Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design)

Overview

• Create innovative, attractive, sustainable and user-friendly products and systems.
• Learn the technical aspects of design, design management, CAID (computer-aided industrial design) technology, ergonomics, aesthetics, marketing and design leadership.
• Graduates work as industrial designers, usability experts, interaction designers, interface designers, corporate identity designers, model makers, special effects producers, design researchers and computer aided design experts.

Details

Industrial designers play a part in the creation of the thousands of products people use each day, in all walks of life. This includes hot new consumer devices, more efficient work products, safer industrial tools, even medical equipment. Industrial designers make people’s lives safer, happier, more efficient and fun.

Industrial designers don’t just design products, they also think in terms of the context in which products exist and of the experience of using them. They understand technology and innovation, people and society, design process and problem solving; then bring these things together to create innovative, attractive, sustainable and useful products and systems that are viable to produce and distribute.

Why choose this course?

Graduates of this course excel in the real world, and have an outstanding record of achievement nationally and globally. The very hands-on and practical program has a strong focus on technology and design leadership, which is highly valued in the business community. Graduates are equipped with strong, applied design research and product-usability knowledge and can make an immediate and positive contribution to the industry, community and profession. Students who are committed and passionate about design thrive in this course, finding it engaging and fulfilling.

The course combines the technical aspects of design, design management, CAID (computer-aided industrial design) technology, human factors and ergonomics with innovation, aesthetics, marketing, cultural and social values and design leadership.

You will develop the capacity to contribute to the design of products and systems for the mutual benefit of users and manufacturers of a wide range of products.

During your degree you will benefit from the wide range of activities, such as study trips and project presentations, and from QUT’s strong collaborative links with international and national professionals and business communities. Each semester students are involved in hands-on design units focusing on all aspects of the profession.

Career outcomes

Graduates have a broad range of skills and knowledge which they turn to diverse applications. This includes employment as industrial designers in, or as owners of, industrial design firms; with design departments of product manufacturers; and as entrepreneurs who design and produce their own products.

In addition, graduates have applied their abilities in related fields, working as usability experts, interaction designers, interface designers, corporate identity designers, model makers, movie special effects producers, design managers, design researchers, computer-aided design experts, game designers, new product developers, design leadership experts and strategic design experts.

Professional recognition

Graduates qualify for membership of the Design Institute of Australia, the professional body for Australian designers. The course is an educational member of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design.

Units

Your course

Year 1

In this foundation year you learn about design process, physical and aesthetic function, an introduction to design history and the role of design professions. You undertake five units common to the design school or Faculty covering design, design history, design and sustainability and digital communication. You explore symbolic function, ergonomics and product usability as well as the use of digital media and sustainability.

Year 2

You focus on the key aspects of how products are made, computer-aided industrial design, products systems and the social and cultural issues of design. You will also commence your second major or first minor units.

Year 3

You bring together what you have learnt so far to design realistically detailed products suitable for manufacture. You also learn about working with other professionals and the practical issues of bringing products to the market. Second major or minor units continue.

Year 4

The final year sees you using applied design research to develop truly innovative product solutions. You learn about professional practice and become ready to adopt a leadership role in design. You also conclude your second major or minor studies. You are now ready to make your mark as a professional industrial designer.

Second majors and minors

You will be able to select from two 4 unit approved minors or one 8 unit approved second major to enhance and broaden your knowledge in a related field or area of interest.

Industrial Design Second Major and Minor Options

Second Major:

A 2nd major from anywhere in QUT.

Minors:

A minor from anywhere in QUT.
*Please remember that one minor must be from outside of your course.
**Design students interested in enrolling in the BEE Applications minor, must first consult and obtain approval from the Subject Area Coordinator/Course Coordinator

Entry requirements

Minimum academic requirements

Did you complete secondary school in Australia?

Course fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. All fees are based on current fixed fee prices. We review fees annually.

Scholarships and financial support

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

These scholarships are available for this course:

View all scholarships