Industrial Design Research

  The ID program is interested in consulting on design projects for corporate, municipal and non-profit organizations. Our ID program promotes industrial design as a strategic intervention in instances where design facilitates innovation at the intersections between people, their lives, environment, and technology. Exposing students to client-based work contributes to their understanding of professional practice while allowing them the opportunity to apply their skills in an educational context.

Design consultation occurs in a variety of forms:
1. The project is managed by a faculty member as part of an established undergraduate or graduate course.

2. The project is managed by a faculty member as an independent study with a smaller group of selected students.

 

Research Proposals
To propose a design project, please submit a brief description via e-mail to Assistant Professor Sang-Gyuen Ahn, Chair of the Industrial Design Program at ahnsang@u.washington.edu. To be eligible, your proposal must:

 1. Clearly describe the design-related problem to be solved. We are most interested in design projects which have a seriousness of purpose. The project should contribute to the larger goals of society and business.

2. Guarantee significant involvement from the proposing organization. There must be one person assigned as the decision maker and primary client contact. This person should be available to interact with the program in person and/or by e-mail an average of 1-3 hours per week. This time will likely be disproportionately weighted towards the beginning and end of the project.

3. Include project timeframe and budget. All projects must include a realistic budget to cover project supplies as well as student and departmental compensation.

Please note that we do not support speculative design proposals. The faculty will review your proposal and suggest appropriate next steps based on its unique characteristics and requirements.