This hands-on postgraduate qualification will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the innovative, changing world of design. You will study emerging trends and technologies, contemporary design issues, design thinking methodologies, qualitative research practices and sustainability.

This degree explores the intricacies of product design, further building on your existing knowledge and skill set. You will develop the tools and techniques to investigate and analyse human centred design problems and develop techniques to manage complex design projects. You will also develop knowledge and skills in design thinking principles and practices as they are applied to industrial design projects. Emerging materials and processing technologies will be covered, as will manufacturing, technical skills and 3D design.

Much of your study will take place in our state-of-the-art workshops that are fitted out with digital fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, CNC routers and 3D printers, as well as industry-standard motion-capture and virtual reality systems.  

In addition to these fundamental practical skills, a key part of your learning will relate to advanced research skills and you will graduate with the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research.

You may also complete an industry placement as part of your studies.

What you'll learn

Human centred research and design thinking processes as applied to industrial design problems is at the core of your experience. It involves using various techniques to investigate design problems, come to a deep understanding of the context, and then develop and implement innovative and appropriate solutions for the problem. Emerging materials, processing technologies and sustainability are also key focuses, and you will develop an advanced understanding of product design and graduate with the ability to develop and design:

• physical products
• systems
• interfaces

You will also acquire:

• high level design thinking skills using a variety of methods and processes
• high level technical skills needed for digital prototyping and the development of 3D design
• the ability to use knowledge of existing and emerging materials and processing technologies for high and low volume manufacturing
• the ability to work through complex industrial design problems
• cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research

This degree comprises design research studio classes, research methods and a selection of electives.

• industrial designer: develop concepts and designs for manufactured products, such as cars
• furniture designer:  develop design concepts, experiment with different materials, liaise with clients and build sample models for either mass produced furniture prototypes or one-off exclusive pieces 
• product designer:  use your design skills to make existing products more effective

 1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates of this program are eligible for Graduate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia. Graduates are eligible for Associate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia after two years of professional practice.