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
Did somebody say sizzle reel? 🎥🎬💻
Real-time rendering, LED walls, volumetric capture — the Virtual Production Lab at the College of Design is the future of visual storytelling @ncstate.
The College of Design opened one of the first virtual production studios on the East Coast in 2023. With state-of-the-art equipment and experienced team members, our studio is on its way to becoming a leading educational hub in virtual production and beyond through a project-based approach.
With an applicable use case, our studio is open to COD faculty and students, other academic departments, and organizations outside NC State University. Our team assists throughout a project timeline, providing technical support and creative direction.
The Virtual Production Lab will also host specialized educational programs to prepare individuals to be industry-level experts.
Learn more about the VPL in our bio!
Your time as a student was just the beginning. Being a part of #NCState24 is forever. 🎓🐺🤘
As you step into this exciting new chapter, remember that you’ll always be a part of the NC State College of Design family. Stay connected, grow your network, and share your journey by joining our official College of Design Alumni LinkedIn Group!
🤝 Build relationships with fellow alumni
💼 Explore career opportunities and collaborations
🎨 Celebrate your creative achievements
🔗 Join at the link in our bio!
No matter where your path takes you, we can’t wait to see how you design the future. 🐺❤️
Tassles ➡️ turned.
Congratulations, #NCState24! 🎉🎊🍾
🐺🎓 Today, Niasha Kodzai is walking off the stage with a degree in Industrial Design. Tomorrow, she`ll be a part of the next cohort of professional designers who wish to bring joy to the world. 🧸️✍️
"My time as an industrial design major has taught me so much, not just about the field but also about myself.
It brought out my strengths and challenged my weaknesses. It showed me what environments do and don’t work for me, and how to collaborate with people of all different work styles.
I feel lucky to have spent the last four and a half years surrounded by both friends and professors who simultaneously pushed me to my limits and encouraged me because they believed in what I could accomplish.
During my time here I got to fulfill my dreams of studying abroad in Australia, where I developed a love of adventure, research, and metalworking and interning with @fisherprice, where I also learned what it takes to become a toy designer.
Overall I would like to give a huge thank you to all of my friends, family, and professors who gave me the courage and motivation to pursue this degree."
💌 Are you a #NCState24 designer who is also graduating this semester? There`s still time to share your story! DM us for more details.
Familiar spaces. New perspectives. ❤️✍️
💌🎓 A letter of thanks from soon-to-be Master of Advanced Architectural Studies graduate Marina Mustakova:
"I can’t believe the time has flown by, and graduation is here! Although my program was relatively short, it provided me with a wealth of experiences and insights that I will cherish forever.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to:
My college for fostering such a strong and supportive community. It has been especially helpful for me as a newcomer to easily integrate into a new environment, feel welcomed, and become part of this wonderful family.
My advisor, teacher, and role model, Tom Barrie, for your unwavering optimism, captivating lectures, invaluable guidance, and continuous support. It has been an honor to work hand in hand with you.
Professors Bryan Bell, Donghwan Moon, and Traci Rider for the lessons I learned in your courses that have profoundly facilitated the work on my research project and opened new perspectives and horizons for my future study and practice.
Ashley Davis and Abigail Bagwell for the incredible opportunity to work as a design instructor and build my own architectural studio at Design Camp. Teaching high school students gave me new insights about my career path and where I can grow professionally and personally. It truly sparked my passion for teaching.
David Hill for the priceless chance to work as a teaching assistant in the studio. It has been an unforgettable experience that allowed me to work with students, immerse myself in studio culture, practice teaching skills, and gain a deeper understanding of myself, my values, and the areas where I can evolve.
Melissa Simpson for your energy, generosity, encouragement, and support on navigating my career path. Working with you has been uplifting and incredibly beneficial.
Courtney Ray and Jenny Tiet for your prompt responses, invaluable guidance, and unwavering support throughout my journey.
My fellow classmates for sharing this inspiring journey with me. Your diverse stories, talents, and perspectives have enriched my time here.
It has been such a beautiful chapter in my life! I will be missing you all!"
Graduating? DM us with your #NCState24 story today!
Home stretch. You got this, designers. 📐✍️🐺
🎉🐠 Dive into the holiday season with something fin-tastic! 🐠✨ We’re celebrating 20 years of Fish Market Student Gallery! 🥂🎊
📅 Friday, December 6th
🕕 6–11 PM
📍 133 Fayetteville Street
Come explore 20 years of creative history with archived photos and an interactive gallery experience you won’t want to miss. See you there!
Design is everywhere. All you have to do is look for it. 🔎🐺
Happy #LDOC, designers!
We’re thankful for you and everything you create. Have a lovely holiday, designers. 🐺💛
Grad season is the best season — and it’s almost time for the designers of #NCState24 to join the Alumni Pack! 🐺🎓
📸 Show us how you’re celebrating commencement — from rocking your cap and gown to showing off your favorite design — by tagging @NCStateAlumni and adding the hashtag #HowlBack to your graduation photos on X and Instagram for the chance to win prizes.
To Lauren Miller, design is a deeply intentional and human-centered practice. ✍️🎞️💜
Lauren (@laurlines), has always been drawn to creative pursuits, from crafting music to exploring the art of storytelling. As an alumna of the Media Arts, Design, and Technology (MADTech) program, Lauren’s passion for empathy-driven design and storytelling has guided her work, culminating in her award-winning animated short “Touch,” which was recognized as “Best of the Fest” at Queer Expression Film Festival and “Official Selection” at Awareness Film Festival.
“I see design as crafting narratives that connect with people on a shared human experience,” she shares. As a queer woman, Lauren is especially driven to create stories that amplify underrepresented voices and reflect lived experiences not often seen in mainstream media.
“I want to create the kind of work I wish I’d seen when I was younger,” she says. Lauren credits her time at the College of Design with shaping her as both a designer and a person. The collaborative studio environment, supportive faculty, and diverse perspectives helped her discover and express her unique vision. “College is such a pivotal time for discovering who you are, and that was reflected in my design practice. It was all so intertwined,” she recalls.
Now, as she balances running a small business in Raleigh and continuing her work in animation and illustration, Lauren’s goal is simple yet profound: to bring joy and uplift people through her art. Whether it’s connecting with local communities or crafting animations that resonate on a global scale, Lauren’s work embodies the power of storytelling to inspire and connect.
Her advice to future designers? “Make each project your own—not just to solve the problem or get the grade, but to align with your goals and passion. That’s where the real growth happens.”