Design the things we use
Industrial design—also known as product design—is the practice of designing innovative physical objects, artefacts, and manufactured products. It’s about designing a product’s look, feel, and behaviour, by sketching, modelling, prototyping and testing.
By studying Industrial Design, you’ll work with digital manufacturing technologies like digital fabrication and scanning, 3D printing, electronics, and robotics, and computational tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI). Explore sustainable production and systems making—for example, by working with sustainable materials or upcycling plastics. You’ll have access to some of the best design and prototyping facilities in Aotearoa New Zealand throughout your study.
Industrial Design prepares you for work in industries like healthcare and medical technology, furniture and homeware, sport, recreation, industrial products, and entertainment.
What you’ll learn
Industrial Design teaches you the product design process from concept to production.
You’ll learn about:
- developing design concepts
- future product scenarios
- manufacturing materials and processes
- the ergonomic and human factors of design—how to design products that are comfortable and
easy to use - computer-aided design (CAD)
- physical computing and electronics
- product brand and identity.
Through hands-on learning, you’ll be able to:
- develop ideas for new products
- interpret and visualise ideas in 2D, 3D, and 4D
- build and test prototypes
- render, model, and present designs convincingly
- use digital design tools and fabrication equipment
- develop user scenarios and test the usability or comfort of your creations.
You'll explore the possibilities of Industrial Design, consider new processes and materials, and learn how to apply emerging technologies.
How you’ll learn
Your learning will mostly take place in the studio. You’ll also take part in lectures, workshops, and group work.
You’ll work closely with lecturers and tutors through one-on-one mentorship and critique sessions.
Industrial Design Showreel
Choose your study path
You can major in Industrial Design as part of the Bachelor of Design Innovation (BDI).
You could also choose to study it as a minor, or combine it with another subject with a double major or a conjoint degree.
Choose your major
In your first year of the BDI, you’ll study broadly across design courses to learn the fundamentals. You’ll then request your major for your second year.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Industrial Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Resources and expertise
Throughout your study, you’ll have access to workshops and dedicated design resources like:
- woodworking, metalworking, and hand tools
- a specialist photography studio and equipment
- a purpose-built fashion studio with digital and traditional pattern-making resources
- 3D printing digital-fabrication suites, with Stratasys voxel printers and a large-scale BigRep 3D printer
- facilities for recycling plastics into 3D printing filament
- facilities for working with bio-based materials
- a robotic arm
- film-editing suites.
Whatever your level of experience, our specialist technicians help you to get the most out of these resources.
Future careers
Design Innovation graduates have the practical design skills, creativity, knowledge, and research skills needed to excel in design roles.
You could work in sectors such as:
- furniture and homeware
- consumer electronics
- industrial equipment
- medical and assistive devices
- film and entertainment
- exhibitions and installations.
More career information
Find out more about careers in design.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design
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This scholarship will support a student studying an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Design Innovation, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Design Technology, Electric & Computer System Engineering, Software Engineering or Cybersecurity Engineering. The scholarship may also be awarded in conjunction with a Trimble Internship.
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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Studio Pacific Architecture wish to support a student undertaking their first year of study at Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.