BA. INDUSTRIALPRODUCT DESIGN
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LET’S DESIGN “THINGS” BETTER
Do you have a curious, creative mind and a passion for problem-solving? Then the Bachelor’s programme in Industrial Product Design (IPO) is definitely something for you! You will learn to design innovative, user-friendly, and sustainable products that are both beautiful and functional, fully tailored to the user.
Every project starts with research into the target group and context. After that you start sketching and generating ideas, you learn to make the right concept choices, use 3D software and prototyping, and learn to adapt designs flexibly for production. You also learn to create convincing visuals and presentations to communicate your ideas professionally. You will gain insight into how you can use AI to design smarter and more efficiently.
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​In this practice-oriented programme, available in Dutch and English, we combine the newest technologies with your creativity. In our Industrial Design Center, you’ll get hands-on experience with wood, metal, and textile processing, 3D printing, laser or waterjet cutting, CNC milling, vacuum forming, and even ceramics. You’ll go from idea to tangible product through prototyping and testing with the target audience.
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Each year, you work on real-life projects from the professional field, guided by experts. In your final year, you complete an internship at a company and work in a team on a concrete design solution, providing you with practical experience and valuable contacts. After three years, you will have mastered the entire design process and be ready to start working at companies, design agencies, or as a freelancer. You might even bring your own product to the market or win a design award!
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​Program:
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You enter a renewed, up-to-date programme that responds to new trends in industry and society. To understand the programme, you start from the listed jobs and design roles, linked to five design areas, each with its own color.
In year 1, you build a strong foundation. You develop your creativity and practice your prototyping and drawing skills. You learn to recognize different materials, technologies, and production techniques. You also explore how form relates to both the user and the context of the product.
From year 2 onward, you work more in teams. Using a strong design methodology and an expanding set of design tools,
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you tackle larger and more complex projects. You develop ideas ergonomically, sustainably, and technically into well-founded, circular, future-oriented, and manufacturable solutions. Within the passion project, you explore a unique interest or area of expertise, alongside your internship search.
In year 3, the focus shifts to practice, entrepreneurship, strategic and future-oriented thinking, industrialization, and product market launch. You work interdisciplinarily and increasingly independently with experts from other fields. You sharpen your unique profile in an elective course, focusing either on technical engineering in the course “R&D” or on the formal details of “Product Design”.
Why study Industrial Product Design
in Belgium?
Belgium offers a unique Bachelor’s programme that combines creativity, technology and hands-on product development. Students work with real companies, build prototypes and turn ideas into functional, sustainable and well-designed products. Personal coaching and a strong maker culture help each student grow.
Belgian companies are internationally oriented, and buddy programmes, community activities and optional Dutch courses support international students. Close collaboration with industry and research keeps the curriculum relevant.In short: teamwork, prototyping, real industry projects and a future-focused education for a global design career.
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