In the US, we tend to view science and art as separate worlds; some people are good at science and math, and some people are good at art, and there is no overlap here. Of course, this is a misconception, and in many cases it causes great anxiety. In fact, many of the most important and complex professions in the modern world require skills that combine the humanities and natural sciences.

Industrial design and product development is one such area. Most consumers don't consciously think about the designer(s) involved in creating a product, but their work and craft have a big impact on what people buy, how they use products and what products mean to people and culture in general. Modern design is highly human-oriented, focused on the needs and desires of consumers and users, including ergonomics, ease of use and attractiveness. For modern design, imagination and creativity must be combined with technical insight; art and engineering work hand in hand, creating products that attract attention, prove their usefulness and even make users love them.

Industrial design and product development are, by necessity, highly multidisciplinary fields. Design draws on the skills of traditional humanities such as critical thinking and analysis, as well as fine arts such as drawing, sculpture and color theory. Engineering, applied sciences, and computer science contribute to elements such as materials science, fabrication, ergonomics, and digital modeling. Industrial designers also usually require a thorough knowledge of business concepts such as economics, budgeting, project management and marketing, while design programs often include even more extensive disciplines such as psychology and anthropology. Because industrial design and product development are such complex fields with so many disciplinary influences, degree programs are placed in a variety of institutional settings, including engineering schools, business schools, or schools of fine arts and design.

The three best schools of industrial design

1. Brigham Young University

   Brigham Young University holds high positions in the fields of medicine, law and business, Fulton College of Engineering is also recognized as one of the hundred best in the USA.

   Fulton College offers BYU's Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design. From technical mastery to problem solving and aesthetics, BYU's Industrial Design program is created to prepare students for the needs of customers and employers, manufacturers and consumers, with an interdisciplinary curriculum based on business, visual arts and engineering.

   Annual cost for non-residents: US$ 5,300

   Fulton College offers BYU's Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design

2. James Madison University

   James Madison University is recognized as one of the best business schools. JMU also has art and design programs in the School of Art, Design and Art History. The interdisciplinary JMU School of Industrial Design brings together the best JMU teachers in the fields of art, design, technology and all areas necessary for success in the industrial design profession. The curriculum combines research with practical experiments, from theory to production, as well as knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship, management and business.

   Annual expenses for non-residents: US$ 26,264

3. San Jose State University

   With more than three decades of experience, SJSU, one of the best industrial design training programs, is one of the most famous and influential, thanks to which graduates get directly into the upper echelons of the technology industry. SJSU's Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design combines experiential learning (including a mandatory internship) with collaborative projects with business and other partners. A credible track record of desirability and success in the labor market gives SJSU graduates the confidence that their diplomas will allow them to advance far.

   Annual expenses for non-residents: $18,578