BFA Product Design Program Requirements

Our Mission

The Product Design major at Otis is a career focused multidisciplinary design program that trains students to become life-long learners and designers that create and disseminate new knowledge through the creation of original designs that enhance the human experience and advance culture overall.  The program is an inspired community of makers where experimenting, creating, and collaborating is a way of life.  

Students learn design and making skills in 2D and 3D skills to create, consumer products and meaningful objects through hands-on studio projects and professional internship experiences.  The program is a unique blend of art, design, craft, design thinking, business and entrepreneurship.  

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum and requirements for the Otis Product Design Program are designed for graduating students to achieve the following program learning outcomes:

• Design Research. Apply research and knowledge of user experience, human factors, contextual inquiry, and usability assessment in the design and development process.
• Design Communication: Demonstrate skills in representing ideas and design solutions in 2D hand drawings and 3D digital imagery, displaying acute awareness of technical fluency, visual storytelling, and craftsmanship.
• Digital Design Tools: Demonstrate a clear understanding in the application of 3D tools and techniques from initial design creation to 3D modeling for prototyping with clarity and craftsmanship.
• Design Prototyping: Use basic fabrication methods in soft and hard materials to build prototype models that demonstrate strategically applied technical skill, knowledge, and craftmanship.
• Design Practice: Demonstrate a working knowledge of the design and development process from user experience, human factors, contextual inquiry, and usability assessment in the design development process, to brand and business.
• Design Presentation: Effectively present verbally and visually design intent using multi-layered media to influence and persuade disparate audiences.

Degree Requirements

Electives