At Art Center, the shoe that fits is not only beautiful, it is comfortable and eco-friendly. So is the crash helmet and mobile phone.

Our Product Design students learn that good design is about combining functionality, relevance and visual appeal—and that social responsibility is part of commercial viability.

As corporations and organizations increasingly recognize the importance of smart design in achieving success, society as a whole is beginning to understand the vital role design can play in improving lives.

The marketplace is demanding products that minimize environmental impact, from production to disposal.

Our department prepares students to meet these needs on both local and global scales, while giving them the tools to visualize the future.

Our curriculum provides a foundation in the design sciences, including human factors, engineering principles and manufacturing processes.

At the same time, students gain a comprehensive understanding of materials technologies, color application, global trends and sustainability through access to our state-of-the-art research lab, CMTEL (Color, Materials and Trends Exploration Laboratory).

Through Transdisciplinary Studios, often sponsored by corporate clients, and Designmatters projects on behalf of humanitarian organizations, our students apply their skills for commercial and noncommercial causes.

They also deepen their understanding of business processes through our partnership with INSEAD, a leading business school with campuses in Fontainebleau, France, and Singapore. Participating students collaborate with MBA students on a creative project and attend graduate-level business courses in finance, marketing and other subjects.

Our entrepreneurial component provides further education in the creation of business plans, securing financing and the development of profitable product lines.