The Industrial Design curriculum in Auburn University's College of Architecture, Design and Construction is based on the premise that experience is the best teacher. Brother outlines the product categories, Lau added, but the students are free to conduct their research and development work as they chose.
Brother selects one from the submissions for the student to work on.
Students then spend the entire quarter developing the product. Lau said it becomes a contest between the students, who actually are vying for their design to be selected for one of the company's large trade shows. Students have to pack a lot into the quarter to complete their work, Lau noted. For their final, the students make a formal presentation of their product concept to a panel of company design and marketing executives. Auburn students participate in through the College of Architecture, Design and Construction.