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 2025 and Spring 2026
| TERM 1 | |
| Writing Studio OR Writing Studio: Intensive | 3 |
| Prototype Process 1 | 3 |
| Design Fundamentals 1 | 3 |
| Visual Communication 1 | 3 |
| Product Design 1 | 3 |
| TERM 2 | |
| 3 Credits of HHIS | 3 |
| Digital Design 1 | 3 |
| Design Fundamentals 2 | 3 |
| Visual Communication 2 | 3 |
| Product Prototype Process 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 |
| Way Things Work | 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 | 3 |
| Design Lab 1 | 3 |
| Industrial Design Research | 3 |
| TERM 6 | |
| The Design Professional | 3 |
| Design Lab 2 | 3 |
| TERM 7 | |
| Business of Design | 3 |
| 7th Term Review | 0 |
| Design Lab 3 | 3 |
| Transdisciplinary Studio | 3 |
| TERM 8 | |
| Product Capstone Project | 3 |
| Professional Prep and Graduation Review | 3 |
| ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS | |
| Humanities & Sciences electives: | |
| Humanities | 3 |
| Social Sciences | 3 |
| Science & Technology | 3 |
| Business & Professional Practice | 3 |
| Any of the above | 6 |
| Studio Electives | 12 |
| 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
