Major Spotlight #2: Industrial Design

By Alyssa Taylor

Tucked in the bottom of Hayward Hall is a world that was once unbeknownst to me. As an everyday Jefferson student, I’ve walked through the Hayward and Ronson Health and Science building almost every day, whether for physics class or as a shortcut. Little did I know I was walking over what is home to a program that is dedicated to innovation. 

My walk to the senior industrial design studio, while only about 30 feet through the halls, took me about 15 minutes because I stopped to ogle at the many creations of Jefferson Alums, including the Ninja Creamy, Ring Doorbell, and Ninja Air Fryer, to name a few. I then stopped to read the quotes featured on the walls from great innovators and to read the works of current students, seeing the word ergonomic over and over again. I also admired the physical models created by my fellow students, made of wood and 3D printed material. As I continued my walk, I saw chairs, including large chairs, mini chairs, 3D printed chairs, chairs, chairs, and more chairs. 

Finally, a few minutes late, I made it to the senior design studio to meet Sam Dorvil, a senior industrial design major. I was again struck by a room exerting creativity.  

Sam and I discussed his major in a Q&A: 

Q: What made you choose industrial design? 

A: “I chose industrial design because it’s the medium between art and engineering. I’d say it is the intersections between those two things. In design, you’re not just making art for your own inspiration. You have to take life and society into consideration while making a product, but you still get to design and have a hand in making that product. You have the freedom to create the product that has a real impact on the world.”  

Q: What will be your greatest takeaway from Jefferson’s Industrial Design Program when you graduate this May? 

A: “The studio culture in industrial design is really strong. It’s really collaborative. You can go up to anyone in the studio and ask them for help, and you will get constructive criticism. It’s a competitive program, but everyone is still your friend. I think that is its biggest strength here at Jefferson.”  

Q: What’s your favorite design you’ve done? 

A: “I’d have to say it’s my folding bench design. That was a project where I really got my footing as a designer. I had never done woodworking before this project, so working on designing the bench was really hard but even more rewarding because I created a concept I wasn’t even fully sure I could complete when I drew it up. But I wanted to push myself, and in the end, it was really rewarding that it actually worked.  

Q: What are your classes focused on? 

A: “My concentration is furniture design, so I’ve taken two furniture classes. I’ve also taken a lighting course I’ve enjoyed. I’m currently taking a graphic design class, which I’m enjoying. I think industrial design gives you a lot of options to know what you want to do with your degree.” 

*Editor’s note: If you want your major to be featured in our Major Spotlight series, reach out to us at thejeffersonstudentvoice@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram!