Presentation

Educational aims

Objectives: The degree programme aims to train design professionals capable of working both in the field of industrial product design and in communication for businesses, public institutions, and cultural and environmental organisations. At the core of the course is the acquisition of design methodologies and practices across the various areas of design, supported by theoretical and historical studies on design culture, technological evolution, and changing lifestyles, with particular attention to environmental sustainability. The programme encourages the development of a design mindset that is responsive to innovation while remaining critically aware of the designer’s role in promoting sustainable development and enhancing the cultural and productive resources of the territory. Given the broad and diverse applicability of these skills, the programme allows for possible specialisations through dedicated curricula and elective activities that enable students to tailor their studies to specific professional fields. The educational path is structured around thematic design studios, offering students a comprehensive and integrated learning experience through: - theoretical and historical knowledge of industrial product design and its methodologies; - understanding of social and human sciences applied to the quality of artefacts, from communicative, social, behavioural, and environmental perspectives; - technical and scientific knowledge of material innovation, their properties and applications, production processes, and product engineering; - expertise in communication strategies; knowledge of cultural and historical transformations, especially within production contexts, in order to identify potential models for innovation and development; - the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in Italian and English. The programme prepares graduates to work as skilled professionals capable of contributing to: - research and development processes for products and services in companies and public institutions; - product marketing, including packaging and communication strategies; - visual communication management for cultural and environmental heritage and public organisations; - design of visual artefacts for editorial, advertising, and multimedia production; - collaboration with companies involved in web and digital design. Teaching activities are organised in semesters or annual modules, consisting of single-subject or integrated courses and project-based laboratories. These enable students to develop teamwork skills and address the complex challenges of design through creative problem-solving. The curriculum may include 1) Lectures; 2) Practical exercises, workshops, and seminars; 3) Thematic laboratories involving fieldwork and visits to production sites; 4) Internships in selected professional environments. Some teaching activities may be carried out in cooperation with public institutions, research centres, and R&D offices of public or private enterprises. Agreements may also allow professionals from these organisations to contribute to the programme through intensive courses, workshops, or seminars.

work perspectives

Career Opportunities Bachelor’s Degree in Design (Class L-4) Functions: The Design graduate combines technical and instrumental skills with creative and conceptual abilities, possessing competences in: - the design of industrial objects and products; - the design of visual communication elements (two-dimensional, multimedia, and interactive); - the development of projects and strategies for the promotion and enhancement of cultural heritage and products (exhibition and event design, cultural service design); - the development of strategies for sustainability in production and consumption. Skills: - basic theoretical, methodological, and technical-instrumental competences for the design of artefacts and industrial products; - theoretical, methodological, and technical skills for developing integrated and technologically advanced communication projects; - basic theoretical and methodological competences for the creation of products and services that transfer technological innovation into new models of cultural production and use; - basic theoretical, methodological, and technical-instrumental competences for analysing production processes, applying technologies and materials, and assessing environmental impacts. Career paths: The proposed profile meets the needs of a rapidly expanding market that requires professionals trained in industrial product development (product design and packaging), as well as in the development of products and services related to communication and new communication technologies (graphic design, web design, multimedia product design). Career opportunities for graduates in Industrial Design can be found in the private sector—within large companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, professional design and communication studios, and service agencies operating in the field of new technologies. In the public sector, graduates may find employment in regional and municipal administrations, as well as in other public institutions involved in the promotion and communication of territorial resources (tourism agencies, natural parks, trade fair organisations). Graduates in Industrial Design may also continue their studies in a Master’s Degree programme.

Characteristics of the final exam

To obtain the degree, students must earn a total of 180 ECTS credits, including those allocated to the final examination. The final examination aims to assess the student’s level of maturity and critical thinking in relation to the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme, completing the learning activities established by the academic regulations. The final examination consists of a written or oral test, according to the procedures defined by the Degree Programme’s regulations on the final examination, in compliance with the established schedule, ministerial requirements, and the University’s related guidelines. The final examination may take the form of a design project or address a theoretical topic.