Industrial Design (INDD) is the professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer. As a distinct discipline that works in collaboration with both marketing and engineering, industrial design focuses efforts on developing how products, environments, and interfaces look, feel, and function from a user perspective. Examples of industrial design projects include:  transportation design, furniture, consumer products, exhibits, packaging, point of purchase display and electronic user interface. Students are exposed to a wide range of instruction in user research, design methodology, concept development, prototyping, and computer simulation/modeling. Students also may gain unique insight into design through annual international studio programs in both Ireland and Taiwan.

Graphic Design (GDES) is a professional discipline which focuses on visual communication and presentation. Various methods are used to create and combine symbols, typography, images and/or words to create a visual representation of ideas and messages. Graphic designers use: typography, visual arts, page layout, color, composition and language to produce a final visual product. Graphic design refers to both the process (designing) by which the communication is created and the products (designs) which are generated.  Graphic design is used in magazines, advertisements and product packaging. For example, a work of graphic design may include a logo, artwork, organized text and design elements, such as shapes and color, which unify the final outcome. Composition is one of the most important features of graphic design especially when using pre-existing materials or diverse elements.

 

The Department Industrial and Graphic Design at Auburn University prepares students through exposure to a broad range of collaborative projects which offer an invaluable opportunity to work with clients external to the academic unit to generate innovative design solutions. Collaborations have taken place with the Alabama Extension Service, 3M, IBM, Frigidaire, NASA, Brother International, Broan-Nutone, Emerson Tool Company and many others.