AUT - Product Design major: Bachelor of Design
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Product Design major: Bachelor of Design
Product design is an exciting and rapidly evolving profession. At AUT a great product is defined as the result of a design process that explores, challenges and/or meets and exceeds a clearly defined set of parameters. Products can be tangible, 3-dimensional manufactured objects such as consumer products, furniture, packaging and sports equipment, or product interfaces and product-related systems and services. Many products are solutions to real world problems and opportunities.
The Product Design major in the Bachelor of Design degree (BDes) provides you with the skills to effectively design and develop new and innovative products. No longer solely concerned with the design of manufactured goods, this major also focuses on the design of innovative products and services that will benefit individuals and society as a whole.
- A mix of conceptual and practical skills, processes and ‘design thinking’ challenges
- Includes not only industrial design aspects but also covers manufacturing, business and management
- Key skills include research, analysis, critical and creative thinking, design thinking, ideation, prototyping and communication
- Emphasis on ethical practices, along with environmental and social responsibility
- Access to 3D laboratories, rapid prototyping laboratory, 3D scanning capabilities and the Textile Design and Research Laboratory
- Stimulating learning environment that includes open plan design studios, individual student work areas, wireless networking, and world-class laboratories and workshops
- Each year, all students across the 3 years participate in a product design challenge presented by an external industry partner
- In Year 3, you work on projects in partnership with industry-based clients such as Medicine Mondiale, pHd 3, Essenze, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Zespri, Trade Aid, Return to Sender Coffins, Consortium, Zephyr Technologies
- You are encouraged to enter competitions such as the Australasian student design competition, Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) Awards and NZ Best Design Awards
- Opportunity to exhibit your work to media and industry through the AUT School of Art and Design festival at the end of Year 3
See work by AUT product design students
More information about the Bachelor of Design
Entry requirements
- University Entrance
- Portfolio of art work
- Interview may be required
Structure
Most papers last one semester and are worth 15 points. You must complete 120 points each year (360 points for the entire degree). In each year you will study core (compulsory) papers, and select other papers from a range of options.Year 1 papers - 120 points in total
You are introduced to the design process, design thinking, and learn fundamental design skills, theories, methods and processes through a range of product design projects.
CORE PAPERS
Level 5:
115024 Creative Process (15)
115100 Core Studio Art and Design (30)
115101 Core Theory Art and Design (15)
115162 Product Design Studio II (30)
115163 Human-Centred Design I (15)
115164 Technology (15)
Year 2 papers - 120 points in total
You undertake more sophisticated creative product design projects, each exploring key ideas and concepts. In addition you develop skills in computer aided design (CAD), production technology and theory.
CORE PAPERS
Level 6:
116022 Product Design Studio III (30)
116023 Product Design Theory and Context (15)
116024 Computer Aided Design (CAD) (15)
116025 Product Design Studio IV (30)
116026 Production Technology (15)
116200 Elective Project (15)
Year 3 papers - 120 points in total
You work more independently on projects, generally of your own selection.
CORE PAPERS
Level 7:
117214 Product Design Studio V (30)
117215 Human-Centred Design II (15)
117216 Business and Innovation (15)
117217 Product Design Studio VI (45)
117301 Professional Practice (15)
Click here to view programme structure and paper outlines.
Additional course information can also be found here.
Enrolment in papers is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of papers.
Please contact the Programme Administrator, Johanna Bowden for programme information.
Career opportunities
- Product and industrial designer
- Computer aided designer
- Research designer
- Furniture designer
- Ergonomic medical equipment, sport or performance wear designer
- Packaging designer
- Technology teacher (Secondary School)*
Honeycomb Surfboard
Video of Michael Grobelny, surfer and AUT product design student designing, making and testing his very own eco-friendly wooden surfboard.