Dezeen Magazine

Master of Design in Designed Objects at School of the Art Institute of Chicago

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The Master of Design in Designed Objects course at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago amalgamates critical and practical knowledge of product, furniture, interaction and systems design.

The Master of Design in Designed Objects (MDDO) is a professional, 66-credit degree program with a structured curriculum that offers students the critical skills to imagine and create meaningful objects, systems and experiences while challenging the boundaries of the field of design itself.

School: School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Course: Master of Design in Designed Objects
Location: Chicago, USA
Type: Postgraduate
Course dates: August 2026 to May 2028
Application deadline: continuous enrolment 

Find out more about the course and apply ›

a photograph of a person interacting with an abstract white device
The course introduces students to various disciplines within design

What will I learn during this course?

– Students are encouraged to challenge the boundaries of design and explore new territory, gaining the critical skills to translate new ideas into meaningful objects, systems, environments and experiences

What are the requirements?

– Students must have an undergraduate degree and fill out an application and supporting materials including an e-portfolio

What facilities and resources are available?

– The Sullivan Fabrication Studio, a dedicated fabrication workshop equipped with a full range of hand tools and industrial wood and metal-working machines
– Advanced Output Center, SAIC's prototyping lab specialising in laser cutting and 3D digital input and output
– A variety of purpose-built labs and special collections
– External partnerships and course offerings like Whatnot Studio, SAIC Design & Homan Square and Emerging Worlds Studio – year-long thematic courses in which students design, prototype and bring relevant work for public exhibition to venues such as SxSW, The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) and public engagements in Chicago

a photograph of a person viewing an exhibition
The course takes place in Chicago, USA, over a two-year period

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Alumni of the MDDO programme have attained success and professional experience in a diverse range of careers from product and furniture design, user experience design, creative direction, design research and strategy, design education and independent design practice.

Who teaches this course?

The Designed Objects department's distinguished faculty are nationally and internationally renowned designers, fully involved in the exploration and re-examination of their fields.

They are well versed in contemporary theoretical debates and are committed to building a diverse, exciting environment for the exchange of ideas and the production of culture.

a photograph of a group of people viewing design work
Students have access to a range of facilites and resources whilst studying on the course

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