Applied Design

Applied design at Hampshire encompasses product and industrial design, appropriate technology, alternative energy and transportation, creative electronics, and universal design.

The Hampshire College Center for Design provides students with an experiential education in applied design, invention, and social entrepreneurship through design and innovation for social change.

A combination of courses, internships, independent study, and collaborations with businesses and organizations allows students to learn about design and fabrication; develop prototypes and business plans; and create enterprises that improve people's lives.

• Design for the Greater Good
• 3D Design and Model-making
• Advanced Blacksmithing
• Animals, Robots, and Applied Design
• Appropriate Design in the World
• Appropriate Technology: Design and Implementation
• Art and Design
• Basic Blacksmithing
• Bicycle Design and Beyond
• Bicycle Frame Design and Fabrication
• Circuit Bending
• Creative Electronics
• Creative Writing, Design, and the Body
• Design Fundamentals I and II
• Kinetic and Animated Objects
• Look Ma, No Hands
• Renewable Energy
• Sculpture, Sound, and Motion
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Tinkering
• Women's Fabrication Skills
• Circuit Theory (SC)
• Engineering for Everyone (SC)
• Materials Engineering (SC)
• Writing in Engineering (UMass)

Requirements

• Common Application
• An academic paper in English
• Supplemental essay responses
• Current transcripts
• School report, including guidance counselor recommendation
• At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher
• Certification of Finances form
• TOEFL or IELTS score (Minimum TOEFL score of 91 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Predicted grades for IB English A1 or A2, or for A-level English, will also be considered.
• Additional letters of recommendation, up to three

Scholarships

• MacArthur Foundation Grant Making Programs
• American Association of University Women
• Fulbright International Scholarship Program for non-US students

Applied Design at Hampshire College is an interdisciplinary program that encourages students to explore the integration of art, design, technology, and social impact. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, creative problem-solving, and innovative thinking, enabling students to develop personalized projects that address real-world issues. Students work closely with faculty mentors and industry experts to hone their skills in areas such as visual communication, product design, digital media, and sustainable design practices. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their interests and career goals, often combining elements from various disciplines to create a unique educational experience.

Throughout the program, students participate in collaborative projects, internships, and community engagement initiatives that foster teamwork and practical application of their knowledge. The emphasis on experiential learning helps graduates build portfolios that showcase their design abilities and conceptual thinking. Hampshire’s collaborative and supportive environment promotes experimentation and risk-taking, which are essential components of innovative applied design. The program also integrates emerging technologies such as 3D printing, digital fabrication, and interactive media, preparing students for the evolving demands of the design industry.

Alumni of the Applied Design program have gone on to work in diverse fields including graphic design, user experience, sustainable product development, and digital arts, often founding their own studios or contributing to impactful projects worldwide. The program aims to cultivate versatile designers who are not only skilled craftspersons but also thoughtful innovators committed to social and environmental responsibility. With its strong focus on personalized education and real-world application, Hampshire College’s Applied Design program prepares students to become leaders and change-makers in the dynamic landscape of modern design.