Bachelors in Industrial Design

What is the Industrial Design program about?

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design at the University of Florence is a three-year program that aims to train design professionals capable of operating competently in all phases of the design and development of industrial products. The program emphasizes a transdisciplinary approach, integrating artistic, technical, and humanistic knowledge to address contemporary design challenges.

Key Focus Areas:

• Product design and development

• Visual, multimedia, and interactive communications

• Sustainable and eco-social design principles

• Integration of design and production processes

• Effective communication in multiple European languages

Unique Selling Points:

• Located at the Design Campus in Calenzano, featuring specialized research laboratories such as the Sustainable Design Lab and Ergonomics & Design Lab

• Strong connections with industry partners in Tuscany and Italy, offering opportunities for real-world projects and internships

• Participation in international networks and collaborations with universities worldwide

Year-wise Breakdown of Core Modules

Year 1: Foundations

• Introduction to Industrial Design

• Design Methodology and Representation Techniques

• Materials and Technologies

• History of Design and Visual Communication

• Basic Ergonomics and Human Factors

Year 2: Development

• Advanced Product Design Studios

• Sustainable Design and Environmental Impact

• Digital Modeling and Prototyping

• User-Centered Design and Interaction

• Project Management and Communication Skills

Year 3: Specialization and Integration

• Design for Innovation and Emerging Technologies

• Final Design Project and Thesis

• Internship with industry partners

• Elective courses allowing for specialization in areas such as eco-social design or communication design

Learning and Assessment Methods

Teaching Formats:

• Lectures and seminars

• Studio-based design projects

• Workshops and laboratory sessions

• Collaborative group work

• Individual tutorials and critiques

Assessment Types:

• Design project presentations and critiques

• Written reports and essays

• Technical drawings and prototypes

• Oral examinations and presentations

• Final thesis project evaluation

Rankings

• The University of Florence is recognized as one of Italy's leading public universities, known for its commitment to academic excellence and research. While specific rankings for the Industrial Design program are not provided, the Department of Architecture, which houses the design programs, has a strong reputation in the field.