The Industrial Design program at NJIT engages the act of “making” within a critical and contemporary context by exploiting the possibilities of technology, addressing the needs of the 21st century, and inspiring the tools of tomorrow.

The program’s mission is to harness the optimism, entrepreneurialism and innovation of students and faculty alike as well as the institutional commitment to research and public service for the preparation of a new generation of designers.

The program provides educational opportunities by fully immersing students in current use of digital tools and technologies, while pursuing a progressive human-centered, interdisciplinary design approach around economic, social and environmental responsibility.

We seek to educate product designers who see opportunities where others see problems; creative thinkers with a wide knowledge base and skill set; artists who explore aesthetics through form, color, texture and materiality; engineers who optimize user experiences by harnessing innovative materials and technologies; entrepreneurs who observe market trends, exploit innovation and protect intellectual property; manufacturers who streamline production and increase profit; environmentalists who assume responsibility for production, use and disposal of the objects created.

Development of an ability to design products and systems, including but not limited to a foundational understanding of how products and systems are made; what makes them valuable, how they are developed, realized and distributed; and how they are related to environmental and societal issues and responsible design.

Development of an ability to use technologies and tools associated with multidimensional design representation, development, dissemination and application.

Development of a foundational knowledge of the history of Industrial Design as well as art and design in general, including but not limited to the influences of works and ideas on the evolution of design study and practice over time and across cultures.

Can demonstrate knowledge of user experience, human factors, applied ergonomics, contextual inquiry and usability studies.

Have an ability to research, define and communicate about problems, variables and requirements; conceptualize and evaluate alternatives; and test and refine solutions, including the ability to synthesize user needs in terms of value, aesthetics and safety.

Have an ability to communicate concepts and specifications in verbal, written and multiple media at levels ranging from abstraction and sketches, to detailed multidimensional, functional and visual representations.

Develop an understanding and functional knowledge of professional design practices and processes, including but not limited to ethical behaviors and intellectual property issues such as patents, trademarks and copyrights.

Have knowledge of basic business practices and their relationship to industrial design as well as the ability to investigate and reconcile the needs related to entrepreneurship, marketing, engineering, manufacturing, servicing and ecological and social responsibility in the process associated with specific design projects.

Demonstrate the acquisition of collaborative skills and ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary teams.

Development of a commitment to lifelong learning and active engagement in professional communities.