What does DMP stand for?
Design, Model Making, and Rapid Prototyping
Design is the process of conceiving, planning, and creating something with a specific purpose or function in mind. It involves making decisions about form, structure, aesthetics, and usability to solve a problem or fulfill a need. Design often balances functionality, user experience, and visual appeal, and can apply to physical objects, digital interfaces, systems, or even abstract concepts.
Modelmaking is the craft and process of creating physical or digital representations of objects, structures, or concepts—often at a reduced scale—to visualize, test, or communicate design ideas. These models can serve various purposes, such as:
Design Development: Exploring form, proportion, and functionality before full-scale production.
Prototyping: Testing materials, mechanisms, or usability.
Presentation: Communicating ideas to clients, stakeholders, or for educational purposes.
Rapid prototyping is a group of techniques used to quickly create a physical or digital model of a design concept, often using computer-aided design (CAD) and automated manufacturing technologies like 3D printing, CNC machining, or other additive manufacturing processes.
The main goals of rapid prototyping are:
Speed: Produce prototypes much faster than traditional methods.
Iteration: Allow designers and engineers to test, refine, and validate ideas early in the development process.
Cost Efficiency: Reduce the expense of tooling and full-scale production during early design stages.
Where are DMP classes taught?
DMP classes are taught at IVC’s ATEP Campus in Tustin, CA on the border of Irvine and Tustin, near the corner of Red Hill and Edinger. ATEP stands for Advanced Technology and Education Park. It is a specialized campus where IVC and Saddleback College have combined their technical and career-preparation programs including engineering, product design, automotive, and culinary.
There are many different DMP classes that cover a range of topics. Most students start by taking DMP 20 and/or DMP 22. DMP is also offered as a dual-enrollment program at Woodbridge High School (WHS) for college credit. For additional information regarding dual enrollment, visit https://www.ivc.edu/dual-enrollment.
How much do these courses cost?
For IVC students: Like any college class, students who take DMP pay a registration fee and materials costs. However, IVC has a number of programs to help students meet these financial requirements. For additional information regarding tuition & fees for IVC, please visit: https://www.ivc.edu/payment-services/tuition-fees-information
For Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) students: IUSD offers dual-enrollment through Woodbridge HS and those courses are free to the Woodbridge HS students.
What Is the goal of the program and who is it for?
This program builds hands-on skills in modelmaking, prototyping, and design visualization to prepare students for careers in industrial design, architecture, product development, and entertainment design. No prior experience is required—we begin with core fundamentals. Returning professionals will learn updated tools and techniques to enhance existing experience.
What skills, tools, and software will I learn?
Focus on developing accurate measurement techniques and safe tool use, including learning proper PPE procedures and machine handling. Build foundational CAD skills using SolidWorks, Rhino, and Fusion 360, and gain a working understanding of material properties such as wood, plastics, foams, and metals. Become comfortable with calipers early—they are one of the most essential tools in this program.
How do projects typically work?
Projects move through a multi-step workflow: planning → cutting → assembly → finishing. Effective time management is critical. Use timelines, set milestones or checkpoints, and always allow extra time for testing, revisions, and troubleshooting.
What safety expectations should I follow?
Eye protection and closed-toe shoes are always required. Long hair must be securely tied back and loose or flowing garments must be tucked or contained; compression garments are recommended for proper PPE coverage. Follow all machine safety protocols, know emergency stop locations, and never rush tasks—precision is prioritized over speed.
What materials, software, and file types will I use?
You will work with materials such as foam board, basswood, acrylic, styrene, and 3D printing filament. You’ll learn which adhesives and finishing techniques pair best with each material. Software training includes CAD platforms (SolidWorks, Rhino, Fusion 360), rendering tools like KeyShot, and the Adobe Suite for presentation work. File management is also emphasized, with common formats including .STL, .STEP, .AI, .DXF, and .IGES.
What common mistakes should I avoid?
The most frequent pitfalls include failing to prioritize tasks or establish milestones, skipping measurements before cutting, selecting incorrect adhesives for materials, and neglecting to test parts for fit prior to final assembly.
How do I build a strong portfolio?
Students are expected to document their process with photos and notes and to explain design intent and material choices during critiques. Feedback is a core part of learning and should be received constructively. Collaboration with peers is encouraged, and support is available through professor office hours, lab technicians, and classmates. Your portfolio should demonstrate craftsmanship, problem-solving ability, and growth across different materials and techniques.
How can I balance this program with work or school?
Communicate early with instructors if conflicts arise. Use organizational tools such as Trello or Notion to track deadlines and project stages. Prioritize developing strong core skills over rushing to complete a high volume of work—quality learning is more valuable than quantity.
Where can I get support and extra help?
Take advantage of professor office hours, lab technicians, campus resources, and peer collaboration whenever additional guidance is needed. Learning in this program is supported at every stage—you are not expected to do it alone.
What are some job titles that a student from the Irvine Valley College design modelmaking prototyping can apply for and what are some companies that can use skills from the DMP courses?
Automotive – Concept cars and interior components.
Aerospace & Defense – Aircraft components and structural testing.
Consumer Electronics – Hardware design and prototyping.
Medical Devices – Surgical tools and prosthetics.
Architecture & Construction – Scale models for urban planning.
Creative, life-style industries - Product development
Model Maker / Prototype Model Maker
Rapid Prototyping Technician
Industrial Design Model Maker
Pattern Maker / Mold Maker
Product Development Technician
CNC Machinist / Fabricator
Additive Manufacturing Technician
Architectural Model Builder
Prototype Engineer
Model Maker: $71,949/year $60K – $87K
Prototype Model Maker: $48,099/year $33K – $94K (San Jose highest)
Prototype Technician: $54,312/year $42K – $91K
Prototype Engineer: $75,868/year $60K – $81K
California: $79K average for Model Makers; Cupertino and Palo Alto pay above national average
Massachusetts: $78K for Model Makers
San Jose, CA: Prototype Model Makers can earn up to $94K
Fremont, CA & Berkeley, CA: Prototype Technicians earn $67K – $69K
Apple – Industrial Design Model Shop (Cupertino, CA)
Moog – Aerospace prototyping (Buffalo, NY)
Philips – Medical device prototyping (Bothell, WA)
Globus Medical – Additive manufacturing (PA)
Spin Master – Toy and entertainment prototypes (Los Angeles, CA)
Whirlpool – Appliance design (MI)
Assa Abloy – CNC machining and model making (CT)
Mizuho OSI – Medical equipment prototyping (Union City, CA)
Empire Group USA – Product development (MA)
Architectural firms & design studios – Scale models for presentations
Is there too much math in Engineering? Is there too much Art in Art?
Do you need more common sense in school?
Come talk with us.