english

The Master in Product Design is a programme offering a professional qualification in the design of objects and furniture that is relevant both to industrial manufacturing and to the production of more exclusive pieces. It is a part-time course, eligible for 90 ECTS credits and spread over four 16-week semesters.

As part of the Master in Design of the HES-SO (University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland), of which it is one of the specializations, the Master in Product Design is conceived and organised by the ECAL/Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne, an internationally renowned university of art and design which ranks regularly among the top ten best performing institutions in the world. Among its many partnerships, the ECAL cooperates closely with the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) through the joint EPFL+ ECAL Research Lab, as well as with international companies in the vanguard of product design.

Content

Structured into a dozen or more modules, the programme operates in a stimulating environment catering for a diversity of aptitudes and skills and involving multiple teaching formats (lessons, seminars, presentations, placements, supervised workshops) integrating the historical approach, theory, learning and practice.

The first three semesters are devoted in particular to independent exploration and practical project work. The aim is to choose a study subject, to come to grips with its technical aspects and to gain experience with a view to revealing ambitious problem-solving scenarios. This work is based on an in-depth study of theory and background, and on research.

The last semester is devoted to putting into shape the final Master’s project. This is the fruit of mature reflection and is based on research carried out during previous semesters. It also leads to the production of a portfolio of work.

To guarantee its innovative character and to broaden students’ theoretical and practical knowledge, the Master in Product Design places emphasis on applied research and development projects integrated into a wider programme, offering skills recognized over the last ten years and results that have been acclaimed in numerous publications and have led to the design of prototypes in collaboration with renowned companies.

Target audience

This Master is targeted at Swiss or foreign candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in the field of 3D-design in general, who wish to perfect their skills and develop their experience with more in-depth studies in the field of product design. This also implies proven skills in the fields of techniques, materials, familiarity with computer design tools (2D and 3D), and practical experience in the chosen project field.

Head of the master

Martin Schgaguler

Expected professors and lecturers (provisional list)

Edward Barber / Jörg Boner / Ronan Bouroullec / Pierre Charpin / Stefan Diez / Florence Doleac / Alexis Georgacopoulos / Chris Kabel / Cristina Morozzi / Jonathan Olivares / Jay Osgerby / Adrien Rovero

Collaborations

Art Direction and Product Design are an integral part of the Master of Arts HES-SO in Design, which also offers two other courses at the HEAD – Geneva University of Art and Design

• Spaces and Communication
  
• Media Design.

Practical Information

Course fees: CHF 500.- per semester. 

Duration: from October 2010 to June 2012 (90 ECTS credits)

Qualification awarded: Master of Arts HES-SO in Design, with specialization in Product Design. This qualification is internationally recognized.

Admission procedures 

The online registration is open until 7 May 2010.

Simultaneously to their registration, the candidates have to send to the ECAL until 12 May 2010 an application form containing:

• a statement discussing the work, educational experience and intellectual interests
• a copy of passport or identity card 
• a photo (passport size) 
• a brief description of the Master project 
• a detailled curriculum vitæ 
• a portfolio with examples of recents works (prints); CDs and DVDs are only admitted in case of motion pictures
• a copy of the qualifying (determining) degree (an authentificated translation is required for languages other than French, German, Italian and English)

After consideration of the application file, a jury will select the candidates for admission interviews. The invitation to the interviews, that will take place on 3 June 2010, will be notified by mail.

If you are admitted, your registration will only be confirmed after the payment of a non-refundable fee of SFr 150.-.    Means of payment

Studies planning

Modules description

Weekly schedules

Head

Professors

Visiting lecturers

Assistants