2.729: D-lab Design for Scale

Fall | Undergrad | 12 Units | Prereq: None. Coreq: 2.008; or permission of instructor

Focuses on product development of technologies for people in less industrialized markets. Students work in interdisciplinary teams to develop previously established prototypes or technologies towards manufacturing-ready product designs. Topics are presented within the context of the developing world and include technology feasibility and scalability assessment; value chain analysis; product specification; design for affordability, manufacturability, usability, and desirability; and product testing and manufacturing at various scales. Lessons are experiential and case study-based; taught by instructors with field experience and by industry experts from product development consulting firms and the consumer electronics industry. Student taking graduate version complete additional oral and written assignments. In person not required.