The Product Design graduate applies scientific, aesthetic, psychological, and technological principles to satisfy market needs in a multidisciplinary way to generate new innovative and functional products.
This course trains professionals in industrial design, capable of using tools and technologies to design products that satisfy user needs and meet market requirements. Topics such as ergonomics, materials, structures, mechanisms, manufacturing processes, user experience, and technological requirements for industrial design are covered. The Product Design graduate is trained to conceive, design, and build products integrating design, manufacturing, and business criteria.
Mission
To cooperate with society by training creative and innovative professionals with research capacity and critical thinking who solve human needs through the design and creation of products.
Vision
To be a regional reference in the use of product design as a critical factor for innovation and the development of solutions for society.
* Undergraduate tuition/fees:
The Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador in its Article 356, among other principles, establishes that third-level public higher education will be tuition/fees free. Zero cost education is linked to the academic responsibility of the students.
Number of admitted students per academic year
Number of graduates per year
Number of enrolled students per academic year
Graphs show the figures in real time, at the time of the query
We are looking for creative and inventive students who wish to specialize in craft or industrial product design. In this context, to enter this program, an applicant should be imaginative and have:
- Keen sense of aesthetics
- Visual representation skills.
- Handcraft and technological skills.
- Interest in the technical and manufacturing aspects of products.
- Interest in the impact of products on users.
Educational Objectives
Product Design graduates will have the ability to:
Generate new products, applying creativity, conceptual thinking, ingenuity and design, in a constant process of development and innovation.
Transform the industry with products aimed at domestic consumption and exports, changing the country's productive matrix.
To design products that respond to the needs of individuals and communities, improving their quality of life.
Promote scientific research and technological development by generating products that apply new knowledge, materials, and processes.
Promote socio-environmental responsibility and ethical behavior through products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Competencies
1. Effective Communication
Communicate effectively orally and in writing with clarity and creativity in diverse contexts and perspectives.2. Learning Strategies
Apply learning strategies, managing information and digital content according to learning demands and communication uses.3. Value Propositions
Argue value proposals from art, design, and communication, considering technical, economic, environmental, social, and cultural aspects.4. Research and Experimentation
Approach sociocultural, artistic, and historical objects of study and their experimentation and research through qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies for knowledge generation and ethical management.5. Ethical Responsibility
Promote ethical responsibilities in professional issues and formulate informed judgments, considering the impact of solutions in social, environmental, economic, and global contexts.6. Teamwork
Function effectively as a proactive team member or leader, able to respect, understand, and evaluate work across various disciplines to achieve given goals.7. Professional English
The ability to communicate effectively with various audiences/diverse professional contexts in English.8. Usability and Ergonomics
Have a comprehensive understanding of user needs, including human factors, contextual research, user experience, and usability and ergonomics evaluations for application in product and system design.9. Functional Representations
Develop sketches of visual, functional, and multidimensional representations for communicating concepts and specifications of innovative products, from abstraction to detail.10. Design Products and Systems
Design products and systems with a grounded understanding of design practices and processes with aesthetic, manufacturing, and marketing criteria.
First Year
Description:
This basic course presents the relationship between art and technology; on how the technologies of the different eras allowed the birth of new artistic expressions. It ranges from the historical antecedents of classical art, its evolution and direct link with design, technology and digital, to the conception of art in motion and audiovisuals. Finally, it is recognized and experimented with various creative processes linked to the aesthetic generation. This course aims to promote the student in a participatory and constructive criticism, which encourages the formation of principles in relation to artistic trends and the creation of creative proposals.
Description:
This subject of basic training allows the understanding of the bases of technical drawing, the recognition of geometric shapes reaching basic geometry and the systems of dihedral and axonometric representation. The planes, their elements in projections and perspective are analyzed. Specific images are made of elements that signify and / or objectively communicate issues related to graphic design, audiovisual production and product design.
