Master of Design Methods (MDM)
The Master of Design Methods (MDM) is a nine month (or 2-3 year part-time) executive master's degree for exceptional design, management, engineering and other professionals who wish to acquire robust design methods and frameworks and to apply design thinking to the development of products, communications, services, and systems. MDM courses cover design methods and frameworks in areas like user observation and research; prototyping of new services, products and businesses; creating systems of innovation; visualizing alternative futures; and linking user innovation to organizational strategy.
Qualifications for admission are rigorous, including a minimum of five years professional experience, with evidence of leadership as a team/project leader or product manager; recognition of professional work in the form of awards, publication in professional journals, and letters of evaluation from peers; and specific examples of achievements in design or product development/management.
Methods for innovation
Knowledge of advanced design thinking and rigorous methods is a proven way for experienced professionals not only to create innovative products, but also to support them with hard research and a clear business case that is linked directly to customer value.
Many MDM students attend the program with funding from their employers. The nine month duration makes it possible to complete the degree during a leave of absence, while the part-time option works well for students already employed in the Chicago area.
Curriculum
A. Required classes
Students whose background includes expertise in areas covered by the required courses may seek approval to substitute more advanced courses in their program of study.
- Design Planning; Observing Users; Design Analysis; Cognitive Human Factors; Social Human Factors; Cultural Human Factors; Physical Human Factors
B. Specialty classes
Students choose 19 credit hours worth of elective seminars and workshops.
- Seminars: Design Languages; Communication Planning; Product Planning; Technological Development and Design Innovation; Strategic Design Planning; Design Planning and Market Forces; Advanced Design Planning; Structured Planning; Design Synthesis; Form-Generation Processes; Advanced Communication Design; Advanced Product Development; Interface Design; Interactive Media; Diagram Development; Production Methods
- Workshops: Design Workshop; Photography Workshop; Communication Design Workshop; Product Design Workshop; Design Planning Workshop; Interactive Media Workshop.
MDM statistics, 2006 incoming class
Average age: 38
Average GPA: 3.4/4.0
Average GRE score: 1310/1600
Average TOEFL: 250
Male 80% / Female 20%
International 13%
Undergrad degree: Design 60% / Non-design 40%
