Industrial design 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. An industrial designer's responsibilities include fitting the artifact, system, or service to the person. This includes developing appropriate aesthetics and ergonomics, a practical concern for technical processes, and requirements for manufacture; marketing opportunities and economic constraints; and distribution, sales, and servicing processes.

The industrial designer's work touches all of our lives in the form of home furnishings, transportation, appliances, recreational equipment, and a myriad of other consumer and industrial products and services. While giving form to the efforts of industry, the designer is at the same time a consumer advocate, providing the humanizing link between technology and the consumer.

The Georgia Tech program offers a well-rounded course of study with early emphasis on basic design and design skills. Design projects stress realistic design situations. The program encourages students to develop a diverse background in order to expand individual talents and respond to changing opportunities in the field. Most faculty members are practicing designers with extensive experience in the field.

All work executed in the College becomes the property of the College and will be retained or returned at the discretion of the faculty. The faculty also reserves the right to refuse credit for any project executed outside the precincts of the College or otherwise executed without proper coordination with the instructor.

Telephone: 404.894.4874
Web site: www.coa.gatech.edu/id/