DESIGN , PRODUCTION & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

 

Design (Mechanical/Product Design / Industrial Design)

Key Trends & Research Areas

• Generative and Parametric Design: Use AI / algorithms to generate many design options given constraints, optimizing for weight, cost, performance. 

• User‑Centered Design, Ergonomics, HMI: Design thinking, human factors, better interfaces. In automotive (dashboard, driver experience), robotics (interaction), product design.

• Sustainable / Eco‑design: Designing for recycling, minimal waste, lifecycle analysis, sustainable materials. 

• Visualization & AR/VR: Using virtual reality / augmented reality for design reviews, virtual prototyping, client feedback. 

• Multi‑Functional Materials and Components: Exploiting materials that do more than one thing (structural + energy storage, etc.) like structural battery composites. 

• Integration with Manufacturing Constraints: Design with manufacturability in mind, AM constraints, materials, supply and cost constraints baked in early. 

Skills to Build

• Sketching / visualization, CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA, etc.)

• Generative design / algorithmic design tools (Parametric modelling)

• Prototyping skills (making physical mockups)

• Ergonomics / human factors / usability

• Lifecycle analysis / sustainability metrics

Project Ideas

• Create a product design from user need → concept → CAD → prototype + user feedback

• Use generative design to optimize a structure (e.g. bracket or framework) for weight + strength

• Design a sustainable product (minimizing material use, making parts recyclable)

• Use AR/VR to do a virtual walkthrough of product designs or interiors