Professor Tom Ask is a licensed professional engineer. He has a doctorate in industrial design and authored two books on the topic. He also advises the Penn College Society of Inventors and Mad Scientists. But to his students, he is a catalyst for creative thinking. Always asking why and questioning how, his curiosity inspires others to seek innovation around every corner.
There’s no substitute for real-world experience. That’s why we bring on faculty who’ve worked extensively in their fields. Professor Ask was immersed in the industry for nearly 20 years before coming to Penn College. He's also designed dozens of commercialized products and systems.
What is industrial design? Tom Ask, industrial design professor tackles this and the most asked questions about this career path. Learn how you can innovate tomorrow with creative solutions to everyday needs. Whether it's a new product or a fresh twist on an old design, you'll learn how to bring design ideas to life.
I like working with our students. They dream big. We pursue all sorts of wild ideas. However, the students are focused. They are not trying to “find themselves”, they are trying to develop abilities that let them contribute to society and earn a living. It is also very nice working with faculty who are deeply committed to teaching; it creates a delightful culture.
I like teaching studio courses. We design everything from elaborate mechanisms to toys. I think it is interesting to hitch a ride on a students’ ideas. They go in fascinating directions and I just try to keep the ideas connected with design fundamentals and commercial viability.
Check out the capstone projects. These communicate the program outcomes well. Our capstone designs include things like surgical devices, animal training systems, sports equipment, toys, and cars. We work with industry whenever we can. When students compare colleges, they should make sure the faculty are not indoctrinational and pushing their personal view. Creative design requires you have personal freedom to pursue wonderful ideas while still understanding objective elements of design.
Industrial designers are experts at adapting to change and creating possibilities. They develop solutions to the next problem. They look at how users actually interact with products and experiences. They consider more than just functionality – they consider the emotion and allure of design. They use their abilities to make the world a little better and more appealing.
Many designers believe the golden ratio represents perfect portions. Did you know you can draw a golden ratio using just two pencils and a piece of paper? Professor Ask illustrates this well-known mathematical concept in his self-produced video. Check out his method and give it a try.
"I get bored easily ... very easily. I enjoy developing innovative ideas and working across disciplines. Industrial design encourages invention and creating order out of chaos. That is what I like to do."
Tom Ask
Professor, Industrial Design
In his latest book, Professor Ask helps designers create better products by infusing mechanical engineering concepts into the creative design process.
After semesters of hard work, industrial design seniors are invited to put what they've learned to use and create an original product. While the parameters are loose, form and function are factors and marketability is a must. When it comes time for seniors to show off their skills, Professor Ask enjoys stepping back and watching the amazing new ideas take flight.
Imagine being an artist and an inventor. Learn how to design new products and make existing ones better.
Unsure which major is right for you? See all academic programs at-a-glance.
