Comprehensive Design B.S.

A hands-on, multifaceted approach to the design process

A human-centered, interdisciplinary approach to shaping the future

Comprehensive Design is an innovative, interdisciplinary degree for students who want to design meaningful experiences, products, and environments that improve people’s lives.

Rooted in human-centered design, this program teaches students to approach complex challenges with empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking. Students learn to understand real users, define meaningful problems, and develop thoughtful solutions across disciplines—including architecture, product design, user experience, and design strategy.

Rather than training specialists in a single medium, Comprehensive Design prepares adaptable, forward-thinking designers who can collaborate across fields and respond to evolving professional landscapes.

Graduates pursue careers in architecture, industrial and product design, design strategy, UX design and entrepreneurial ventures, or continue into professional graduate programs such as architecture, User Experience or industrial design and other advanced degrees in design and innovation.

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Is it for you?

The Comprehensive Design B.S. attracts students who are creative, curious, and motivated to make a difference.

Students in this major often have:

Artistic ability and interest in architecture, product design, drawing, graphic design, furniture, or other creative disciplines
A desire to solve real-world problems and design with purpose
An interest in how people experience spaces, objects, and systems
A passion for sustainability, social awareness, and community impact
The ability to collaborate, think critically, and work across disciplines

If you’re excited by the idea of designing experiences that shape how people live, work, and interact—and want flexibility in your career path—Comprehensive Design may be a strong fit.

B.S. in Comprehensive Design curriculum

The Comprehensive Design curriculum blends studio practice, liberal arts foundations, and applied design research. Students learn to frame problems, engage stakeholders, prototype ideas, and communicate solutions clearly and persuasively.

Throughout the program, students work on real-world design challenges that connect classroom learning to community and professional contexts.

See the College Undergraduate Bulletin for a full list of requirements for your major. Choose your requirement term or Bulletin year in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

View a full list of courses and descriptions in the College Bulletin

See Comprehensive Design degree-specific laptop requirement information.

Enhance your major

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Concentrations

Students shape their degree by selecting a concentration aligned with their interests and career goals.

Environmental Design Concentration
Environmental Design focuses on how places and spaces are experienced and used. Students explore spatial relationships, placemaking, and the aesthetic and social dimensions of the built environment.

This concentration is ideal for students interested in:
• Architecture
• Urbanism
• Community design
• Spatial experience

It provides strong preparation for professional architecture programs, as well as careers related to the design of meaningful spaces and environments.

Object/Product Design Concentration
Object/Product Design centers on the experience of physical objects—from consumer products to furniture and small-scale systems. Students examine how products function, how users interact with them, and how thoughtful design can improve everyday life.

This concentration is well suited for students interested in:
• Industrial design
• Product development
• Furniture design
• Physical product innovation

Graduates are prepared for careers designing objects that are functional, beautiful, and responsive to user needs.

Design Thinking Concentration
The Design Thinking concentration equips students to tackle complex, interdisciplinary challenges through empathy, strategy, and innovation.

Students engage in social impact projects, entrepreneurial initiatives, and collaborative problem-solving across industries. They learn to define opportunities, generate ideas, test solutions, and design experiences that respond directly to user insights.

This concentration is ideal for students interested in:
• User Experience (UX) design
• Design strategy
• Entrepreneurship and startups
• Innovation-driven careers

It prepares graduates to lead creative problem-solving eLorts in rapidly evolving professional environments.

Sketch + render + build

They investigate both analog and digital methods of drawing, 2D composition, and 3D construction. Students sketch, model, prototype, and test ideas—learning that design is an iterative process grounded in research and refinement.

Rather than focusing solely on technique, students develop the ability to connect ideas to real human needs, transforming insights into tangible outcomes.

A person reaches for a white 3D printed object.

Capstone Experience

Students begin by identifying a meaningful problem they want to explore. Through research and user interviews, they refine their focus using a “How Might We” statement. They then prototype, test, and iterate solutions in collaboration with stakeholders.

The Capstone experience emphasizes independent thinking, human-centered research, and applied problem-solving—preparing students for professional practice or graduate study.

Work Productively in Teams of Designers and Creative Thinkers

Collaboration is central to the Comprehensive Design experience. Students learn to respect, understand, and critically evaluate work across disciplines. They develop the communication and leadership skills necessary to work productively in diverse teams—an essential ability in fields like UX, architecture, product design, and innovation strategy.

Comprehensive design internships

Many students pursue internships that align with their chosen concentration and career goals.

Internships may include opportunities in:
• Architecture and spatial design firms
• Product and industrial design studios
• UX and digital experience teams
• Innovation and strategy organizations

IU provides networking opportunities and career services through the College of Arts and Sciences Walter Center for Career Achievement. Comprehensive Design faculty also support students in portfolio development, resume preparation, and professional networking.

Through coursework, community engagement, internships, and Capstone research, students graduate prepared to shape the future—whether through architecture, product design, user experience, or innovative new ventures.

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