Design Factory

An interdisciplinary innovation programme focusing on usage, to address a business problem from idea to prototype.

The aim is to bridge the gap between the academic and business worlds by creating an interface where students can work on professional projects in an operational and autonomous way, combining R&D, engineering, design and the human and social sciences. By bringing together students, faculty and manufacturers to work on practical projects, the Design Factory encourages learning by doing: students create, design, prototype, test and adjust, until they have a prototype product and/or service. To do this, they are accommodated in an emblematic venue for innovation, Halle 6 Ouest, and have access to cutting-edge tools and expert skills (IT, design, computer-aided design, 3D printing, electronics and carpentry workshops, etc.).

The option is run by Polytech'Nantes and the École de Design Nantes Atlantique.

Teaching hours

• 175 hours, including 128 hours of independent project work
• 10 hours of classes supplemented by expertise as required

Target skills

• analyse a context combining design, engineering sciences and/or digital sciences using a ‘user experience’ centred approach
• design an innovative solution using a ‘user experience’ centred approach, combining design, engineering sciences and/or digital sciences
• produce prototypes to test an innovative solution combining design, engineering sciences and/or digital sciences
• evaluate an innovative solution combining design, engineering sciences and/or digital sciences using a ‘user experience’ centred approach
• monitor and manage an interdisciplinary project in collaboration with an external sponsor