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Bachelor of Industrial Design

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Program Code: 22031
Credential: Honours Degree
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 8 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Industrial designers design products for consumers. Examples include sports footwear, headphones, wearables and transportation.

Graduates of the program are in high demand for the practical skills gained through the program’s hands-on learning environment. These skills include sketching, digital graphic rendering, model-making and computer-aided design (CAD). 

The program is project driven, and many of the design projects will involve industry collaboration to ensure real-world relevance.

Students elect a design specialization in Year 3 in one of:

  • transportation design
  • product design 
  • interaction design

Transportation designers design the appearance (styling) of motor vehicles including automobiles, motorcycles and off-road vehicles. Humber is the only industrial design program in Canada that offers a transportations design specialization. 

In product design, the emphasis is on the method of finding a solution to a user’s problem so that doing a task is easier or the user experience is more satisfying.

Interaction design is a new offering in the program which recognizes that more and more physical products are integrating a digital component, including touch screens or voice activation. 

Courses


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Work-Integrated Learning  

This program includes a of 420 hours in the summer between Years 3 and 4.

Students sitting and standing surrounded by red graphic line

Thesis Show 2023

Visit the Virtual Thesis Show to see the work by graduating students.

Bradley Staite

BRP International Design Competition

Watch the video to see Bradley Staite's road to victory at the 2019 Bombardier Recreational Products’ (BRP) International Design Competition.

Thesis Show and Awards Ceremony

Thesis Show & Awards Ceremony

We continue to bring the design community together and celebrate design excellence from our graduates, with recognitions and validations from design industry professionals at this celebratory event.

The Humber chair Show Video

Humber Chair Show

The Gladstone Hotel featured chairs from our 2nd year students on this fun night.

Two students working on computers

Industrial Design Degree Program

Watch the video to find out more about Humber's Industrial Design degree program.

Admission Portfolio Preparation video

Watch this video to learn about the admission requirements to apply to Bachelor of Industrial Design program at Humber College.

ACIDO Rocket Awards of Specialty

Inertia Engineering Sustainability Award:
Moriah Gonidis with pakk / Eco Camp Pod

International Red Dot Design Concept Award:

Aaron Bavle with Solace / Construction Workwear

ACIDO Rocket Awards of Excellence

First Place:
Henry Boy with Vagaboard / Micromobility

Second Place:
Bradley Staite with neoink / Tattoo Workstation

ACIDO Rocket Awards of Merit

Designforce Market Ready Award:
Henry Boy with Vagaboard / Micromobility

Eventscape Prototyping Award:
Stephen Bykowy with HORIZON / Enhanced Sleeper Semi-Truck

Your Career Car

automotive car design

Automotive Design Option

Students with a passion for automotive design can elect to take an Automotive Design Studio in each of the last 4 semesters of the program.

The automotive option at Humber is the only one offered in Canada, with dedicated studio projects with companies such as GMC and Kiska, a world-ranked design studio in Austria.

Take a look at some of our Automotive Work here. Automotive Image 2 Automotive Image 3 Automotive Image 5 Automotive Image 6 Automotive Image 7 Automotive Image 8 Automotive Image 9 Automotive Image 10

Take a look at an automotive studio session with international design firm Kiska here.

industrial collaboration

Industry Collaboration

Many of the design studios have industry collaboration, which ensures real-world experiences. In some cases it can bring an opportunity to have your design manufactured.

The past year, Umbra and Canadian Tire created an excellent opportunity which resulted in 3 student teams of two to have their design manufactured.

Take a look at the winners Industry Image 2 Industry Image 2 Industry Image 4 Industry Image 5 Industry Image 6 Industry Image 7 for the Umbra Competitions

students from international design trip

Design Trips

Design trips to Europe and Asia are done annually in April. These trips involve various design aspects, from visiting design studios and companies, as well as seeing cultural spots along the way. Our students come back enriched with new cultures and new ideas from their travels.

Some places visited include Germany, England, Denmark, Sweden, Italy and Japan.

Click here Design Image 2 Design Image 3 Design Image 4 Design Image 5 Design Image 6 Design Image 7 Design Image 8 Design Image 9 to view photos from our trips!

research opportunities - 2 students with teacher

Research Opportunities

Ooyavah Inc., an Ontario business specializing in 3D technology, was developing an Apple iPad case that allows glasses-free viewing of 3D content. This innovative product is the result of a collaboration between Ooyavah and Humber's Industrial Design Program.

Humber faculty member and lead product designer Odin Cappello coached the industrial design students throughout the design process.

Watch the video to learn more about this project.

Program History: A Legacy of Success

The Bachelor of Industrial Design became Humber’s FIRST four-year Honours Bachelor’s degree in 2004. Prior to the launch of the degree, Humber’s Industrial Design diploma had been making connections with industry as far back as 1972! Building upon its successes, the program has been consistently and continuously updated in order to keep pace with the changing demands of the industry. 

