Industrial design is a field of activity that brings together a number of areas of knowledge such as engineering, product design, graphics, and architecture, among others. The industrial design area is responsible for designing and elaborating products that assist in the development of society. The products are designed in scaled versions or prototypes, which can later become real products that we use in our everyday life. In this article, we will present the top 10 industrial design degree programs in the world.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is ranked as the number one industrial design program in the world. MIT offers a program called “Product Design & Development,” which aims at providing students with the necessary knowledge and experience required to unleash their creativity and innovation. MIT’s program prepares students for the complexities of the global market.
2. Royal College of Art
Founded in 1837, the Royal College of Art (RCA) is a world-renowned design school located in London, England. RCA’s industrial design program is one of the most sought after in the world. RCA’s focus is on developing students’ critical thinking, research, and practical skills. RCA graduates have a strong record of achievement in the design industry.
3. Art Center College of Design
Located in Pasadena, California, The Art Center College of Design (ACCD) has been a leader in design education for nearly 100 years. ACCD’s industrial design program is recognized as one of the best in the world. The program requires students to partake in real-world assignments with leading companies, giving students real-world experience.
4. Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The School of Design at Hong Kong Polytechnic University is one of the top industrial design schools in the world. The program focuses on practical education in innovation, creativity, and design thinking. The school encourages students to apply their knowledge to tackle real-world challenges with the goal of improving society.
5. Pratt Institute
The Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York City, is known for having a fantastic design program. Pratt’s industrial design program is recognized worldwide for its rigor and breadth. Faculty and students are encouraged to explore new and innovative methods for design, leading to exciting, unconventional design solutions.
6. Rhode Island School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a highly regarded design school located in Providence, Rhode Island. RISD’s industrial design program prepares students for a wide range of design careers. The program emphasizes research, experiment, and critical thinking methods to develop the creativity and design thinking needed in the industry.
7. Politecnico di Milano
Politecnico di Milano is one of the most prestigious universities in Italy. The university’s Design School offers an excellent industrial design program. The program emphasizes the human-centered design thinking method, focusing on social responsibility, sustainability, and innovation.
8. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Design is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The university offers an industrial design program that focuses on equipping students with practical and theoretical knowledge in designing multimodal systems. The program emphasizes the design thinking process.
9. RMIT University
Located in Melbourne, Australia, RMIT University’s School of Architecture and Design is known for its top industrial design program. The program emphasizes the importance of design thinking, creative problem-solving, and the exploration of new materials and technologies.
10. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) School of Art + Design offers an industrial design program that is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to design. UIUC’s program emphasizes the exploration of design thinking methods applied in various fields such as engineering, robotics, and product design.
FAQs
1. What is industrial design?
Industrial design is a creative activity and the analytical process behind the design and development of objects and products intended to be mass-produced. Industrial design combines engineering, aesthetics, and usability to create products that are functional, attractive, and profitable.
2. What skills are necessary for industrial designers?
Industrial designers need to have a combination of creative and technical skills. They must be able to communicate and collaborate effectively and have problem-solving and analytical skills. They must also have a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and materials.
3. What careers can industrial designers pursue?
Industrial designers can pursue careers in product design, furniture design, packaging design, automotive design, and more. They can work in design firms and consulting firms or work in-house for large corporations.
4. What is the job outlook for industrial designers?
The job outlook for industrial designers is favorable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of industrial designers will grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The demand for industrial designers will continue to grow as companies seek to improve the design of their products.