Description:
In this course, students apply the Design Thinking methodology to identify, analyze real-life problems or needs, to design innovative solutions. Students work in multidisciplinary teams to present solution proposals that add value to customers/users from private companies, public organizations and non-profit organizations.
Description:
This basic and general education subject presents grammatical structures to produce a simple paragraph based on a writing program. Additionally, it allows the identification of a specific argument in oral and written communication. It also considers learners’ personal opinions about different topics related to social, academic, and professional aspects. It includes the necessary vocabulary to make comparisons between present and past, books or movies description, creation of simple students’ profile, opinions about inventions, formal apologies and tell past events.
Description:
This is a basic subject which is part of the transversal axis of the Product Design, Graphic Design and Production for Media careers. It is a first year course in the curriculum and it is conceived as an introduction to mathematics, providing notions of elementary algebra, geometry and trigonometry in the study of the design, production and appreciation of artistic pieces. The main idea of the course is to promote in the student the development of skills that allow them to use techniques, methods and procedures of a mathematical nature in order to enrich their work in the field of art, design and audiovisual communication, for this the mathematical exercise not only in the operational and numerical aspect but also in the strengthening of geometric intuition.
Description:
This is a professional training course for the careers of Graphic Design, Product Design and Media Production. It offers an approach to academic drawing as a tool for reflection and construction, focusing on observation, visual analysis, and synthesis of the environment. Different aspects of drawing are studied, such as volume, composition, and the human figure, at rest and in movement. Drawing is applied in its analytical and expressive variants using line and shade.
Description:
The subject belongs to the unit of professional curricular organization and is aimed at students of Product Design. It presents the evolution of the products designed, from the eighteenth century to the present (it could also be said in the contemporary era or in the contemporaneity, from the Industrial Revolution ...), through the relationship art, design and craftsmanship. It analyzes the most influential currents and designers, and iconic products from different were and countries, which gave rise to various approaches, process solutions and products, establishing the profile of the industrial designer.
Description:
The course presents students with strategies to solve common problems in various professional fields through the design and implementation of solutions based on the use of a programming language. It covers the basic principles so that the student can read and write programs; emphasizing the design and analysis of algorithms. In addition, it introduces students to the use of development and debugging tools.
Description:
This course is part of professional level and provides to general introduction to Product Design. Students will learn about the basic processes for generating an object by addressing two-dimensional composition, sketching techniques, prototyping and how to build a portfolio throughout the career. In the process we work with observation techniques, interpretation of forms, the elaboration of sketches and initial prototypes.
Description:
This subject of basic formation and general education presents the grammatical structures for the production of an academic paragraph, through the development of the writing program in a transversal way. In addition, it allows the identification of specific arguments in oral and written communication, considering the production of one's own criteria on different topics of a social, academic or professional nature. The necessary vocabulary is also applied to refer to the different forms of communication, share work experiences and the use of digitl technology, tell short stories about interpersoanl relationship and personalities, and comment on the future of the environment.
Description:
This course is basic training and is aimed at students of Product Design and Biology careers. In this course, concepts of physics are taught using basic mathematics, focusing on the explanation of phenomenology and relying on practical demonstrations. It has an initial stage where students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of physics, through the use of classes, documentaries and laboratory practices; and, a final stage where a project is carried out, which connects physics with their professional areas.
Second Year
Description:
This subject of vocational training focuses on the analysis of user behavior and decisions, through reflective dialogues in classes, interviews with professionals and research. It begins with a view to cultural anthropology and the historiography of design, to connect symbolic and experiential representations with design, and consequently with consumption. Products and techniques that have changed the habits or behaviors of the human being are analyzed, through the comparison of mental models of previous and current decades. It discusses environmental and usage aspects that are related to the user's decision-making. During the subject, various research tools and methodologies will be used for the development of tasks and the aforementioned analyses.
