USA

STUDY MASTERS IN PRODUCT DESIGN IN THE USA

Course overview:-

From the last two decades, product designing projects have been working to form a renewable relationship with nature and the environment. So, the strategies of the design engineers have become more socially responsible with a mix of online service networks and artificial intelligence. The product design course helps students to analyze and design objects along with managing the development path of a material from its concept stage to the manufacturing stage through design and prototyping strategy. Students who have the interest to work in an environment that combines stillness of art and uniqueness of technology can definitely go for this course to also have careers in advertising, graphic design, printmaking and production design in theatre/film, etc.

 

Entry Requirements:-

- Applicant must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the field of engineering or related fields such as industrial design or product design

- Some universities may also ask for academic qualifications at the secondary or higher secondary level.

- Applicants must possess knowledge of relevant subjects related to the desired program.

- Required scores of English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE. Check the university application to know their individual English proficiency requirements.

 

Course details and fees:-

- A product design course has a duration of 1-2 years but generally, a full-time design course is of 2 years in most US universities.

- The course involves learning about topics such as innovation, design strategy, lean design, product innovation, business, and financial issues, end-user research and marketing, etc.

- There are also few universities which provide full-time 9 months courses and part-time 2 years courses for those who want to continue studies along with their current employment.

- The tuition costs range from $10,000 to $25,000 per year in US universities. However, if you choose some renowned universities like Boston University then the cost may go up –to $55,000 - $60,000 per year. Tuition and living costs also vary depending on the location of the university.

Curriculum:-

- The first year involves subjects like Visual design, Materials and technologies, History of design, 3D modeling, and rendering, etc. while the second year consists of subjects like Product and Service Design – 1 & 2, Interface Design, Light Design, and Art direction, etc.

- The course is designed in a way that students learn and adopt various skills of material selection, understanding through design, protecting intellectual property, human factors, and organizational behavior, etc.

- The course and its subjects are divided into the period of fall, winter and spring of each year.

 

Application requirements:-

- Official transcripts of Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and academic details of the same.

- A resume describing your personal details, aspirations, work experience if any, academic achievements, etc.

- You can get the Letters of Recommendation (LOR) from your previous college/university professors who you think will effectively portray your

abilities and qualities required for the program. Generally, two LORs are demanded by the universities.

- Through SOPs or essays you can describe your vision and future goals through your professional experiences and subject interests.

- A Portfolio is also demanded design courses which represents your design-related work experience and academic profile in design.

- Copies of IELTS or TOEFL or PTE test scores demanded in the application by the selected university.

- Application fee as prescribed by the selected/desired university.

 

Best Schools to study Product Design in the USA:-

- Boston University

- Northwestern University

- University of Pennsylvania

- Kansas State University

- Jefferson University

- Stanford University

- University of Tampa

- Ohio State University

- The Savannah College of Art and Design

- Rhode Island School of Design

- California College of the Arts

- Georgia School Of Technology

- University of Illinois

 

Product designer job duties:-

General duties of a product designer will include:

- Researching the target customer and purpose and application of the product. This can be accomplished through attending researching market studies, meeting and reading industry publications, etc.

- Create concept sketches, first through hands, and then by using design software followed by getting approved by the senior/creative director. Generally, product designers use CAD programs to create their final/confirmed products.

- Product designer’s job is to constantly work on drawings and designs for the required product to clients, creative heads, engineers and accountants for feedback and approval.

- The process involves changes from the clients and creative directors regarding the cost-cutting, improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of the product and then proceeding with the marketing campaigns of the product.

 

Employment Outlook:-

The demand from consumers will increase more in the near future for the user-friendly products which would eventually boost up the for product designers. The employment rate is going to slow down than the average by 3% till the year 2028 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, those having strong technical skills and a healthy background in handling design software and CAD programs will experience comfortable job prospects in the coming decade. Some companies may hire employees from other countries based on their highly skilled requirement but many other companies which do not have such high-technology product demands or can easily survive with the current technology will hire people from the US and continue their production in the US.

 

Job Positions and related careers

- Product designer

- CAD Technician

- Product Manager

- Procurement Manager

- Materials Engineer

- Automotive Engineer

- Industrial Designer

- Production Designer in Theatre/Film, etc.

The annual median salary for a Product Designer in the US ranges from $80,000 to $1, 10,000 depending upon the location and work experience.

General employers

- Point of sale Designers

- Industrial Product manufacturers

- Car Manufacturers

- Domestic Manufacturers

Some Top companies in the USA for product designers are Dropbox, Coinbase, Square, Tech Mahindra, Uber, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Apple, etc.

You can also visit or check out online about the following agencies and organizations for Product designers in the USA:-

- Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)

- Product Development and Management Association (PDMA)

- Design Council

Contact Whizstorm experts to know more about studying abroad.