Product Design
Would you like a year where you can work creatively with design and new product ideas?
All products we use and surround ourselves with are designed by someone. In the Product Design program, you’ll learn methods for thinking innovatively and imaginatively when working with new designs.
Course content
In Product Design, you’ll learn design methodology from idea to finished product by working innovatively and exploratively. You’ll be challenged to think of new and better solutions for both everyday needs and major challenges we see in the world around us. You can use the year to build a portfolio for further design studies, and in the spring semester, those who wish can receive time and guidance to work on entrance exams.
- Idea Development and Creative Process
- Design Thinking and Problem Solving
- Material Understanding and Working with Different Techniques
- Drawing and Visual Communication
- Digital Tools for Design and Visualization
- Collaboration and Project Work
- Presentation and Communication of Ideas
- Environment, Sustainability and Ethics in Design
- Prototyping and Model Building
- Exhibition and Display of Projects
- Preparation for Further Design Studies
Study Trip
The spring semester study trip goes to Japan, a unique country where exciting developments are happening in technology and product design. Previously, we’ve visited international design firms like Designit and Reaktor. We’ve also participated in workshops in the traditional Japanese design technique kintsugi, where we learn to repair broken clay and porcelain. We take bullet trains to Tokyo – and if we’re lucky, the study trip coincides with the amazing cherry blossom season.
Suggested day-by-day program:
- Day 1: Fly from Bergen to Osaka
- Day 2: Arrival in Osaka. Train to Kyoto
- Day 3: Visit historical temples and Japanese gardens in Kyoto
- Day 4: Workshop/Free exploration in Kyoto
- Day 5: Take the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima
- Day 6: Free exploration in Hiroshima
- Day 7: Take train and ferry to Naoshima. Art museums designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando
- Day 8: Rent bikes/Experience Naoshima
- Day 9: Take ferry and bullet train to Tokyo
- Day 10: Visit design office
- Day 11: Free exploration in Tokyo
- Day 12: Departure from Tokyo
Teaching
Throughout the year, you’ll receive targeted instruction from experienced teachers and guest lecturers in design methodology and product design. We collaborate with exciting designers and design offices in Bergen.
We often start the design process by learning techniques for investigating and understanding user needs. This exploratory phase provides the foundation for further work with brainstorming, sketches, and sketch models. Throughout the project phases, you’ll receive guidance and close follow-up from dedicated teachers. At the end of each project, we have a joint review where you present your ideas and design wishes, and receive thorough feedback.
You’ll be introduced to Design Thinking, a method for innovation and creation. The world is constantly changing, needing new, user-friendly, and sustainable solutions. Design methodology can be used in many contexts to explore and create improvements and innovation, whether for products or services. The design process starts with user needs and uses this as a basis for idea development. You’ll learn the different phases of the design process through project-based teaching. This experience can be valuable for your potential future design studies.
Equipment and Facilities
You’ll learn to visualize your ideas both in freehand drawing and 3D drawing programs. You’ll learn to use Adobe programs Photoshop and InDesign and have the opportunity to 3D print prototypes. We also value physical creation and shaping of materials in the workshop. We have a ceramics workshop that’s frequently used to create beautiful products in clay.
If you want to work on your projects beyond class time, the classrooms are open until 11 PM. You have your own work desk and plenty of shelf space to store your work.
You must bring your own PC with good storage capacity.
Create Your Own Portfolio
Are you considering applying to a college to study design? Whether you want to apply to schools in Norway or another country, you’ll have time and opportunity here to work on relevant entrance exams and presentation materials for your portfolio, which will help you in your application process.
Teacher Ingunn Halland
Ingunn is one of the teachers in Product Design. She holds a Master’s degree in industrial design from the Aarhus School of Architecture and has designed for renowned firms in architecture and product design. Products Ingunn has developed have achieved wide recognition and application both nationally and internationally, and have won several international design competitions. Her greatest wish for the students in the program is for them to experience the joy of creating and gain increased confidence in working with creative processes. Ingunn thrives best outdoors and always has her hiking boots in the car in case an opportunity for a mountain hike arises.
This is what the students say
My year at Åsane folk high school gave me so much, both academically and personally. I received a good introduction to the subject and valuable experience, which helped me develop my skills and ultimately get into my dream study program. The school day was eventful and varied, and I got to try many different projects. At the same time, it was a social year that made me more confident and open. I made friends for life and became part of a strong community that has meant a lot to me since.