Beginning in Fall 2020, a third specialization of interaction design has been added to the program to complement specializations in product design and automotive design. This new area of development in industrial design is based on integration of digital with physical products. Humber is proud to be the first industrial design program in Canada to introduce this speciality.

Expert Faculty

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You’ll learn from professors who have real-world experience and are active in the industry. Our professors are committed to providing you with practical, hands-on training to help you achieve the career you want.

View Credentials

Bruce Thomson

RCA MA – Royal College of Art, England, UK
Diploma (Honours) - Ontario College of Art and Design

Catherine Chong

MDes (Multimedia Design) – Swinburne University, Australia
BA (Industrial Design) – RMIT University, Australia

Dennis Kappen

Ph.D - Computer Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology
MDes – Industrial Design Centre Bombay, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, India
BEng – CRCE, Bombay University, Bombay, India
Special Certificate in Industrial Design – Art Centre College of Design, Pasadena, CA, USA

Di Tao

MA (Industrial Design) - UIAH University of Art and Design, Helsinki, Finland
Diploma of Industrial Design - Southeast University, China
Professor

Kaylyn Belcourt

MBA – University of Fredericton
BID - Honours (Industrial Design) – Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Certificate- Project Management – Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Professor

Ken Cummings

MA (Adult Education) – Central Michigan University, Michigan, USA
BSc (Industrial Design) – Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA, USA
Professor

Odin Cappello

MA (Industrial Design) – The Pratt Institute, NY
BA (Fine Arts) – SUNY New Paltz, NY
Professor

Patrick Burke

PhD (Materials Science and Engineering) – University of Toronto
MASc. – University of Toronto
BASc. – University of Toronto
Professor and program co-ordinator

Sandro Zaccolo

M.Des. OCAD University
Advanced Diploma (Industrial Design) – Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Advanced Diploma (Architectural Design Technology) – Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Professor


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faculty image
Fredric Matovu

I have over a decade of experiene in design, engineering, and production of contract furniture. I also have an interest in the use of composites and processes like light resin transfer molding as a means of low volume and quick turnaround production (not limited to furniture products).

Over the years, I have worked on different categories of products: furniture, consumer goods, architectural products (structural and cladding), and Llghting (residential and commercial).

Your Career

Our program will give you a competitive advantage in finding employment. Humber graduates are in demand by employers not only for their design thinking, but for their skills in:

  • computer-aided design
  • digital graphics
  • model-making
  • sketching

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Block-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Block-Based North Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Block-Based North Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Recruitment Events

Open House   Book a Tour  

Can't make it to campus?

Experience Humber Virtually  

Humber Bachelor of Industrial Design - Admission Portfolio Preparation

Admission Portfolio Preparation video

Watch this video to learn about the admission requirements to apply to Bachelor of Industrial Design program at Humber College.


News Feed

Bachelor of Industrial Design Students Participate in BRP International Design Competition

Bachelor of Industrial Design Students Participate in BRP International Design Competition

Wed, May 10, 2023

The Industrial Design program was invited to return and participate in the BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) International Design Competition!

Read the Full Article
Industrial Design Third Year Students Design for Modern Living in Umbra/Humber Studio Project

Industrial Design Third Year Students Design for Modern Living in Umbra/Humber Studio Project

Fri, March 24, 2023

Driven by innovation, Toronto-based Umbra has become a global leader in product design, known for pushing boundaries in its approach to original design.

Read the Full Article
Annual By The Lake Book Club Scholarship Awarded to Emerging B.C. - Based Writer

Annual By The Lake Book Club Scholarship Awarded to Emerging B.C. - Based Writer

Mon, February 27, 2023

Layla Reeves, a Vancouver Island writer and student in Humber's Creative Writing Graduate Certificate program, is the 2022 recipient of a $1,500 scholarship.

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Ministry Consent

Humber College has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting July 22, 2020.  Humber College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Patrick Burke, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 4523
patrick.burke@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following five requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4U or equivalent) minimum 65 per cent
      • Grade 12 Mathematics (MDM4U, MCB4U, MGA4U, MCV4U or MHF4U or equivalent) minimum 60 per cent (Students who do not possess Grade 12U Mathematics or who have achieved a grade below 60 per cent may be considered for admission. Students will be required to complete a math equivalency course during their first semester at Humber. Additional course fees will apply.)
      • Four Grade 12 U or M courses in addition to those listed above
      • Overall minimum grade point average (GPA) 65 per cent

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • Portfolio

  • A portfolio is a collection of work which tells us about your creative and problem solving abilities, your drawing skills and how you present yourself as an artist and designer.  Your portfolio is reviewed by Industrial Design faculty to determine your suitability for the program.

