Product Design
Where others see a problem, you see the opportunity for a novel solution. Our Bachelor of Product Design degree will transform your ideas into functional solutions.
Product designers combine science, design and technology to develop new or improve existing products that focus on innovative and responsive solutions for sustainable human development.
Whether you’re predicting how global warming will shape the sports industry or changing the life of a young person with a disability by creating meaningful solutions that improve lives, you’ll push your creativity and ingenuity further than you thought possible. And since our students often work alongside industry professionals, you’ll graduate with the connections needed to launch your product design career.
Why Study Product Design @ KPU?
We focus our students’ learning on the whole design process, taking concepts and ideas to completion by analyzing and implementing product designs from manufacturing to distribution
Whether identifying underserved, existing opportunities in the local or global market or innovating new products, services or systems to fill people's needs, our product designers are the leaders of tomorrow.
Our graduates are not only job-ready but are also critical thinkers who can problem-solve and create evidence-based solutions — necessary skills for the designers of the future.
The purpose-built building for the KPU Wilson School of Design allows for collaboration and community-building with designers in all of our disciplines.
Our small class sizes ensure that our faculty can mentor each and every student and help them realize their own unique potential.
We actively nurture our connections with community groups, from industry and government to alumni to form a reservoir of support, connections and advice.
The Product Design program has been carefully developed by our Program Advisory Committee, made up of industry experts. This guidance allows us to respond quickly to changes in the marketplace and continually adapt our curriculum to reflect current industry needs and standards, ensuring you're getting the most up-to-date education possible and are positioned for success. We're proud of our strong industry ties and since you'll often work alongside industry professionals, you’ll graduate with the connections needed to launch your product design career.
Who Studies Product Design?
Are you a lifelong tinkerer. Maybe you’re fresh out of high school? Enjoy drawing, painting, photography, sculpting, or crafting? Whatever your background, it's likely you're a risk-taker, problem-solver and tireless collaborator who's willing to push boundaries.
Students of the product design program often have an active interest in recreation, sports, dance, special occupations or an ambition to improve the design of items related to these pursuits. Or want to improve the quality of life for groups under-represented by product design
No matter your reasons for applying, to be successful, you should have solid English language communication, word processing, and math skills. You should also have an awareness of product design with ideas about how to improve current products and processes in Canada and globally. Want to know what Product Design students are working on? Check out some of our students' projects. Also visit our alumni page to see even more projects.
Alisa Yao
Alisa Yao is a product design alumna. And at heart, she’s an inventor. Learn more about Alisa's story or check out some of the incredible work our students have done.
Admission Requirements
Once you have completed your application, you will receive instructions on how to submit your Portfolio and other required documents through an online submission platform.
Your portfolio is your chance to show us your creative skills and interests. Our Admission Requirements section will help you submit the strongest portfolio possible.
Please visit our How to Apply page for more information about applying to KPU.
This is Wilson
Applied Arts 2025 Student Awards
We are excited to showcase the winning work of 5 of our design students from the Applied Arts Magazine. Their work stood out from winning entries from across the globe, earning well-deserved recognition for their… Read More
Product Design student creates comfortable heels for senior women at social gatherings
Product Design student Angie Wu asks the following question in her research: How might we design a dress shoe that combines traditional and modern design elements to improve comfort and stability for senior… Read More
Product Design student develops durable adhesive patches to extend the lifespan of skateboarding footwear
Product Design student Daniel Maré explored extending the Lifecycle of Skateboarding Shoes: A Modular and Sustainable Approach in his research. The project addressed the premature breakdown of skateboarding… Read More
Career Information
Graduates of our program are qualified to work in a wide range of exciting career paths, including:
- Product designer
- Industrial designer
- Product developer
- Product buyer
- Product production supervisor
- Environmental designer
- Packaging designer
You can also make your mark as an entrepreneur, retailer, manufacturer, or independent consultant.
Upon graduation, you'll have an extensive portfolio of innovative work, including a major research and development project showcasing your skills, knowledge and talent.
British Columbia is the fourth-largest design market in North America and is home to hundreds of design companies. Many of our graduates also pursue national and international opportunities.
Learn more about your career options in the field of product design through the accomplishments of our alumni.