The Multidisciplinary Engineering (MDE) concentration of Visual Design Engineering produces engineers who contribute artistic form and functionality to product design, whether that product is a service, software or a physical item. The work of visual design engineers is often associated with ergonomics and aesthetics, but an engineering background sets them apart from industrial designers or product designers in that their work involves issues of functionality, problem-solving, efficiency, and simplicity of use. Students take courses in engineering as well as in subjects such as art, computer aided design (CAD), graphic design, and industrial design. View this MDE concentration's plan of study.

Potential Industries: Consumer products, merchandising display and model building, computer hardware, automotive, architecture, construction, and manufacturing. Any industry can use the creative and technical skills of a visual design engineer.

Potential Work: Designing stylish and functional devices (e.g. phones, tablets, laptops) including comfortable and aesthetic furniture; automotive exteriors that considers aerodynamics and passenger safety; and facility layouts and displays to convey visual ambience as well as improve efficiency or increase sales.

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