My name is Tobias Asphol and I attended Åsane Folk High School in the Architecture and Design program for the 2023-24 academic year. Now I’m studying Product Design at OsloMet. I look back on my time at Åsane as a fantastic pathway into creative and practical fields. We worked carefully on various admission tests throughout the year and improved our artistic skills with lots of drawing. In Product Design, I make great use of the basic technical skills I also learned at Åsane. If I were to give one tip to future product design students, it would be to produce as much as you can in different materials and learn 3D drawing. Your portfolio is never big enough.
My name is Jenny, and I’m currently in my fourth year of Industrial Design at NTNU. Before starting my degree, I spent a year at Åsane Folk High School with a strong desire to learn more about product design — and I truly did! My year at Åsane was incredibly educational and gave me valuable experiences that made me even more confident in my choice of studies. In addition, it was a year filled with exciting projects, new friendships, and many memorable experiences.
My year was filled with new impressions and growth, both academically and personally. I got to explore new techniques in design and architecture, while developing the skills I already had. The teacher was motivating and contributed to my professional development by providing support, while giving me the freedom to learn through my own experiences. The year gave me increased confidence, both socially and creatively, and helped me figure out which field of study I want to pursue further.
I learned a lot during my year in Architecture and Design. With good guidance and varied assignments, I learned many useful things that were great to include in my portfolio. It was also a big help in getting accepted to the Oslo School of Architecture and Design.
My year at Åsane Folk High School gave me an enormous amount of academic growth and helped me learn about, and gain confidence in, myself and my creative abilities. The program has an amazing, supportive teacher, and combined with the fact that the class is small, this meant that each of us could feel seen and safe in each other’s company. Our teacher provided excellent guidance and support through a variety of exciting projects – everything from model building and traditional drawing to street art, 3D modeling, and ceramics – and for many of us, preparation for entrance exams to further creative studies. From day one, we were guided step by step, and this support continued throughout the entire folk high school experience.
I am now studying Industrial Design at the Design School Kolding in Denmark and have begun a new adventure here. I would highly recommend the Product Design program at Åsane to anyone interested in design or curious about the subjects I’ve mentioned. Perhaps you have already discovered and cultivated your creative interests and know that you want to pursue further creative studies. Or maybe you are a bit like I was – perhaps you haven’t had the chance to fully explore your creative side yet, and it can feel difficult to let it flourish. Either way, I would encourage you to give it a try. Why not start by applying?
Apply for a place at school now
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and processed in the order they are received. It is always a good idea to be early.
Product Design - prices
Food and lodging
NOK 96 000,-Joint costs
NOK 12 000,-Group trip
NOK 5 500,-Line price incl. study trip
NOK 40,000
Total:
NOK 153 500,-
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this program for?
Product Design is a creative and practical program for those who enjoy creating, testing ideas, and finding solutions. You will work with form, function, and design processes – from idea and sketch to finished product.
Do I need to be able to draw or design beforehand?
It will be an advantage, but it is not a prerequisite for joining this program. The most important thing is that you are curious, creative, and eager to learn. The teaching is structured so that everyone can develop, regardless of their starting point.
What do we work on in the program?
Among other things, you will work with:
- idea development and creative process
- sketching, model building, and prototyping
- materials and form
- problem-solving and function
- design from everyday needs to concepts
Much of the teaching is practical and exploratory.
Do I need my own equipment?
You will need a PC or Mac with good capacity for the Adobe suite and 3D drawing software. Otherwise, the school provides materials and equipment used in the teaching.
The school provides materials and equipment used in the teaching.
Will I receive guidance along the way?
Yes. You will receive close follow-up and guidance from the teacher throughout the process. The goal is for you to try, explore, improve, and develop your own expression.
Do we work mostly individually or in groups?
Both. You will work on your own projects and in collaboration with others. Collaboration, idea exchange, and reflection are an important part of design work.
What can I use this year for next?
This year will give you:
- experience with design processes
- increased creative confidence
- a better understanding of form and function
- a solid foundation for further studies in design and creative fields
It is also a great year to find out if design is something you want to pursue further. Those who wish will receive time and guidance to create a portfolio and prepare for entrance exams for design studies.