Me Design Engineering

The Design Group's philosophy combines an emphasis on creativity, technology and design methodology with a concern for human values and the needs of society. The group's varied interests are reflected in the following areas of teaching and research:

• bio-inspired design
• biofluid dynamics
• computer-aided design
• controls
• creativity
• design analysis
• design for manufacturability & quality
• design theory & methodology
• dynamics & simulation
• engineering creativity
• engineering education
• experimental mechanics & stress analysis
• fatigue and fracture mechanics
• finite element analysis
• haptics
• high-speed devices
• human-computer interaction
• idea visualization
• human-machine interfaces
• interaction design
• kinematics
• life-cycle engineering
• machine design
• manufacturing technology
• medical devices
• microcomputer-based systems
• optimization
• organizational innovation
• product design
• rapid prototyping
• rehabilitation
• robotics
• robust design optimization
• scientific instrument design

Diversity, one of the Design Group's strengths, is required to maintain a leadership position in the rapidly changing world of design and manufacturing.

ME Degrees affiliated with the Design Group

The ME Design Group offers two specific programs of study:

The Mechanical Engineering Master's Degree Program requires only the choice of a Mechanical Engineering depth area and the satisfaction of the broad requirements of the Mechanical Engineering Department. Students can select from Design Group depth areas including design methodology, smart product design, robotics, structural strength and control systems.

The Design Program (formerly known as the Product Design Program) dates from 1958, when it was started by Professor Robert McKim. The program is offered jointly with the Department of Art and Art History and has graduated over 250 graduate students and many more undergraduates. The Design Program concerns itself with conceiving and designing products for the benefit of society. This process requires resolution of constraints arising from technical, aesthetic, human and business concerns. Product designers use their creativity, imagination and technical knowledge to satisfy these requirements and create products to satisfy human needs. This program offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science. Applicants to this program are required to provide a strong art and design portfolio in addition to their technical qualifications.