COURSE CURRICULUM

Faculty research and creative activity in the Industrial Design program at DePaul University highlights the strong connection between academic work and real-world innovation. A notable example is the work of Nate Matteson, who led the design team behind the 0xEAE Boost, a highly engineered and creatively designed pedal platform. This project demonstrates how faculty integrate technical expertise with artistic exploration, creating products that are both functional and conceptually rich.The 0xEAE Boost was developed as a robust, modular, and extensible system, showcasing advanced engineering both internally and externally. Inside the device, the design draws inspiration from an early 1970s phono preamplifier, incorporating a discrete operational amplifier topology. It also includes important protective features such as safeguards against over-voltage, reverse polarity, and electrostatic discharge, reflecting a strong emphasis on durability and reliability in product design. Externally, the pedal is carefully crafted with a focus on usability and ergonomics, featuring a layout that maximizes separation between precision controls and stomp switches, along with a low center of gravity to enhance stability during use.The design also pays homage to classic effects pedals like the Tone Bender and Fuzz Face, blending historical inspiration with modern innovation. This balance of past and present exemplifies the program’s approach to design—encouraging students to study design history while pushing creative and technological boundaries.Overall, faculty-led projects such as this provide students with valuable insight into professional design practices, demonstrating how conceptual thinking, technical knowledge, and creative experimentation come together to produce meaningful and market-ready products.