University of Utah

Program Description

Study product design through the Multi-Disciplinary Design program at the University of Utah. This exciting curriculum uses product design as a vehicle to investigate a number of broader concepts in design and creativity, such as: design research, human-centered design principles, interface development, articulation of product forms, materials, and digital manufacturing principles. Students complete courses from four areas of design: Studio, Technical, History/Theory, and Practice. Through classes on design, graphics, visual communication, and other topics, students will understand the connections among cross-disciplinary design specialties. As a multi-disciplinary design student, you will help map the future of design through production, research, strategy, entrepreneurship, and applied futurism, preparing you for an exciting career in the industry.

The Student Experience

Students who want to begin applying their design skills to projects and problems while still in school can participate in Spark, a design initiative across several U departments and the greater community of Salt Lake City: Spark Health Innovation Labs allows students to design healthcare solutions, Spark Crowd Source is an idea hub and think tank, Spark Connect2Health connects patients and health resources, and the Spark Education Lab helps students create design solutions.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program have a number of career opportunities available to them. Work as multi-disciplinary product designers, design researchers, product development experts, directors, or practitioners. Other U graduates have been employed as industrial & graphic designers and product & industrial designers. For students who want to continue their education at the graduate level, careers as professors, administrators, and interactions designers.