Product Design (Major)

Think of all the things that we use (phones, glasses, coffee makers), that we used to use (kids toys), that we will use (assistive devices in old-age), that are used on us (medical devices, police body cameras), that we consider using (all the commercials for products we see but don't buy), or that we may never use but make us think (conceptual products in a museum gallery). All of those things were designed by a Product Designer.

In the MICA Product Design program you’ll learn the hard skills of sketching and prototyping, create 3D computer models and realistic renderings, understand the expressive and functional qualities of materials, identify and design for user needs and desires, and learn how to communicate your ideas to clients and collaborators.

Product Design is for those who want to change the look and feel of everyday life.

Guardzilla redesign garners a 65% reduction in environmental impact. Katie Z, a sophomore, was able to reduce packaging impacts, material use in production impacts, and extended the life of the product. + Enlarge

Designing sustainable products means thinking about the systems that produce them. In PRD 223 Design for a Circular Economy students start by analying liner supply chain to identify opportunities for circular and more sustainable alternatives. + Enlarge

Katie Mancher, an MFA in Graphic Design student transformed LDPE plastic sheeting from Glyndon Lord Baltimore Cleaners into a functional and strong dog leash. Some ingenious material process and manipulation created a strong rope that withstood many pounds of force. Even this beast could not get away! + Enlarge

The redesign of a simple baby monitor created a product that could be used three times longer in its lifetime. Claire Chuff was able to create three different use scenarios that benefitted the child and the parent for 10 years of extended life. + Enlarge

Kristen Karlovich, a product design sophomore, created value and beauty in a simple wall sconce. With materials from a local dry cleaning company, she created a product that would not be thrown away. + Enlarge