Product Design

Courses 

Product Design Foundations

Creation is changing, manufacturing is changing, design is changing. In this course, students learn about the design process step by step, including the way we make things, the materials we use, and ways to apply this knowledge to develop product ideas that solve problems.

How to Prototype a New Product Idea

This is a hands-on course in which students learn how to develop and refine product designs. Students master rapid prototyping methods, gaining experience with industry-standard programs, and prepare “appearance models” using 3D printing along with more traditional techniques.

How to Launch a New Product Idea

Once students have designed and prototyped their product idea, it’s time to bring it to the world. Students learn about the importance of branding their product and developing an effective social media presence. They master cost-effective techniques for creating a website and start to map their product brand and marketing strategy. They then design the packaging and plan for sustainable shipping of the product.

“The idea behind this certificate is to design products that the world actually needs, that solve problems sustainably.”

Program Highlights

Who Should Enroll

• Designers
• Entrepreneurs
• Interior designers
• Fashion designers

What You’ll Gain

• Knowledge of sustainable materials and manufacturing methods
• Basic CAD (computer-aided design) software skills
• Familiarity with 3D printing (additive manufacturing) processes
• Mastery of post-processing and DIY making techniques
• A basic understanding of branding and marketing
• Familiarity with website and social media best practices
• Crowdfunding and e-commerce expertise
• The ability to write press releases
• Knowledge of packaging and shipping

How You’ll Learn

• Engaging video lectures and interviews with industry experts
• Direct interaction with faculty practitioners at the top of their fields
• Online collaboration and video conferencing
• Project-based learning focused on developing real-world skills and portfolio assets

Why The New School?

The professional landscape as we’ve known it has changed dramatically, and ongoing learning is more important now than ever before. At The New School, we champion every student’s creativity and growth. By combining integrated disciplines with collaborative problem solving, we deliver an immersive, transformative learning experience. With the leadership of Parsons School of Design—a globally top-ranked design school—our faculty imparts the critical expertise students need to advance their careers or pivot to a new one in a constantly evolving world.