Design Engineering
In the field of Design Engineering at TU Dublin, Product Design and Biomedical Design are two distinct areas of specialisation.
Designers play a vital role in the development cycle of both industrial and domestic design. They integrate the creative process with the ability to Design for Manufacture. Their goal is to meet and continuously adjust design concepts to take account of engineering and manufacturing requirements. Their creative ability supports their companies continued success while their technological ability helps to produce designs, which can be brought to the marketplace as viable products. They incorporate considerations such as economics, engineering, culture, aesthetics, ergonomics and the environment into their designs.
Product Design is a process that is used by companies in bringing a product from concept or idea, to the point of release on the marketplace, incorporating a product’s entire journey, including:
- Identifying a market need
- Completing the conceptual design of the product
- Building the product roadmap
- Developing a viable product that is viable and will generate a Return on Investment (ROI)
- Iterating based on user feedback and on the emergence of new and enabling technologies which enhance a product
Through a unique multidisciplinary, hands-on approach, students develop their knowledge and skill sets through modules in the areas of creative design, engineering and business. Product designers blend user needs with business goals to help brands make consistently successful products. Product designers work to optimize the user experience in the solutions they make for their users, and help their brands by making products sustainable for longer-term business needs. Product designers need to have a keen sense of aesthetics, functionality, and usability, as well as an understanding of manufacturing processes and materials. They may work on a variety of projects such as electronic consumer goods to fixtures and fittings to household appliances, designing smartphones, creating ergonomic office chairs, or developing sustainable packaging solutions.
Biomedical Design involves designing and developing medical devices, equipment, and technologies which are used in healthcare settings. Biomedical designers must have an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, as well as medical regulations and standards. They must also consider factors such as ergonomics, usability, and safety in their designs. This field requires an understanding of both engineering principles and medical knowledge, as well as an awareness of regulatory and ethical considerations. Biomedical design engineers may work on projects such as prosthetics, medical imaging equipment, diagnostic tools, and drug delivery systems.
Both Biomedical Design and Product Design require a strong foundation in design thinking, engineering principles, and prototyping. Both of these TU Dublin design programmes provide students with a comprehensive education in these areas, as well as opportunities to gain hands-on experience through project work and industry partnerships.