Description:
This vocational training course enter the concepts of mechanical analysis of bodies in static balance, providing the student with a solid base of knowledge about the effects of the forces that can act on these bodies. It will start with an overview of the definition and functions of a structure, as well as the most common types of structure and their characteristics. Quantitative analyses of systems in equilibrium will be carried out in 2 and 3 dimensions, starting with particles, and then moving to rigid bodies. For rigid bodies, the fulcrums and connections of these will be considered. Subsequently, calculations are made of the effects of internal external forces on structures, including distributed forces, centers of gravity and stresses to which they are subjected.
Description:
This theoretical/Practical vocational training subject addresses the different types of materials technological used in the design of products, with to historical review of their development and impact worldwide. It provides guidance on the origin and extraction processes of materials from their natural or mineral state as a raw material. The behavior of the materials is analyzed according to their properties and structure according to the transformation processes used. It covers the study of ferrous and non-ferrous metallic materials, thermoplastic polymers, thermosets and elastomers, ceramics, glass, wood, fibers (textiles, animal, vegetable and synthetic), cellulosic (paper, cardboard) and composite materials. Technical, aesthetic and environmental aspects are analyzed. the course ends with material selection criteria applicable to product design. the subject is complemented by laboratory tests.
Description:
This vocational training subject deals with the analysis and creation of forms, their meaning and its relationship with product design through the exploration of materials that are easily manipulated such as paper and cardboard, among others. Space and three-dimensional shapes are experimented with to create volumetric elements capable of transmitting functionality and contextual messages. The module works in workshops with the use of several basic tools
Description:
The Statistics course provides students with the basic knowledge that will help them convert a data set into useful information for making decisions in scenarios of uncertainty. It encompasses different methods of tabulation and data analysis, the introduction of the concept of probability as a measure of uncertainty and mathematical models of discrete and continuous random variables. Additionally, analysis techniques such as regression and hypothesis testing of population parameters are included.
Description:
This subject of basic instruction and general education presents grammatical topics for the elaboration of an outline and a structured composition, through the development of the writing program in a transversal way. In addition, it allows the identification of arguments in oral and written communication on contemporary and academic topics. Additionally, appropriate vocabulary is applied to discuss issues related to different cultures, places where we live, everyday news, entertainment media, and past and future opportunities.
Description:
This subject of professional Training of the Product Design career focuses on the process of development of industrial production products. It begins with the classification and analysis of the life cycle of a product for the integral understanding of the challenges involved in its development to professional and productive level. strategies for identifying needs that reply to market trends and customer requirements are reviewed to carry out a process of generation and selection of proposals. Subsequently, concepts of architecture and modularity that influence the definition of the specifications of a product at a detailed level and the. Key considerations for the realization of an industrial prototyping are reviewed. Finally, economic and feasibility aspects are reviewed, reflecting on the importance and impact that this has on industry and society.
Description:
This professional training subject of the product design career delves into techniques of sketching and technical drawing to be applied in the construction of parts, products, structures, and spaces. the standards and requirements established for different industrial applications such as architecture, design and engineering are reviewed, considering in real projects of preparation of plans. Students are guided to use the plans made as a communication and planning tool regarding the use and exploitation of resources. Computer drawing is also introduced to develop two-dimensional plans and three-dimensional figures that contribute to the creation of these plans.
Description:
This subject of theoretical / practical professional training of the product design degree addresses the processes of transformation and industrial manufacturing, which can be considered for the design of a product or prototypes made from raw material for technological and engineering use. fundamental concepts are introduced on clean and sustainable manufacturing with criteria for handling recyclable materials without affecting the environment and society. It discusses different manufacturing processes and emphasizes the fundamental criteria for the manufacture of to product based on STIs properties, structure and durability or shelf life. Laboratory internships focused on the processing of different materials and analysis of the properties of the products obtained are carried out.
