2.s009: Explorations in Product Design

Fall | Undergrad | Special Subject, 15 Units | Prereq: 2.001, 2.003, (2.005 or 2.051), and (2.00B, 2.670, or 2.678)

Fall 2020 Update: In-person Component Required - 2s.009 is intended to provide students with a team-based product development experience. Students will design and, to the extent possible, build working alpha prototypes of new products. The class is intended to emulate what engineers might experience in a design team at a modern product development firm. As part of a corporate innovation strategy, students will create product opportunities inspired by a very broad product theme.

This course is patterned after 2.009 and our goal is to provide a best-possible facsimile of the 2.009 curriculum. However, state and MIT policies, along with broader covid-19 safety considerations mean there will be significant differences from the learning environment associated with 2.009. At this time many aspects of our operating conditions and the specifics of what will be permitted are unclear.  

Due to the shortened term, the product design process in 2s.009 will be at least one development iteration shorter than in 2.009. Given the extremely tight timeline, the shortened product development cycle will limit the degree to which products are resolved and thus a final product launch/presentation in the tradition of 2.009 will not be feasible. Additionally, due to covid-19 related policies and capacity, shop time available to each team for prototyping will likely be limited. Many of the in-class, team-based experiential activities conducted in 2.009 may not be possible. It is yet to be determined if any lectures will be in person. The size of teams will be governed by indoor room occupancy policies.

2s.009 is in the process of being designated as a CI-M subject and approval is anticipated. After receiving CI-M approval, 2.s009 will satisfy all the degree requirements normally satisfied by 2.009.