |
| Social Sciences | 3 |
| Science & Technology | 3 |
| Business & Professional Practice | 3 |
| Any of the above | 6 |
| Studio Electives | 9 |
| TOTAL | |
| Total H&S Units | 42 |
| Total Studio Units | 90 |
| Total Required Units | 132 |
Viscom for Wearables
Focusing mainly on fashions from the 20th century, students sketch all types of clothing, accessories and decorative embellishments.
Design for Health & Well-Being
Through ArtCenter’s partnership with Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center, students work with patients and providers to identify and solve pressing health and wellness challenges for people living with disabilities.
Designing for Mental Wellness
Product design students were enlisted to build a digital, FDA-approved device that allows oncologists to prescribe mental health care in a way that engages more patients.
I came here to design something that can make people’s lives better, and product design can actually do that.
Shirley RodriguezProduct Design Student