    Applicants must submit a portfolio that includes five creative pieces. Be sure to title each submission and briefly describe it (maximum 50 words each piece).

    The requirements for these submissions are as follows:

    Submission #1 – Perspective line drawing of a chair (two-point perspective).  You are encouraged to work in black line for the chair and to use construction lines to show proper perspective methods.

    Include a small photograph of the chair you have drawn as part of the submission page.  You may use your choice of medium for this piece. 

    The sketch is to be drawn freehand (i.e. tracing is not allowed). 

    Submission #2 – Perspective line drawing of one of the following three kitchen appliances:

    a) Kettle
    b) Coffee maker
    c) Kitchen stand mixer

    This piece should be drawn from an appliance or device and not from your imagination or an abstract method. Use construction lines to show proper perspective methods.

    Include a small photograph of the appliance or device you have drawn as part of the submission page.  You may use your choice of medium for this piece.

    The sketch is to be drawn freehand (i.e. tracing is not allowed). 

    Submission #3 – Colour still life study that demonstrates your use of colour and composition. You are encouraged to group everyday objects such as fruit, pottery or shoes. We will assess your representation of realistic details: shade and shadow, depth, tonal value and texture.

    Include a small photograph of the object(s) you have drawn as part of the submission page.

    The drawing is to be drawn freehand (i.e. tracing is not allowed). 

    Submission #4Three-dimensional work that demonstrates your manual construction skills.  Examples include sculpture, furniture construction, home construction, craft work (e.g. jewelry that you have designed), and costume design (e.g. Comicon).

    Submission #5Your choice

    Submit one example of projects/pieces of your choice that further demonstrates your skills and design sense.

    Possible examples include:

    a) Something you designed and fabricated including the conceptual sketches and the finished piece;
    b) Images from a sketchbook you keep of products, figures or objects that inspire you;
    c) CAD drawings or digital graphics that show your talent as a designer (e.g. SolidWorks, Keyshot, or Illustrator, respectively);
    d)   A sketch, drawing or painting that illustrates your artistry.

    Not acceptable is photography and abstract art.

    For assistance with your drawing skills, we recommend:

    ‘Sketching: The Basics’ by Roselien Steur and Koos Eissen, Amsterdam BIS Publishers, 2016.

  • Writing Sample

  • Part #1
    Describe your knowledge of industrial design, referring to products and designers, as well as styles that you find appealing.  (200 words)

    Part #2
    Describe the skills and talents you bring to the Industrial Design program. List your extracurricular activities (e.g. hobbies, passions, volunteer work) as well as previous work experience.  How do you think these experiences will contribute to your perspective of design, as well as help you as a student of design?  (250 words)

    Submission Instructions

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

N/A

Equipment & Device Requirements

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor Intel i7 (Quad Core) Intel i7 (Quad Core)
Memory Minimum 16GB of RAM
Storage Minimum 250GB storage space (SSD) preferable
Network Wireless 802.11 b/g/n/ac Built-in Ethernet port (strongly recommended), Long battery life (strongly recommended)
Video Minimum 4GB video RAM/Minimum 24 bit colour (DGAS, DEC, ARC, SNRG, INTD, IDSN) Recommended but not required for LAND and CIVL
Display 1280x1024 video display resolution (DGAS, DEC, ARC, SNRG, INTD, IDSN) Recommended but not required for LAND and CIVL
Other Dedicated graphics card - GTX 1050, 1550, 2060 or higher needed for rendering purposes (DGAS, DEC, ARC, SNRG, INTD, IDSN)

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Patrick Burke, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 4523
patrick.burke@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $7,440.86
  • international: $21,696.78

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

$1,000 - $1,500 – books, materials, additional software, etc. (for each year).

For information regarding fees for work terms, refer to Fees.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Degree Scholarships

Humber awards degree scholarships automatically to graduating high school students based on academic achievement. See this following chart for details. Some of the scholarships are renewable each year if you maintain an average of 80 per cent or more.

95%+ $4,000 renewable
90 - 94.9% $3,500 renewable
85 - 89.9% $3,000 renewable
80 - 84.9% $2,000 renewable
75 - 79.9% $1,500 one time

Degree Transfer Scholarships ($1,500 - $2,500)

Humber automatically awards degree transfer scholarships to students entering any Humber degree program who have completed a one-year Ontario college certificate* or a two- or three-year diploma with a GPA of 80 per cent or more from a publicly-funded college. Students who have achieved a program GPA of 80 per cent or more will be awarded a one-time scholarship of $1,500 for a certificate program or $2,500 for a diploma program in recognition of their academic achievement. Certificates and diplomas do not have to be related to the degree program of choice and are not tied to the eligibility for advanced standing or transfer credit. No application is required

80%+ Certificate | $1,500

One Time 80%+ Diploma | $2,500

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
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