The Chinese economy is rapidly transforming markets worldwide with creative ideas that are ‘Designed-in-China’ for international consumers. The Design Studio-Practice BEng Industrial Design programme provides a creative approach that integrates visual design with materials and technology, user interaction, socio-cultural context and innovative business models.

Students work in well-invested studios, workshops and fablabs. They start by learning how to develop ideas and concepts through visual research and sketching, which they progress through prototyping and testing. This is enabled by access to traditional and innovative prototyping facilities, such as 3D scanning and printing and laser cutting.

In addition to technical skills, students learn about the social and commercial roles of design, design theories, business models and how to think about users. Indeed, being a designer these days is as much about visual creativity as it is about social responsibility. Designing for a global sustainable future is part of the XJTLU ethos.

Students are taught by renowned international designers and thinkers. They also have access to local and international networks of designers and manufacturers through extra-curricular activities and the networks of the staff team. Internships and placements are a fundamental part of learning. The mix of both academic and professional expertise, together with specialist technical resources, forms a rich experience to establish your profile as an Industrial Designer.

WHY SHOULD I STUDY INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AT XJTLU?

• Learn how to interpret user values into visually creative design solutions, for product design, furniture design, interaction design and spatial contexts.
• Integrate professional prototyping and manufacturing processes with the latest 3D printers, CNC-machines, adaptive systems and sensors for interactive product design applications.
• Participate in collaborative projects and/or internship opportunities at national and multinational companies
• Study in Suzhou, one of China’s most multicultural cities, which provides a unique perspective based on world leading high tech companies and its rich cultural heritage
• Earn two degrees: an XJTLU degree from the Chinese Ministry of Education and a globally recognised degree from the University of Liverpool, a member of the Russell Group of leading UK universities.

By the time you graduate from the BEng Industrial Design you will have:

• Ability to use creative skills for the development and production of products, consumer goods and interactive designs and furniture design.
• Understanding how technology innovation and adaptive systems can be integrated into future products
• User research processes to explore and design for user-experience in different markets and consumer contexts
• Awareness of cross-cultural aspects of designing for the Chinese market and other contexts
• Knowledge of materials structure and specification for high volume manufactured products
• Marketing and practical model-making skills in presenting design development processes.
• Visual Language and Form development to build presentations through development processes.