Daniel Houghton

Introduction to Industrial Design
3D Printing, CNC machining, and robotic automation have transformed how objects are designed, prototyped, and manufactured. In this course we will learn fundamental 3D solid modeling techniques, iterative design strategies and fundamental additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques. Every class will be hands-on and fully immersed in the high-tech tools of the industrial design process. Students will leave with a strong conceptual understanding of 3D solid modeling, printing, and machining, and an independent final project. 3 hrs. lect/lab.

Design Lab I
High quality design succeeds through problem solving and iteration. In this studio course, students first each identify a problem and devise a solution that that uses high-tech equipment like CNC fabrication, robotics, 3D printing, laser cutting, or 2D/3D graphics. They also build a production calendar with at least two design iterations toward a final deliverable. And then they head out on the adventure of project work where they discover the unforeseen surprises, knowledge and experience gaps, and calendar setbacks that define serious design work. The outcome is a final deliverable in metal, wood, plastic, or pixels.

Design Lab II
In this collaborative follow-up to Design Lab 1, students move beyond their independent practice and work with a project partner (a professor or instructor, a not-for-profit or business collaborator) to identify a real-world problem. Students conduct outreach, research, planning, execution, revision, and final delivery of a solution to the problem defined. Along the way, they practice effective communication with their partner toward the goal of building strong relationships with entities on- and off-campus.