Description:
This subject of theoretical/practical professional training of the Product Design career deals with the construction of models and prototypes with various materials, such as metal, wood, and ceramics. It starts with understanding the different types of workshops and their safety requirements. The student is familiarized with the work environment and the correct interaction with tools and possible machines, and the use of personal protection implements according to the activity to be carried out. The materials are analyzed in a theoretical and practical way, to know and understand the characteristics, which will influence the techniques and technologies required for their transformation into products. Finally, simple models and prototypes are built with the materials, considering the desired final finishes.
Description:
In this subject, we study the development of the academic prosumer profile of the students, which should be consolidated throughout each individual's life, based on the processing of complex, holistic, and critical thinking. We aim to foster understanding and the production of academic knowledge through rigorous analysis of realities and readings from various academic/scientific sources.
Description:
Marketing Fundamentals is a mid-level subject of the Business Administration career, to which the student arrives with the ability to understand the consumer from a microeconomic perspective, thus also knowing the forces of the environment that influence their consumption decisions. Therefore, to complement the existing knowledge of the students, this course focuses on the consumer's bond with the company, from a relational perspective. For which, the process for the generation of value is studied, for the consumer and for the company, through actions and strategies of product, price, place, and promotion. The focus of the subject is theoretical-practical, with emphasis on the analysis of local business problems through the use of cases and market data.
Description:
This subject of basic formation and general education, presents the grammar structures to produce a persuasive essay, through the transversal development of the writing programme. In addition, it allows students to identify specific arguments in the oral and written communication, as well as, to express their own opinions about different topics of social, academic, or professional fields. It also includes the necessary vocabulary to stablish a conversation, narrate situations of their environment, activities to reach their goals, analyze cause and effect and personal and professional opportunities.
Third Year
Description:
This subject of professional training, of the product design degree, is focused on the analysis and application of ergonomic principles to product development, with emphasis on user experience. The fundamental concepts of ergonomics and their historical importance are studied, considering the effects on the health of users. It is sought that students understand the different risks that exist in the work environment and in the actions of daily life. For this, emphasis is placed on anthropometric study and the usability experience, both in the design of digital and physical interfaces.
Description:
This professional training course of the product design degree enter the concepts of basic information regarding the study of mechanisms and types of movement transmission. It will begin with the study of the basic concepts of kinematics of mechanisms, and then move on to the basic characteristics of machines and mechanisms. Graphical linkage synthesis will be performed to method of fundamentally understanding how mechanisms work. Different types of mechanisms are analyzed, emphasizing those of transmission and transformation of movement. Throughout the course, the application of the mechanisms studied in various contexts will be analyzed, for the subsequent design and prototyping of products with moving elements.
Description:
This training subject of the Product Design degree delves into techniques of modeling in three dimensions to be applied in the construction of parts, products and spaces. The standards and requirements established for different applications in design and engineering, considered in real projects of elaboration of parts and drawings, are reviewed. Students are guided to use the plans made as a communication and planning tool regarding the use and exploitation of resources. It also delves into digital modeling to develop tridimensional figures of high graphic quality, which contribute to the presentation of different products in environments of use.
Description:
This subject of theoretical / practical professional training of the Product Design career addresses the design of modular products in different contexts with different approaches and approaches taking advantage of their benefits and complements it with the learning and handling of standardized production materials and their constraints. The student receives technical information and experiments with some materials and surface finishes and physical and thermal treatmentsfor the preparation of materials in the elaboration of prototypes or decoration. Special emphasis is placed on the use of metal as it is a versatile material for the creation of products and structures. Finally, techniques are taught for the representation of models and physical prototypes of their designs, using materials such as metal, ceramic, paper, cardboard, synthetic wood or foam.
Description:
This transversal course addresses the conditions required to innovate and the process associated with developing an innovation from an entrepreneurial point of view. Subsequently, topics such as the identification of opportunities, value creation, and prototyping and validation of products/services proposals are reviewed, as well as the elements of the business model and financial considerations that are essential for the feasibility and adoption of an innovation. Finally, entrepreneurial competences and process associated with the development and adoption of an innovation are studied.
