21-3740 Product Design Thesis I

Defining design opportunities and then developing unique solutions around them is the focus of the thesis experience. In this course students begin by collaboratively developing a context around a large topic area using design-thinking methodologies. Students then pursue individualized research which might include ethnographic observation, interviews with potential end-users, explorations of a new material or manufacturing process, emerging services, or new technologies. Working under the guidance of a faculty member, students are expected to apply the knowledge learned from current as well as previous coursework in the creation of a comprehensive research document. The full product development cycle occurs in Product Design Thesis II.

3 Credits
WI
PREREQUISITES: 21-3700 Product Design IV: Design Research and 21-3715 Digital Presentation Techniques and 21-3720 Manufacturing for Product Design or 21-3720 Manufacturing for Product Design and 21-3378 Design Lab II and 21-3720 Manufacturing for Product Design