COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) (Honours) at Swinburne University provides a comprehensive pathway that integrates creative, technical, and industry-focused learning to prepare students for careers across diverse design sectors. In the first year, students establish foundational skills through core units such as Twentieth Century Design, Introductory Design Studio, Product Visualisation 1: Hand Sketching, and Materials, Finishes and Form. The second semester expands digital and user-focused skills with User Centered Design, Product Visualisation 2: Digital Sketching, Digital Modelling, and an elective, enabling students to begin tailoring their degree to specific interests.In the second year, the focus shifts to advanced design practice and material exploration. Units such as Design and Emotion Studio, Materials and Processes, Product Visualisation 3: Surface Modelling and Rendering, Contemporary Design Issues, and Digital Manufacturing develop students’ ability to create functional, aesthetically engaging, and innovative designs while considering emerging technologies and sustainable practices.The third year emphasizes professional application and contextual understanding of design. Students undertake units including Products in Context: Theories of Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Socially Responsible Design Studio, and Online Enterprise and Opportunities, preparing them to integrate design thinking with real-world challenges. Electives allow further customization to align with career aspirations.The honours year culminates in advanced research and capstone projects. Students engage in Industrial Design Honours Studio 1: Methods for Design Research, the Industrial Design Major Project 1 and 2, and Professional Design Attributes. Alternatively, students may follow the Design Factory Melbourne Honours Stream, completing Applied Innovation Studios, Project Management and Practice, and Professional Attributes for Design.This structured progression ensures graduates possess a strong foundation in design principles, advanced technical and conceptual skills, and practical industry experience. Through a combination of studio-based learning, digital and material expertise, and research-focused capstone projects, students are prepared to deliver innovative, socially responsible, and technology-driven solutions across furniture, consumer products, medical devices, and other industrial design applications.