Department of Product Design | Kyoto Seika University

Features of the Department
Subject Highlights
In their second year, students select one of three Courses
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Master all aspects of product design—from clothing, food, and housing to cutting-edge technology

The Department of Product Design will renew its curriculum for the 2025 academic year. Our goal is to train designers equipped with expertise and a broader perspective on the fashion, tools, furniture, and household goods that support our lifestyles and society. In the first year, students are exposed to each course while learning the basics of three-dimensional design—descriptive skills and design theory—through cross-listed courses. From their second year onwards, students choose a course to deepen their skills and knowledge in their chosen field. Another feature of this department is that classes and projects unfold across disciplines, allowing students to acquire the skills to produce various types of design. In today's world, where environmental issues, diversification of lifestyles, and long-term, global-scale issues warrant attention, creators must have the ability to see the bigger picture and propose ideas and new values in order to provide comprehensive solutions. After four years of study in the new curriculum, graduates emerge with a diverse array of career paths to choose from, ranging from highly specialized designer roles to positions in planning and direction that require broad perspectives.

Features of the Department

First-year students learn the basics, developing expertise from their second year onward

In the first year, students acquire the basic skills and knowledge of three-dimensional design through cross-listed courses. In the second half of their first year, students explore techniques across disciplines, gaining insight into the characteristics and unique appeal of each course, ultimately guiding their decision on a course for the second year. In the second year, students select their chosen field of study from the following courses: Industrial Design, Fashion Design, and Interior and Goods Design.
Designing a variety of ideas and creations—from handicraft to cutting-edge technology

Students will explore a wide variety of three-dimensional design topics, from cutting-edge areas such as vehicles, appliances, interactive design, and virtual reality (VR) to traditional crafts and everyday items such as furniture and stationery, as well as fashion design and store design. They can focus on a single field of study or pursue a wide range of disciplines to broaden their interests.
Well-designed university-industry collaborations

The Department of Product Design collaborates with private companies and local governments across the disciplines to develop products and propose solutions to issues. Students learn about the various stages of design, from planning to sales, and engage in real-world problems. Through these experiences, students develop the critical thinking skills and work ethic required to create socially responsive designs.

Subject Highlights

Learn basic knowledge and techniques of two- and three-dimensional design and crafts
Students learn the basics of design thinking, two- and three-dimensional design, and crafts through cross-listed courses. In two-dimensional design, students learn skills such as sketching, color expression, and drawing. In three-dimensional design, they master the use of a variety of materials, including fabrics and resins, and gain an understanding of the unique characteristics of each material. These classes offer the foundation for honing specialized skills from the second year onward. Another feature of this department is the opportunity to experience traditional crafts unique to Kyoto, such as lacquerware and forged metal.

Experience two of the three specialties to choose from
In the second half of the first year, students have the opportunity to try their hand at two of the three courses offered by the department. This allows them to discover their interests and passions, leading to their choice of specialization from the second year onward.