Are you ready to transform your creative potential into a thriving career in industrial design?
RISD Masters Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) offers an unparalleled educational experience that will elevate your design skills and prepare you for leadership in the field.
At RISD, you’ll explore design as a powerful tool for addressing complex social, cultural, and environmental challenges.
With a curriculum that emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, you’ll develop the expertise needed to create innovative solutions that make a meaningful impact. Join a community of passionate designers and dedicated faculty to take your creativity to new heights and shape the future of design.
RISD Masters Industrial Design
The Master of Industrial Design (MID) at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) explores design as a powerful tool for addressing social, cultural, environmental, and other contemporary concerns.
The program emphasizes the connection between individual interests and societal values, promoting design solutions that support environmental preservation and a deeper understanding of human behavior.
With a focus on fostering innovation and critical thinking, the MID program prepares graduates to become leaders in the field of industrial design.
Program Overview
Two-Year Curriculum
- First Year: The initial year focuses on enhancing and expanding individual industrial design methodologies through hands-on projects and critical discussions. This approach helps students refine their personal value systems, develop working methodologies, and learn to engage audiences in meaningful dialogue.
- Overall Curriculum: Throughout the program, students engage with historical and theoretical perspectives as well as contemporary issues in design. This comprehensive approach encourages continuous dialogue and collaboration with peers, helping students develop a unique and well-informed design perspective.
2.5-Year Curriculum
- This track is designed for students whose undergraduate degrees are in fields other than design or those with limited design experience. It begins with a Wintersession that prepares students for the intensive two-year master’s program starting in the fall. This preparatory period ensures that all students, regardless of their background, have the foundational skills necessary for success in the MID program.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the two-year program are prepared to:
- Predict the Impact of Their Design Approaches: Understand how design decisions affect users, environments, and societies.
- Adeptly Frame Problems and Solutions: Skillfully identify and articulate design challenges and develop innovative solutions.
- Apply Rapid Modeling and Prototyping Skills: Use advanced modeling and prototyping techniques to quickly iterate and refine design concepts.
- Develop and Refine Personal Design Methods and Research Approaches: Establish a personal design philosophy and apply rigorous research methods to inform their practice.
Additionally, graduates of the 2.5-year program are prepared to:
- Extend Their Understanding of Industrial Design to Practical Problems: Apply industrial design principles to real-world challenges, leveraging their diverse backgrounds.
- Effectively Integrate Their Previous Experiences into Their Design Practice: Utilize their prior knowledge and skills to enhance their design work and bring fresh perspectives to the field.
Graduate Student Work
The MID program at RISD showcases the innovative and impactful work of its students. Some examples include:
- Courtney Skabelund (MID 2017): Developed a prototype football helmet designed to improve safety and performance.
- Christina Chen (MID 2017): Created various design projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of user needs and aesthetics.
- Kate Brandy (MID 2017): Focused on innovative design solutions that push the boundaries of traditional industrial design.
- Zhizi Liu (MID 2017): Explored unique design concepts that address contemporary societal issues.
- Jerry Ding (MID 2017): Produced advanced design projects that integrate technology and user-centered design.
- Xiaoxiao Jin (MID 2017): Engaged in creative design explorations that combine functionality with artistic expression.
- Megan Valanidas (MID 2018): Applied innovative design solutions to various practical applications.
- Allison Davis (MID 2018): Developed diverse design projects that reflect a strong understanding of industrial design principles.
- Yu-Hsing Wu (MID 2018): Specialized in design work that merges functionality with cutting-edge technology.
- Christina Johnston (MID 2018): Produced comprehensive design projects that highlight her expertise in the field.
- Dave Pittman (MID 2018): Designed innovative lighting solutions that combine aesthetics with practicality.
Inspiring Community
The MID program fosters a diverse and inspiring community of approximately 20 graduate students, many of whom come from backgrounds outside industrial design, such as architecture, engineering, fine arts, graphic design, anthropology, and marketing. This diversity enriches the learning environment, as all students share a passion for critical thinking, making, and pursuing graduate-level research and production.
Graduate students work closely with faculty members who specialize in various areas of professional practice and demonstrate unparalleled dedication to teaching, mentoring, and engaging students in real-world problem-solving.
Learning Environment
MID candidates work in RISD’s well-equipped, six-floor Industrial Design building, sharing studio, shop, and gallery spaces with approximately 200 undergraduate ID majors. Graduate students are expected to demonstrate independence, motivation, and competence in developing both the physical and conceptual aspects of their work.
Thesis Project
Thesis topics in the MID program cover a broad range of fields, from product and furniture design to aerospace and medical applications. Graduate students work independently under the guidance of a faculty advisor and thesis committee, presenting their final work verbally, visually, and in writing. The program culminates in an annual graduate thesis exhibition showcasing the work of students from RISD’s advanced degree programs.
Application Requirements
- Application Form: Complete and submit the application form online.
- Academic Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Portfolio: Submit a portfolio demonstrating your best work.
- Statement of Purpose: Write a statement outlining your goals and reasons for pursuing the MID program.
- Writing Sample: Provide a sample of your writing that reflects your ability to communicate ideas effectively.
- Letters of Recommendation: Submit letters from individuals who can speak to your academic and professional capabilities.
- Tests: Provide test scores if applicable (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the primary areas of focus in the MID curriculum?
The MID curriculum emphasizes design as a means to address social, cultural, and environmental concerns. It covers historical and theoretical foundations, contemporary issues, and practical design methodologies, fostering a comprehensive understanding of industrial design.
2. Can I apply if my undergraduate degree is not in design?
Yes, the 2.5-year curriculum is specifically designed for students with undergraduate degrees in non-design fields or those with limited design experience. This track includes an introductory Wintersession to prepare students for the two-year master’s program.
3. What kind of support will I receive for my thesis project?
Graduate students receive extensive support from faculty advisors and thesis committees. Throughout the thesis process, students engage in regular discussions and critiques, ensuring their projects are well-developed and professionally presented.
Conclusion
The Master of Industrial Design at RISD is more than an academic programme—it’s an immersive journey that equips you with the skills and insights needed to become a leader in the design world.
By joining the MID program, you gain access to a world-class education, diverse international experiences, and a supportive community, all designed to help you shape your leadership skills and achieve your career aspirations. Apply now to embark on a transformative path toward a future in industrial design.
