Educational Framework for IoT Product and Service Design

Archives of Design Research, 37(2), 103-119

First Author

The rapid advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technology is fundamentally transforming the field of industrial design, shifting its focus from standalone products to interconnected systems. However, traditional design curricula at universities often emphasize aesthetic and visualization skills, leaving students underprepared for the complexities of emerging technologies. This paper presents an IoT educational framework designed specifically for design students with non-technical backgrounds. The framework includes clearly defined educational objectives, tailored content, a dedicated IoT prototyping toolkit, and comprehensive teaching guidelines. Case studies conducted across three universities with 15 students demonstrated the framework's effectiveness in enhancing learning outcomes. Students successfully translated abstract ideas into functional IoT prototypes, gaining confidence in integrating technical knowledge into the design process. Feedback highlighted their enthusiasm for embracing technology within their creative workflows. This study underscores the critical need for inclusive, technology-driven curricula that prepare future designers to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Internet of Things (IoT), Prototyping, Technology-Infused Design, Design Education, Interaction Design, Physical Computing