Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Industrial Design
Academy of Art University
Key Information
Campus location
San Francisco, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
8 semesters
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
CAD 1,156 *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Jun 2024
* per unit for international students | $1,072 per unit for domestic students. Additional fees apply
Introduction
The School of Industrial Design's BFA program gives students the freedom to pursue their personal design visions within a structured and supportive academic environment. Led by a faculty of industry veterans, students are taught to approach their work with equal regard for aesthetic, business, and societal considerations.
Program Outcome
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Visual Communication
- Accurately communicate intended forms, colors, materials, and finishes in drawings
- Produce orthographic drawings matching perspective drawings or vice versa
- Produce 3-D models/forms accurate to 2-D artwork/plans to be accurate to one another
- Complete models and visualization with craftsmanship, application of colors, materials, and finishes appropriate to the project
Design Skills
- Conduct research and analysis for the execution of the design project
- Generate a variety of creative and original design ideas that visually communicate the development processes used to address and solve stated problems
- Develop 3-D models reflecting design intentions and evaluate design qualities
- Exhibit understanding in basic manufacturing and considerations for mass-productions
- Exhibit considerations for sustainability
Professional Readiness
- Produce a professional portfolio appropriate for seeking employment within the industry
- Demonstrate graphic sensitivity in portfolio design
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the Academy of Art University’s Industrial Design program, you will have a range of career opportunities from which to choose. Our facilities, faculty, and hands-on learning provide the tools you need to succeed in your chosen career.
Clay Modeler
Sketch tangible examples of what the future might hold to develop detailed 3D physical clay models based on the design direction and physical properties of an object such as a vase, car, or even a ship.
Digital Modeler
Create a digital 3D model based on design direction as a digital modeler. You'll take 2D and visual concepts and bring them to life in 3D software to help visualize the final transportation and product design piece.
Footwear Designer
Work for designer labels, sportswear, or specialist footwear companies. Produce mood boards and design sketches to develop ideas. Create the patterns which are made into shoes.
Junior Designer
Create initial designs for the senior design team as a junior designer in a design studio. You'll be responsible for professional concept mockups, study models, and sketches.
Product Designer
Design most things we use in our day-to-day lives, from cutlery to clocks and computers, as well as specialist products like medical, electronics or telecommunications equipment. Improve the way that existing products work and look and/or produce them at a lower cost.
Toy Designer
Research the preferences of particular age groups. Create sketches and prototypes to produce products that are attractive and functional. Ensure that products are appropriate and safe for specific age groups.
Transportation Designer
Create designs for vehicles and transportation-related products. Areas of specialty include automotive concept design, public transportation, and automobile and aircraft interiors. Must have a strong background in design and significant knowledge of computer software and computer-aided design programs.
UX/UI Designer
Develop scenario-based digital and physical user interaction designs. Craft every touch point in a digital or physical product to ensure brand consistency and emotional appeal.
Curriculum
Semester 1
- FND 149: Introduction to Design Thinking
- IND 111: Perspective for Industrial Design
- IND 123: Computer Drafting
- IND 138: Model Making 1
Semester 2
- FND 122: Color Fundamentals
- IND 151: Design Drawing 1
- IND 163: Introduction to Digital Imaging
- IND 180: Development of Form
- LA 108: Composition for the Artist
- LA 120: Art History Through the 15th Century
Semester 3
- IND 211: Design Drawing 2
- IND 223: Digital 3D Modeling 1
- IND 240: Product Design 1
- LA 121: Art History Through the 19th Century
- LA 291: Designing Careers
Semester 4
- IND 251: Design Drawing 3
- IND 263: Digital 3D Modeling 2
- IND 271: Product Modeling
- IND 280: Product Design 2
- IND 323: Digital Solid Modeling
- LA 202: English Composition: Creative Persuasion & Argument
- LA 329: Materials & Processes
Semester 5
- IND 311: Product Drawing
- IND 330: Model Making 3
- IND 340: Product Design 3
- IND 381: Graphics & Portfolio
- LA 118: History of Industrial Design
Semester 6
- IND 363: Digital Imaging
- IND 380: Product Design 4
- LA 110: Writing the Short Story
- LA 119: Fabric and Fiber Technology
- LA 124: Physics for Artists: Light, Sound, and Motion
- LA 304: Crowdfunding & Social Media Marketing
- LA 306: Creatively Speaking: Presentation for Designers
Semester 7
- IND 118: History of Industrial Design
- IND 440: Product Design 5
- LA 117: Survey of Landscape Architecture
- LA 292: Programming & Culture
Semester 8
- IDS 500: Internship in Industrial Design
- IND 118: History of Industrial Design
- IND 384: Portfolio Development
- IND 480: Product Design 6
- LA 171: Western Civilization
- N/A: Any Course
Facilities
English Language Requirements
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