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Industrial and Interaction Design B.I.D.

The industrial and interaction design program prepares you to embrace the complex challenges of creating innovative products, systems and services in the 21st century.
A student holds a toy car on a curved ramp
Industrial designers develop a wide spectrum of design solutions that meet current demands and anticipate the future needs of society.

About this Program

  • Explore emerging technologies and apply best practices to create design solutions that respond to the needs of people and the planet.
  • Enjoy the professional studio facilities, shared computer labs, printing lab and fabrication lab at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse in downtown Syracuse.
  • Engage with fellow design students and industry professionals as a member of the active student chapter of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA).
  • Network with an impressive array of nationally and internationally known visiting designers who come to the Warehouse to lecture and critique work.
  • Bring an industrial design perspective and develop an entrepreneurial perspective through work with on-campus entrepreneurial ventures.

Program Information

Degree Type

Major

Outcome

B.I.D.

Modality

In-person

College or School

Career Path

A woman looks at large color photos coming out of a printer while a man works on a computer in the background.

College of Visual and Performing Arts

Home to the visual and performing arts at Syracuse University, VPA supports the creative process and professional development of its students. VPA is divided into seven areas: the School of Art; the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies; the School of Design; the Department of Drama; the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music; the Department of Film and Media Arts; and the Department of Creative Arts Therapy.
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Curriculum

The industrial and interaction design program consists of courses in design theory and practice, as well as support courses in the humanities, the physical and natural sciences, and the behavioral and social sciences. The responsive curriculum maintains a balance between technical, aesthetic and humanistic aspects and keeps pace with the leading edge of design technology by anticipating developments in the field.

Students in the program participate in collaborative projects with business, industry and government agencies, which challenge them to explore solutions for real-life design problems. Students have the option to join the Design Living Learning Community.

  • Demonstrate effective research skills and techniques to support and guide your design work.
  • Articulate the theoretical context and historical influences for your work as designers.
  • Demonstrate in your design work knowledge of a range of appropriate materials and manufacturing processes used in batch and mass manufacturing.
  • Articulate the philosophical and ethical implications of design activity on society, culture, the environment and professional practice.
  • Apply a broad and deep knowledge of human factors in design solutions, specifically an understanding of semiotics, ergonomics and the design of interfaces, systems and services.
  • Communicate your design intent in a professional manner across a broad range of analogue and digital media as well as in verbal and written forms.

Extracurricular Opportunities

study abroad opportunity

Syracuse Abroad

Build up your resume and broaden your perspective with a study abroad experience during your time at Syracuse. Consistently ranked among the top 25 international education providers in the U.S., Syracuse Abroad offers more than 100 programs in 60 countries. 

Industrial and interaction design students may be eligible to spend a semester of their fourth year abroad at the Syracuse University Center in London, England, or Florence, Italy.

Learn more about this program

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