Bachelor of Design in Product Design University of South Australia - City West Campus, Australia

This practical degree will equip you with the skills needed to design and create products that people use every day, such as electronic devices, domestic appliances, homewares, medical devices, sports equipment, user experiences and interfaces, furniture, mobility solutions and more.

Product designers need to consider human factors, usability, aesthetics, manufacturing technologies, materials and environmental sustainability in their designs, and this comprehensive, practical degree will have you doing just that. During your studies, you will develop fundamental practical skills through design studio classes, model-making and prototyping.

You will learn in our dedicated studios and state-of-the-art workshops fitted with digital fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, CNC routers and 3D printers, and virtual reality systems. You can practice skills learned in real-world workplaces when you complete professional placements as part of your study. There is also the opportunity for you to complete some of your studies overseas.

What you'll learn

There is a lot of ground to cover in this degree, starting with a fundamental understanding of the elements and principles of design. Much of this study takes place in the purpose-built design studios located on-campus. You will study basic skills and concepts relating to areas such as sketching and visualisation techniques; design history and theory; human centred design; computer-aided design; and creativity. During your second year you will broaden your knowledge, covering topics such as:

• Ergonomics and human factors
• Human centred design principles
• Advanced 3D computer modelling and manufacturing
• Sustainable design concepts and methods
• Materials and processes
• Manufacturing and engineering principles

In your third year there will be a focus on design for usability, user experience, high volume manufacturing and sustainability, and you will be able to select a range of electives to tailor your study to your individual interests.