The Industrial Design summer program is an immersive, hands-on course designed for high school students interested in exploring design through the lenses of art, science, and engineering. This program goes beyond creating objects and spaces, emphasizing design as a way of thinking, questioning, and interpreting the world. Students develop a philosophical foundation for design while learning to approach projects conceptually, considering both their intended outcomes and broader implications.

The curriculum covers key aspects of contemporary design, including ideation, prototyping, and product development. Through sketching, modeling, and physical prototyping, students learn to transform their ideas into functional designs. Guided by their instructor, participants work both individually and collaboratively, analyzing form, usability, and purpose. They also engage in group discussions about current design trends and study real-world examples from the marketplace to inspire their work. As the course progresses, students create working prototypes that reflect their growing skills and design vision.

The program emphasizes experimentation and iterative problem-solving, offering students a glimpse into professional design studio practices. By the end of the course, participants will have expanded their design portfolios, honed their technical and conceptual skills, and gained a deeper understanding of the design process. Successful completion earns students a Certificate of Completion and access to a Syracuse University noncredit transcript, further supporting their academic and creative aspirations.