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Introduction to Product Innovation and Design (IPID) is a hands-on class where you learn how to turn ideas into real products. You’ll solve real design problems by researching, understanding customer needs, brainstorming ideas, building prototypes, and testing and improving your designs. Along the way, you’ll safely use tools like cutting and joining tools, soldering irons, 3D printers, laser cutters, and CAD software while building creativity, technical skills, and confidence as a designer and engineer. See our fun projects below!
Cardboard candy dispenser
The Challenge: Create a durable, easy-to-use machine for kids ages 5–12 within size limits
What You’ll Learn: Engineering design process, mechanical systems, user interaction, and iteration
The Purpose: Learn how real designers balance creativity, function, and constraints while solving problems. Learn how to safely use classroom tools such as cardboard cutters and glue guns.
ACRYLIC LIGHTED SIGN
The Challenge: Design and improve an LED display base that fits an existing acrylic top, includes soldered ultra-bright LEDs, and stays within size and compatibility constraints.
What You’ll Learn: Soldering, electronics basics (open/closed circuit, conductor vs insulator) and acrylic laser engraving.
The Purpose: Use creativity to improve a real product while understanding the needs of a customer and safely use classroom tools.
3D Printing
3D Printing Mini Projects introduce students to design and rapid prototyping through fun, creative challenges. For example, students create a custom LEGO-style minifigure, exploring scale, constraints, and personalization. Mini projects build confidence with CAD, 3D printing, and creative thinking while reinforcing precision and design for manufacturability.
board game
The Challenge: Design and build a fun, creative board game or toy using laser-cut and 3D printed parts and original ideas.
What You’ll Learn: Apply laser cutting and 3D printing to solve a problem, consider game design, packaging design, and user-friendly instructions.
The Purpose: Use creativity to design for real users, understand customer needs, and create a product that is fun, safe, and ready for the shelf.
Solar car
The Challenge: Design, build, and race a solar-powered car - first competing in class, then racing against other high schools at Sacramento State.
What You’ll Learn: Renewable energy, mechanical design, testing and optimization, teamwork, and race strategy.
The Purpose: Apply creativity and problem-solving to real engineering challenges while experiencing friendly competition and seeing how classroom learning connects to the real world.
toy design
The Challenge: Design a low-fidelity toy for a kindergarten student by identifying problems with existing toys and creating a creative solution using micro:bit electronics.
What You’ll Learn: Client interviews, empathy-driven design, sketching, prototyping, basic electronics, and craftsmanship.
The Purpose: Use creativity and technology to design for a real person, understand user needs, and see how engineering can make a positive impact.
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