Fundamentals of Industrial design 15 credits

This course will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to industrial design, covering both foundational knowledge and practical skills. Students will gain an understanding of design thinking, processes, methods, and practices, and will learn how to apply industrial design tools through assignments and projects. The focus will be on aligning designs with user requirements and addressing user needs effectively through targeted assignments. Students will be equipped to implement their acquired knowledge and skills throughout an industrial design process in project work. In addition to practical design skills, students will develop a deeper understanding of design philosophy, including key theories on form, structure, and their impact on product design. They will explore concepts such as three-dimensional visual analysis, the evolution of forms in space, and Gestalt laws, learning how to apply these principles in real-world contexts. The course will also incorporate sustainability considerations, ergonomics, and human-centered design, encouraging students to factor in environmental and social impacts when creating design solutions. Through a mix of theoretical learning and hands-on exercises, students will refine their ability to communicate design concepts effectively, both visually and verbally, while gaining proficiency in basic industrial design tools like sketching, surface modeling, and prototyping. This course will set the stage for students to develop essential skills that will support their future work in industrial design. The course includes the following elements: - Elements of design - Design philosophy - Design methodology - Design history - Introduction to sustainability - Analog sketching - Digital sketching - Surface modelling - Rendering - Physical prototyping - Ergonomics and user-centered design