Industrial Design
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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“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 ✨🌸
The ❤️ at the center of every design.
Welcome back to Crit Happens! This time, Meg and Taylor discuss the professors setting them up for success in the classroom. Design isn’t just about thinking outside the box; it’s about redesigning it.
🎙️: Meg (first-year, GXD) and Taylor (sophomore, GXD).
Sometimes, Crit Happens. 🤷
Welcome to the new series where @NCStateDesign students talk about their hot takes and honest experiences in the College of Design. This week, Meg and Taylor talk about adapting to critiques and navigating the unique learning environment.
“Ponte las pilas.” ⚡ In Spanish, it means “Put your batteries in.” Figuratively? “Get to it.”
For Graphic & Experience Design student Chelsy Posadas Inestroza, these words are more than a saying - they’re a way of life. As a first-generation Honduran-American college student, Chelsy has faced challenges that could have kept her from pursuing higher education. But she refused to let a statistic define her future. With perseverance, talent and the support of scholarships, she’s designing her own path forward.
This is what #GivingPack makes possible. When you give on Day of Giving, you`re helping students like Chelsy access the resources they need to thrive - breaking barriers, creating change and shaping the future of design.
Every gift, no matter the size, fuels opportunity. Join us in bridging the gap and investing in the next generation of designers and problem-solvers. Your support today powers a lifetime of impact. Tap the link in our bio to make your plan for Day of Giving on 3.26.25. 🐺🤘
Spring break was a vibe, but getting back into the grind can feel overwhelming. 🫣😮💨
When stress hits, try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to re-center yourself:
👀 Name 5 things you see
✋ Touch 4 things around you
🎧 Listen for 3 sounds
👃 Notice 2 smells
👅 Recognize 1 thing you can taste
It`s a quick and easy way to calm anxiety and refocus during the design process. Save this for when you need it!
🚀 Give the College of Design at NC State a head start for #GivingPack!
Complete simple actions like watching our teaser video or following @ncstate on social media to earn entries in our Head Start challenge.
The more actions you complete, the better your chances!
🎯 Three winners will be randomly selected to award $1,000 in bonus funds to the college, program, or unit of their choice.
➡️ Start earning entries now by tapping the #GivingPack Head Start Challenge link in our bio!
Spring break mode: ON. ✌️ Got some downtime? Perfect time to submit your work!
Architecture students Brandon Rumley and Alex Catalano’s Stone House Research Center reinterprets the historic homes of @dixpark, balancing past and future through massing, materiality and spatial organization. Their design honors the site’s rich history while embracing its evolution.
Want to see your work featured in Designlife Magazine and on our socials? Use this break to show us what you’ve been working on! Tap the link in our bio to submit.
Proud to be a part of this history. Happy 138th, @ncstate. 🎉❤️