Industrial Design
The Industrial Design Program prepares students to be creative, practical, user-centered, aesthetics-focused, problem-solving, and opportunity-exploring designers, design strategists, or design leaders.
The NC State University Industrial Design Program is one of the top professional programs in this discipline in the country. The program offers Bachelor of Industrial Design (BID) and Master of Industrial Design (MID) degrees, both accredited by The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Students learn and practice design in a studio environment very similar to that of professional design offices. Students methodically study human physical and cognitive interaction with artifacts and services in order to discover user experience insights and then create innovative solutions to design problems. The dynamic and sophisticated balance of form, function, innovation, and practicality are constantly debated and articulated throughout the journey to better design.
Finally, a Home
The Industrial Design faculty have joined NC State University from prestigious institutions around the world, each bringing years of experience in design, research, innovation, and education. The graduates from the program are enhancing the quality of life experiences with the creative design of products, services, branding, and communication systems for companies such as IDEO, Nike, Volvo, IBM, Toshiba, Dell, Pentagram, PepsiCo, RKS Design, Microsoft, The Smithsonian, Adidas, Hasbro, Target, and Bosch.
What is Industrial Design?
Industrial design is the professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value, and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer. Industrial designers develop these concepts and specifications for the user and manufacturer through the collection, analysis, and synthesis of data, often within the context of cooperative working relationships with other members of a development group such as management, marketing, engineering, and manufacturing specialists. They then communicate their clear and concise recommendations through drawings, models, and verbal descriptions that embody all relevant design criteria determined by the group.
The industrial designer’s unique contribution emphasizes those aspects of the product or system that relate most directly to human characteristics, needs, experiences, and interests. This contribution requires specialized understanding of visual, spatial, and tactile senses as well as product safety and convenience criteria. Industrial designers are experts in anticipating psychological, physiological and sociological factors and perceptions that influence users of products and services. Industrial designers also maintain a practical concern for the technical processes and requirements for manufacturing; marketing opportunities and economic constraints; and regulatory requirements relevant to good design.
In addition to supplying concepts for products and systems, industrial designers are often retained for consultation on a variety of problems that have to do with product and organization identity systems, development of communication systems, interior and exhibit design, advertising devices and packaging, and other related services. Their expertise is often sought in a wide variety of administrative arenas to assist in developing industry standards, regulatory guidelines, and quality control procedures to improve manufacturing operations and products. Industrial designers are guided by a professional obligation to protect the public safety and well-being, to respect the environment, and to observe contractual and ethical business practices.
See Student Work
See more examples of student work here: Department of Industrial Design Student Work
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📰🥚 From the Archives: The Landing of the Egg
NC State librarians have recently released this photo from their extra-special collections. New evidence suggests the Egg was not installed. It landed.
Who built it? Why is it here? More importantly, when will it wake up and tell us the secrets to otherworldly design?
💸 $193,688 raised for our students
🎁 283 gifts given to programs and scholarships
🫶 One community brought together
To everyone who showed up for #GivingPack - thank you. Your generosity and care keep our passion strong and great design education fueled. 🙏
“This is a rare space, where students and young people get to experiment and get to play.”
We’ve got 3 hours left for #GivingPack. Let’s finish strong, designers. 🔗 in bio to make those late-night gifts.
Whether it’s lifting the built environment or building a student’s confidence in the studio - your support sets the foundation. 💪
Let’s keep up the momentum going this evening by #GivingPack: 🔗 in bio
The impact is real. Our students are designing the future - because of donors like you. 🔥🔥🔥
There’s still time to fuel their creativity and innovation. Let’s keep the momentum going! Be a part of #GivingPack at the link in our bio.
We’re not just giving. We’re serving.✨💅
Today is Day of Giving, and we need the Professional Pack to represent the College of Design! Here’s how you can help us win an extra $1,000:
📸 Snap a pic of yourself or your team working today (March 26).
💬 Post it as a comment on NC State University’s LinkedIn post about this challenge or share it on your own LinkedIn feed.
🏷 Tag North Carolina State University, use #GivingPack, and mention NC State College of Design in your post.
One lucky participant’s post will be selected at 5 p.m., and their chosen college or unit will take home the prize. Who’s in?! 🐺🔥
Meet Mark Templeton (’78), a proud Wolfpack alum whose time at @ncstate`s College of Design shaped his career and life.
Now, he gives back to ensure future generations get the same opportunity.
Today, join Mark and our incredible design community in #GivingPack to make a difference. It all starts with the link in our bio. 🐺❤️
“To see a faculty member that looks like me, who is teaching, instructing, critiquing and challenging all students to be successful – He demanded excellence of all his students. And that has followed me throughout my career.”
For Demarcus Williams (‘03), Professor Kermit Bailey was more than just a teacher - he was a mentor who set high expectations and pushed students to be their best.
Seeing a Black professor at the front of the room was powerful for Williams, and Bailey’s impact has stayed with him throughout his career.
Now, Williams is ensuring that legacy continues. He’s establishing the Kermit Bailey Excellence in Design Scholarship, which will support future NC State College of Design students and honor the professor who helped shape his journey.
This is what mentorship looks like. It’s guidance, representation and a commitment to lifting others up. And thanks to Williams, Bailey’s influence will continue shaping designers for years to come.
🔗 Full story at the news link in our bio.
Passion inspired. Donor fueled. Let’s do this, Pack! ❤️🐺
Day of Giving is THIS Wednesday, and there are so many ways to support the College of Design!
Make a gift, join the fun at Color with the Pack, take on social media challenges and help us unlock bonus funds. Every dollar fuels creativity, hands-on learning and real impact.
Set your reminders, spread the word, and let’s make design dreams happen! 🚀
“I’m a designer. I know what I’m capable of, and I know what I can be capable of.”
This third installment of Crit Happens tackles the efficiency of design. Getting stuck on a project is an inevitable part of every student’s workflow. It’s a good thing being a design student is more than a major, it’s a mindset. 🧠❗
🎙️: Meg (first-year, GXD) and Taylor (sophomore, GXD).
💡 Design isn’t just about what you create. It’s about how you think.
Alumnus Will Hall [Graphic Design ‘04] knows firsthand that a degree isn’t just about landing a job - it’s about preparing for a future that’s always evolving.
On March 26, invest in creativity, innovation and the power of design to shape what’s next. Visit the link in our bio to make your statement by #GivingPack to the College of Design.
And today’s category is: Spring Eleganza Extravaganza ✨🌸