Delft University of Technology | FA/SP Exchange
ARTCENTER APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, September 15 (Week 2) at 1pm
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a prestigious institution located in Delft, Netherlands, renowned for its excellence in engineering and technology. As one of the world’s top technical universities, TU Delft is distinguished by its cutting-edge research, innovative approach to education, and commitment to addressing global challenges. The university consistently ranks highly in international league tables, reflecting its rigorous academic programs and significant contributions to science and industry. With state-of-the-art facilities, a diverse and international community, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and entrepreneurship, TU Delft stands out as a global leader in shaping the future of technology and engineering.The campus itself is larger than downtown Delft and one of the oldest university campuses in the world.
ArtCenter’s exchange agreement is with the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering. For more information about being an exchange student at the school, please visit the TU Delft website or watch this video. For up to date details on course options at Delft, visit this link.
COURSE INFORMATION
Exchange students at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering have to choose fixed course packages in in the application process . They can select their first, second and third choice. During the admission process the package will be confirmed. After that no changes can be made.
Master courses are open to Master students and to Bachelor students who have finished at least 6 terms of study at the time of application. Information on the course packages can be found below:
FALL TERM BACHELOR COURSES
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Future Mobility Design (30 ECTS/15 credits)
We can learn a lot from the automotive industry, which is one of the most complex industries in terms of structure (bringing together different disciplines), size and economic entwinement with society. Its products show the maximum of what is achievable within the principle of economy of scale, through the application of knowledge on aesthetics, technology and usability.
On the other hand, we (and the industry) know that future mobility is a challenge that cannot be addressed in the narrow scope of a single industry. How to design mobility that addresses both individual and collective concerns? How to design mobility means that are meaningful within society as a whole? That is our big challenge. Future mobility requires a far more holistic, i.e. context driven design approach.
Our stand is, that when you are capable of dealing with the complexity of the mobility system by the knowledge and experience you acquired in the automotive domain, you have the capabilities to untangle other complex systems.The program includes the following mandatory courses:
Human Mobility (3 ECTS)
Automotive Styling (4 ECTS)
Automotive Technology (7 ECTS)
Mobility Systems Design (7 ECTS)
Automotive Skills (6 ECTS)
Automotive Safety + Human Factors (3 ECTS) -
Interactive Environments (30 ECTS/15 Credits)
The minor aims to merge experimental architecture, CNC prototyping technologies, human-computer interaction knowledge and the techniques of sketching with technology, to provide ambitious, multidisciplinary students with the conceptual and practical tools for mastering a newly emerging phenomenon: interactive environments.
The structure of the Interactive Environments Minor is built around a group project assignment to design an interactive space. The assignment is set in a concrete context and is initiated by real world client. The students design, fabricate and construct an Interactive Environment to address the needs of the users in the context.
Learn to design for our technology-rich world. By applying strategic design methodologies via computation and interaction design techniques to produce socially, environmentally and economically sound design solutions and to demonstrate their qualities by developing full-scale prototypes.
Learn how to collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams consisting of students from engineering, industrial design and architecture backgrounds. You are guided by a staff of researchers and teachers selected from the mentioned disciplines.
During the semester you will work from a dedicated design studio of the Delft Science Center. In this space all minor activities will take place.
A budget is available for prototyping.
The program includes the following mandatory courses:
Interaction Studies (3 ECTS)
Design Strategies (3 ECTS)
Design and Prototyping Studio (15 ECTS)
Design Skills (4.5 ECTS)
Technology for Designers (4.5 ECTS) -
Designing Sustainability Transitions (30 ECTS/15 Credits)
You will learn about different topics and concepts that are central to designing sustainability transitions, such as societal change, transition management, complex systems, design approaches, systemic design, social design, the circular design strategies, design for behaviour change, futuring, materials, values and ethics, sustainable entrepreneurship and co-creation.
This minor provides an opportunity to experience real interdisciplinary teamwork as you will work together with fellow students from other faculties and universities. Teams will be able to think beyond their field of expertise, acquire creative design skills while sharing their disciplinary knowledge. You will critically reflect on the ethical considerations of design for sustainability and gain a unique experience working on leading topics with some frontrunner companies and larger organizations.You will analyse the different elements of complex sustainable systems, in the context of the challenge of addressing societal needs within our planetary boundaries.
You will evaluate processes of change towards a sustainable future at different scales, from individual users to complete societal systems.
You will form arguments for your own perspective on how transitions could take place.
You will gain unique experience in carrying out project work in multidisciplinary teams for external, real-life clients.
You will apply communication, entrepreneurship, and collaboration skills towards sustainability challenges in the real world.
