Teen toys like gaming devices, robotics and specialty sports equipment; the rides at amusement parks and water parks; the experience of specialty theme parks - collectively, the creation of these products is known as Toy and Entertainment Engineering. It is one of the most fast-paced - and fun! - niches of the Industrial Design discipline, and it is a great way for students to be introduced to the process and skills of 3-dimensional design.

In this course, students learn the basic design principles behind some of their favorite toys and entertainment experiences. They also learn the basic manufacturing and engineering technologies that make these products possible. Then they dive into a number of projects that allow them to explore and create their own design ideas.

Students start with a few short projects then launch into a longer, final project that they present at the end of the session. After describing a project overview, students assemble market, audience and inspiration boards. They learn how to approach the project and begin generating ideas. They are shown how to communicate their ideas on paper through concept sketches and storyboards. Then, they bring their two-dimensional sketches into three dimensions. Students learn how to build basic models and how to use these models to express and refine their design decisions.

The class remains hands-on throughout. By the end of the session, they assemble their work into a presentation and portfolio piece that not only shows-off their final ideas, but documents the process behind their work.