Industrial Design

If you're interested in prototyping products, designing services, crafting furniture, or examining material practices, the Industrial Design program was made for you.

As an Industrial Design student, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the areas of design that inspire you the most — and define your own practice along the way. In hands-on and theoretical studies, you will explore cultural, historical, technical, and ecological issues related to the evolving field of industrial design.

In the first years of your program, you'll take a mix of studio and critical studies courses. As you progress through your degree, you'll move toward more advanced and flexible electives that allow you to personalize your design education. The Industrial Design Major encourages you to work collaboratively with your peers, and provides opportunities to work with organizations and partners beyond Emily Carr. Along the way, you'll develop an understanding of how your practice contributes to a culture of design in everyday life.

Throughout your studies, you'll have the chance to specialize in areas that excite you. These include household or recreational products, textiles, electronics, medical and health design, hardware, textile products, ceramics, exhibition design, furniture, or material production.

Your courses will be led by skilled practitioners who are experts in their design and research fields. You'll learn to address issues of sustainability and equity in local and international contexts.

You'll also have the opportunity to complete a Minor in Curatorial Studies, Art + Text, or Social Practice + Community Engagement (SPACE). Bachelor of Design students have the added option of choosing a Minor in Ecological Design Practice.

You’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your studies by taking courses from complementary areas, including Interaction Design, Sculpture and Ceramics.

You'll graduate with an impressive body of original work and a blend of practice-based and theoretical skills that will prepare you to enter the industrial design field as a creative, strategic, and critical designer.

Studio culture is at the heart of your educational experience at Emily Carr, as spaces where you can create, learn, collaborate, experiment, and play.

Industrial students have access to our spacious and well-equipped shops and studios, including our Wearables + Interactive Products Lab, Flexible Materials Lab, Metal Shop, Soft Shop, and Design Wood Shop.

Each space is maintained by expert technical staff who collaborate with faculty and staff to provide students with instruction and guidance. Technical staff ensure safe and accessible working environments and lead instructional workshops to enhance your learning.