College Catalog

The Industrial and Human Factors Design curriculum prepares students to become designers of marketable products and systems. This major is an interdisciplinary study of design that integrates aesthetics, ergonomics, kinesiology, anthropometry, material science, engineering, manufacturing, business, and the social sciences. The curriculum is designed to elicit students' creative potential and couple it with techniques and technology that transform ideas into practical designs. Industrial and human factors designers create products that are optimized and customized for human use, from medical devices and tools to furniture and automobiles. In addition to material and technological considerations, industrial designers incorporate nonfunctional elements such as aesthetics and culturally relevant features, as seen in many consumer products ranging from toys to cell phones. This major focuses on creating real-world, practical products and systems. Students will develop proficiency in creating conceptual designs that are effective, attractive, and sensitive to environmental sustainability and cultural concerns. Students will also learn various rendering techniques, from charcoal to three dimensional computer aided design, as well as visualization and communication skills. Strategic studies in engineering, manufacturing, business, and marketing complement understanding of the processes involved in developing evocative designs. Finally, graduates will be capable of designing products and systems intended for specialty consumers such as children, the elderly, and those with physical and mental challenges.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program would obtain jobs in the following areas: industrial design, interaction design/human factors design, environmental design, and packaging design.

Recommended High School Subjects

Course work with a strong emphasis on communication, science, aesthetics, and analytical skills.

Remediation Strategies

All entering students will be tested for English, math, and reading deficiencies. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College catalog (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/PlacementTesting.htm ).

Transfer Procedures

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• design products that are useful, useable, safe, and desirable.
• evaluate how products are manufactured and how they can be improved in form,function, and appeal based on human factors.
• synthesize the needs of business, marketing, sales, engineering, manufacturing, and sustainability to design effective products.
• synthesize human factors in the development of product and system interfaces.
• use CAD, CAID, and graphic design software applications to develop design solutions.
• apply knowledge and principles gained through the history of design.
• communicate effectively via 2D and 3D modeling as well as in written and verbal form.
• synthesize human factors in task design (establishing processes or sequencesof operations such as websites, telephone systems, manufacturing processes, etc.), including social/cultural considerations.
• manage and participate in collaborative, multidisciplinary team projects.

Performance Standards

Prior to beginning the third year of study, students must demonstrate proficiency in designing creative, practical products. Specifically, students must demonstrate the ability to sketch design concepts and to assess their feasibility based on engineering, marketing, and manufacturing constraints. These proficiencies will be demonstrated by earning grades of a 'C' or better in the following courses: BID 110, BID 220, and ART 109. Students must also meet the minimum GPA requirements established by the College's Academic Probation policy.

Curriculum