Product Design Major
Inspire Yourself and Others
As a Product Design major, you are naturally curious, inquisitive and see the world differently, questioning not just how things are, but how they could be. You are a dreamer and a maker of things, exploring how emerging technology enables interfaces in objects from smartphones to sophisticated medical care products.
Human-centered engagement in design research – grounded in empathy – will help you understand the needs and desires of the people who use the objects you are designing. Your designs will be functional, beautiful and “feel” right. Design-thinking experiences are embedded in the design process and provide the structure for innovation.
Our Curriculum
You’ll utilize an array of materials, tools and skills to visualize and create soft goods, consumer products, toys and cultural objects that inspire and assist people in their everyday lives. With a reputation recognized by global businesses in Milwaukee and beyond, you’ll participate in professional, hands-on opportunities with numerous company-sponsored projects leading to a successful career in Product Design.
Product Design by the numbers. For more than 25 years, MIAD’s Product Design program has been collaborating with companies with international reach through our sponsored projects programs. 37 International Housewares Association awards. 1st in the nation in awards from Society of Plastics Engineers, Association of Rotational Molders and winSell Design Competition. In 2021, the median annual wage for a Product Designer was $77,030.
Top Employers
Our interns and alumni work at Rivian, GE Healthcare, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Generac, PIVOT Cycles, Fiskars, Trek, Milwaukee Tool, High Sierra, Delta Faucet, Dyson, Hyundai and more.
Recent News
Students highlight Senior Exhibition 2025 projects
Product Design students visualize unique toys
Product Design students design custom tap handles
McKenna Martin: Senior Exhibition 2025
Student Work
Emma Travitz, Product Design Senior Exhibition, 2024
Benji Cole, Product Design Senior Exhibition, 2024
Carl Sabroff, Product Design Senior Exhibition, 2024
Griffin Otte, Product Design Senior Exhibition, 2024
Gillian Race, Product Design Senior Exhibition, 2023
Chloe Schreurs, Product Design Senior Exhibition, 2024
Zachary Scharrer, Product Design Senior Exhibition, 2023
Lance Knight, Product Design Senior Exhibition, 2024
Hailey Anderson, Product Design Senior Exhibition, 2023
Ewelina Laczak, Product Design, 2022
Bryce Lee, Product Design, 2022
Miyu Takisawa, Industrial Design, 2019
Megan Piunti, Industrial Design, 2020
Eve Berndt, Industrial Design, 2020
Tre Krueger, Industrial Design, 2019
MacKenna Rose Mau, Industrial Design, 2019
JD Byrne, Product Design, 2021
Jesse Goudreau, Product Design, 2020
Bryce Lee, Product Design, 2021
Thaddeus Zurawski, Industrial Design, 2019
Allison Klosinski, Industrial Design, 2019
What Can I do with my Major?
PRODUCT DESIGN
3D Modeler
D
Display Designer
E
Environmental Designer
Exhibit Designer
F
Fashion/Apparel Designer
Furniture Designer
I
Industrial Designer
M
Model Maker
P
Packaging Designer
Product Designer
S
Shoe Designer
T
Technical Illustrator
Toy Designer
U
UI/UX Designer