Lecture 1 (3 hrs) — Product Design Thinking & Identity

Objective: Build the designer mindset and understand design language

Topics:

• What is Product Design today?

• Role of product designer vs architect vs industrial designer

• Design thinking process (Brief → Research → Concept → Prototype)

• Design identity & storytelling

• Case studies from high-end design houses

Exercise:

• Analyze 3 iconic products (form, function, material, story)

• Define a personal design identity (keywords + mood)

Deliverable:

• Design mindset worksheet

• Identity keywords board

Lecture 2 (3 hrs) — Research, User & Concept Development

Objective: Turn research into strong concepts

Topics:

• Understanding users, context & usage scenarios

• Cultural & emotional design

• Moodboards (visual, material, narrative)

• Concept generation techniques

• Translating inspiration into design intent

Exercise:

• Build a concept moodboard for a furniture or lighting piece

• Write a 1-page design concept statement

Deliverable:

• Concept moodboard

• Written design narrative

Lecture 3 (3 hrs) — Form, Proportion & Sketching

Objective: Develop form through drawing and proportions

Topics:

• Form language (soft, sharp, organic, monumental)

• Proportion, balance & ergonomics (basic)

• Hand sketching techniques for product designers

• Iteration and refinement

• Reading & critiquing sketches

Exercise:

• 20 rapid concept sketches

• Select and refine 3 strong design options

Deliverable:

• Sketch sheets (concept exploration)

• 1 selected design direction

  
  

  
  

Lecture 4 (3 hrs) — Materials, Craft & Manufacturing

Objective: Design with real materials and real production in mind

Topics:

• Material selection (wood, metal, stone, glass, textile)Craft vs industrial production

• Finishes, joints & details

• Cost awareness & feasibility

• Sustainability in product design

Exercise:

• 20 rapid concept sketches

• Material & finish board

• Define how the product is made (process diagram)

Deliverable:

• Sketch sheets (concept exploration)

• Material palette

• Production logic sketch

Lecture 5 (3 hrs) — 3D Thinking, Technical Design & Details

Objective: Translate design into buildable form

Topics:

• Introduction to 3D thinking (not software-heavy)

• Basic dimensions & ergonomics

• Exploded views & details

• Technical drawings overview

• Design for assembly

Exercise:

• Analyze 3 iconic products (form, function, material, story)

• Simple orthographic sketches

• Exploded axonometric drawing

Deliverable:

• Design mindset worksheet

• Dimensioned sketches

• Assembly logic diagram

Lecture 6 (3 hrs) — Presentation, Branding & Portfolio

Objective: Present the product professionally and sell the idea

Topics:

• Product storytelling & naming

• Presentation boards

• Render vs sketch vs physical mock-up

• Brand alignment

• Portfolio layout basics

Exercise:

• Final product presentation board

• Verbal design presentation (5 min)

Deliverable:

• Concept moodboard

• Final design board

• Portfolio-ready product page