Description:
This course, corresponding to the professional training in product design, presents to holistic Study of the core concepts of universal design, shifting the view from to set of specifications of accessibility to design approach that includes as many users as possible. The course starts with the study of the spectrum of human abilities and the factors leading to it in a process that seeks to develop a high level of empathy and a new perspective of how design has shaped this reality. This is followed by an analysis of the evolution and general context of universal design, including aspects like changing demographics, markets, economics, technologies, and social impact. The course will study the universal design principles, exploring methods and tools to evaluate the inclusivity levels of products, environments, and systems. Finally, special applications of universal design guidelines will be revised, including transgenerational design, supportive technology, and spatial design.
Description:
This subject of theoretical / practical professional training of the Product Design degree addresses the use of materials and manufacturing processes at different scales of production. Initially, the cycle of life of the products is analyzed in relation to their use and impact on the environment. Knowledge is imparted in a multidisciplinary way from the point of view of manufacturing engineering, materials study, quality control and cost analysis. Theoretical concepts are studied through the analysis of real local or external cases that include different scales of production. the subject is concluded with criteria for selection of materials and appropriate manufacturing processes according to the specific circumstances of each product.
Description:
This subject of theoretical / practical professional training of the Product Design career addresses the product development using electronics for human interaction. It begins with the relevance on the impact of technology on society, then laws and statements are presented that allow the design of analog and digital electronic systems for the development of embedded systems in traditional products and finally explains the technological trends today and how to incorporate them into the products following the requirements of the end user with programming, simulation, supplementation and human-machine interaction using free mobile and web applications. Finally, the different commercial applications and trends in the industry for the manufacture of products are studied.
Description:
This transversal training course for all students of the institution has five chapters. It introduces the key principles of sustainability and the path to sustainable development. Addresses ecological principles by deepen into biodiversity, ecosystems, human population and ecosystem services. Study the fundamentals of renewable and non-renewable resources as well as the alternatives for sustainable use. Analyzes environmental quality specifically in the air, water and soil components, delving into issues such as climate change, eutrophication and deforestation. Finally, it emphasizes on the economic axis with topics such as circular economy and on the social axis on topics such as governance and urban planning.
Description:
This vocal training subject addresses general research studies, from the philosophical and scientific point of view, and its application in the Design and Visual Communication area. It starts with an introduction to the research from its starting point concepts, types, and contexts. It continues with discussions around the resources and structure of research. Then addresses the different aspects of research methodologies and their approach to design. Finally, it focusses on the processes of data recollection, analysis, and discussion of results applied to practical research cases on selected topics under the paradigms “For - About - Through” the design. The selected themes are developed in stages from the first sessions of the subject until formalizing the presentation and discussion of its results in a documented manner.
Fourth Year
Description:
This subject of professional training of the product design degree addresses like a model the natural world to apply its properties, shapes, and behaviors in product design. The characteristics of plants, animals and the ecosystem in general will be analyzed, as inspiration and example of functionality in various topics, seeking in turn sustainable design from various Points of View such as: technological, social, environmental and design. The effects of the development of new products throughout their life cycle are analyzed, in search of practical applications and responsible decisions with the environment and responding to the needs of niche markets.
Description:
This professional training course of the Graphic Design career develops the vision of design from a systemic approach to the product, service and communication. It begins by laying the foundations of the system-product methodology together with the management of strategic business tools; those that will be used in a practical case of the local context, which will finally lead to the formulation of a strategic design project that adds value to the company.
Description:
This subject of professional training, corresponding to the career of graphic design, develops the study of design management. It begins with the stage of the conception of projects and design initiatives; the needs of the clients and the search for solutions are determined, which will be paid for and budgeted until the formulation of a commercial proposal. Finally, in the stage of project management and presentation of results, the planning of activities, distribution and administration of material and financial resources are considered, using word processing tools, spreadsheets and planning.
