Candidates of the Masters of Science in Industrial Design degree are required to demonstrate their understanding
of department content through the satisfactory research, development, production, and communication of a final thesis project showing mastery in the field of study in regard to both tactical and strategic design abilities.
The thesis project is evaluated by the department chair or a designated chair & faculty/advisor review team. Successful completion of both the M5 and M6 thesis classes
is fundamental to successful completion of the thesis.
Each candidate's pursuit of the project over two semesters produces an exposition of the candidate's ability to identify a topical area of focus and then take the lead in applying innovation methodologies that demonstrate the candidate's relative level of achievement per the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) :
2 types of thesis projects
type 1
A RESEARCH PROGRAM AIMED AT DEFINING A PROBLEM AND SOLUTION OR CREATING NEW VALUE FOR AN OPPORTUNITY
Hypothesis: Long term users of forearm crutches do not have any attractive crutch solutions for an item that is always a part of their appearance. Research supports that they would highly value products that address their desire for better designs.
TYPICAL PHASES
1. identify problem set, needs or opportunities
2. propose conceptual solution
3. develop detailed design for proof of concept and validation
4. develop thorough business model based proposal worthy of investment for further
development
type 2
A RESEARCH PROGRAM AIMED AT THE CREATION OF NEW KNOWLEDGE
ex. Hypothesis:
Better designs can be routinely achieved by systematically considering natural design principles in the new product development process. A systematic process and published documentation of best practices would help designers apply aspects of natural design to their advantage and would be highly valued by designers.
1. define research topic
2. assert position ( propose potential value for the pursuit of new knowledge )
3. develop and validate that position with research and experiments that result in the production of valuable new knowledge.
4. test and validate the production
5. identify valuable insights and PsOV based on the results.
