Product design coursework is hands-on and project-based. Classes are a blend of lectures and studios, where you will immediately apply your learning to test ideas and develop prototypes using the College of Design’s fabrication resources. The program is a "community of practice," meaning industry representatives are actively involved in the classroom and work directly with students on projects. Industry collaboration and sponsorship provides opportunities for real-world learning, portfolio building, and networking.
“Product design let me combine my passions for design, engineering, and business. I’m so thankful to have this unique, interdisciplinary curriculum and, more importantly, to be part of a tight-knit community of inspiring designers and like-minded thinkers. This program has taught me how fulfilling it is to be truly passionate and curious about my education.”
—Roohi Katarya (BS, Product Design)
Our faculty members actively conduct research on topics that range from food and toy design, to consumer perception, immersive environments, and more. Each professor and instructor brings their unique interests to the classroom, giving you a taste of the varied areas of product design research. Through research collaborations, studios, internships, and our fabrication facilities, you will have many opportunities to explore the field of product/industrial design as both an academic discipline and industry powerhouse.
Product Design & Industrial Design in the Twin Cities
At the University of Minnesota, collaborations between industry and academia are common due to the Twin Cities’ status as a major design center in the United States. Home to companies like Target, 3M, General Mills, Best Buy, Boston Scientific, Stratasys, and Medtronic, we are a global leader in medical, food, and agriculture products, as well as 3D printing, product marketing, and themed play structures.
With such a strong and varied business landscape, the Twin Cities has a consistently high demand for talented, well-educated industrial designers. The thriving design community also provides abundant opportunities, such as internships at local small-scale and large firms and ongoing mentoring relationships with alumni and industry, both inside and outside the classroom.
Our faculty members actively conduct research on topics that range from food and toy design, to consumer perception, immersive environments, and more.