Description:
This subject of professional training of the career of Product Design, presents the fundamentals of creating an engaging showcase for professional use and personal promotion in the industry. Concepts of personal identity and personal branding will be introduced to develop a visible participation in projects. Additionally, the product design industry will be analyzed. Methods and techniques are known through the application of research processes and are used in the designing and development of the acquired skills. Furthermore, students will create a personal product portfolio in different digital platforms by taking in consideration specialized social media, printed materials, and personal presentation.
Description:
This subject of theoretical / practical professional training of the Product Design career addresses the different requirements in the process of prototyping products, going through phases that include the realization of 3D digital models, scale models, to the realization of life-size models of the product with artisanal techniques and through technologies rapid prototyping using computer-aided production (CAM) equipment. The aim is to understand the steps that lead to the creative result, focusing attention on the best design decision for serial production. In addition, reference will be made to the difference between seriality and personalization of products and how this dog influences the value perceived by the user.
Description:
This is a degree course for the Product Design career, in which to project is carried out where the application of the declared profiles in their career is evidenced, processes of creativity or organization and relevance that involve a professional design experience are developed. In the first part of the course, the needs of the client/user/public are identified, the problem/opportunity is defined, data is collected and critical factors are analyzed. In the second part, alternative solutions are created framed in the regulations and restrictions of each user. It concludes with the design and elaboration of prototypes, analysis and validation of results.
Additional
ARTS, SPORTS AND LANGUAGES ELECTIVE COURSES
1 credits - 1.9 ECTS
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE COURSES
1 credits - 1.9 ECTS
SELECTED ELECTIVE COURSE
3 credits - 5.8 ECTS
SELECTED ELECTIVE COURSE
3 credits - 5.8 ECTS
Product designers stand out for their ability to conceive and develop innovative products, making them highly sought after in the industry.
They can develop in industrial design firms, design consulting agencies, or independent design projects, developing functional and aesthetically appealing products, helping companies to improve products and user experience.
In addition, they will also be able to develop as members of a multidisciplinary design team or autonomously, doing consulting or freelance work and progress to positions such as product design manager, design director or product development manager.
Future professionals in Product Design, based on relevance, graduate follow-up, employability studies, and latest trends in the discipline, will be able to work in the following professional fields and their respective roles:
Product design industry:
Industrial designer, interior designer, or furniture designer.Design agencies:
User experience (UX) designer, interaction designer.BTL agencies:
Designer of visual merchandising and advertising stands, designer of spaces for creating brand experiences.Architectural studies:
Furniture designer and designer of storage systems and decorative elements, designer of playful spaces.Independent (freelance) and/or collaborative entrepreneurship and design:
Freelance designer and product design consultant.Packaging design:
Packaging designer, creating visual and functional solutions for consumer products.Jewelry workshops:
Development of products associated with fashion, trends, and aesthetic use.Technology companies:
User experience and interaction designer.New product planning and development:
Designer of sustainable and eco-friendly products, eco-design specialistSecondary education and high schools:
Teacher in arts and/or industrial design subjects.Higher education:
Teachers and researchers in Product Design.
The following requirements must be met in order to obtain a Bachelor of fine arts in Product Design:
| CATEGORY | CREDITS |
| Studio or Related Areas | 59 |
| Art/Design History or Theory | 12 |
| General Studies | 26 |
| Electives | 8 |
| Capstone project | 8 |
| Pre-professional practices | 7 |
| TOTAL | 120 |
The Capstone Project is a culminating requirement for graduation. These projects provide students with the experience of applying acquired knowledge and skills to the needs of society, with a focus on sustainability.
The IDEAR Fair showcases all Capstone projects, offering students a valuable opportunity to showcase their work and hone soft skills such as communication and teamwork. It is also a space for students to network with potential clients and future employers.
Explore all of the Capstone projects completed by the Bachelor's Degree in Product Design program.
DID YOU KNOW?
Our students use advanced technology tools such as 3D printing and other equipment to create prototypes, which gives them the opportunity to evaluate the design, make improvements and experiment with different materials to generate innovative and creative solutions.