The program includes the following mandatory courses:
Sustainability issues and societal change (3 ECTS)
Demystify Green (3 ECTS)
Design Approaches (5 ECTS)
Masterclasses (4 ECTS)
Value Sensitive Design (3 ECTS)
Design Challenge (12 ECTS) -
Advanced Prototyping (30 ECTS/15 Credits)
In the Minor Advanced Prototyping you will design and build functional, low and high-fidelity prototypes, utilizing and showcasing the unique opportunities of digital fabrication and virtual and/or augmented reality technology (new topic, pending approval). The course aims at equipping you with a wide range of advanced prototyping skills and in-depth knowledge of current state-of-the-art techniques to create prototypes which capture both function and appearance of the intended design.
The program includes the following mandatory courses:Prototyping with/for Digital Fabrication (PDF) (9 ECTS)
Prototyping with/for Emerging Materials (PEM) (6 ECTS)
Advanced Prototyping Project (APP) (15 Credits)
SPRING TERM BACHELOR COURSES
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Design 4 Project Designing for Society (10 ECTS)
This course is mandatory for all spring term exchange students.
The course Design Project 4 (DP4), Designing for Society, is one of the four large design project courses in the bachelor curriculum of Industrial Design Engineering at TU Delft. In this course, we work with social designers and societal stakeholders.
This course helps students explore and better understand how design can contribute to addressing social issues in a variety of domains such as food, mobility, mental healthcare, or biodiversity. There is an increasing demand for social designers who are by hired by governments, public and social sector organisations and other industries that want to make a positive impact on society.The course combines gathering deep insights into human needs and experiences, with broad insights into implications for society and the planet. To achieve this, you will learn to use the Social Implication Design methodology (Tromp & Hekkert, 2018) as a framework to structure your design approach. The core of this methodology is the development of a probable, coherent, and original future narrative and a design statement that responds to that narrative by taking a stance on the probable future envisioned. These two main ingredients are used to (re-)frame the challenge you are working on, and they guide the development of concepts. Throughout the course, we will pay particular attention to the role of insights into experience, meaning and behaviour in a design process.
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Quarter 3 Electives (10 ECTS)--Refer to this link for more instructions and descriptions for each course.
Students will choose two electives (5 ECTS each) from the following list. Be sure to choose from different time slots (with the exception of A + B)
Electives (Q3, Slot A)IOB6-E1 Design for the Circular Economy
IOB6-E2 Reimagining Mobility
Electives (Q3, Slot B)
IOB6-E4-22 Identity and Portfolio
IOB6-E6 Design Engineering Contest
Electives Organisation (Q3, Slot C)
IOB4-B1-22 Strategic Brand Management
IOB4-B2 Business Model Design
IOB4-B3-22 Codesign in Services
Electives (Q3, slot D)
IOB6-E7 Biomechanics of Product Use
IOB6-E8 Design Analytics
IOB6-E9-22 Form and Senses
Electives Technology (Q3, Slot E)
IOB4-T1-22 Materials and Manufacturing
IOB4-T2 Mechatronics (Note: This is an advanced course that requires knowledge in electronics, dynamics, and software)
IOB4-T3 Machine Learning for Design
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Quarter 4 Electives (10 ECTS)--Refer to this link for more instructions and descriptions for each course.
Choose 1 elective from:Electives Skills (Q4, Slot C, 5EC):
IOB4-S2-24 Leadership & Project Organisation
IOB4-S3 Mastering Research Methods (Note: This course has a significant statistics component. Prior knowledge of, and affinity with linear algebra and statistics are important.)
IOB4-S1-24 Computer-Aided Design
+ Choose 1 elective from:
Electives People (Q4, Slot E, 5EC):
IOB4-P1 Human Factors & Ergonomics
IOB4-P2 Experience, Motivation & Behaviour
IOB4-P3 Culture & Society
Note: Exchange Programs first require an application through the Study Away Application Portal by March 1 for fall and September 15 for spring. Once you are nominated by your department, a second application to the university must be submitted. It is an honor to be nominated, so if you move forward with your application to the university, please know you are committing to study away!
ABOUT DELFT, NETHERLANDS:
Delft is a charming city in the Netherlands, known for its rich history, picturesque canals, and vibrant cultural scene. Located in the western part of the country, it is renowned for its historic architecture, including the iconic Delft Bluepottery that has been produced in the city since the 16th century. Delft is also notable for its association with famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer and its well-preserved medieval city center.
In addition to its cultural heritage, Delft is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), one of the world’s leading technical universities. The city combines a strong historical legacy with a forward-looking academic and technological environment, making it a dynamic place that attracts students, researchers, and tourists alike. With its blend of historical charm and modern innovation, Delft offers a unique and enriching experience.
HOUSING
There are three ways to arrange for your housing at TU Delft:
Find accommodation using TU Delft’s housing service.
Finding accommodation through rental agencies or private landlords.
Lodging with family, friends, or setting up a housing swap with an exchange student from TU Delft headed to ArtCenter.