High-Impact Projects to Include in Your Portfolio

1. A Consumer Product Redesign (Design For Manufacturing-focused)
Shows that you can design real, manufacturable objects

• redesign a kettle, razor, flashlight, multi-tool, or headset

• cost reduction

• Large scale manufacturing considerations

• Mechanism improvements

• Exploded views + assembly step

2. A Human-Factors Driven Product
Shows consideration for real user needs

• Ergonomic kitchen tool, tool handle, medical device grip, controller, wearable

• Iterative foam/clay models

• User testing

3. A Full End-to-End Concept Project PROD DES II FINAL
Something visually striking + well reasoned

• Smart home device

• Furniture piece

• Mobility product (urban scooter, bike accessory, bag, helmet)

• Shows creative vision and storytelling

Medium-Priority (but VERY helpful)

4. A Soft Goods Project- SIDEARM KNOCKOFF: WEBBING SYSTEM FOR EDC
Shows material knowledge & versatility

• Backpack or travel accessory

• Camera/sling bag

• Wearable strap system** <—Think this would be cool on some acronym shi

• Include pattern-making, sewing, foam/PE boards.

5. A Simple Electromechanical Product
Demonstrates understanding of internal components and constraints.

• Fan

• Desk lamp

• Bike light

6. Rapid Prototyping Project
Studios LOVE seeing hands-on build skills.

• Iterate quickly

• Test real functionality

• Learn from failure

Optional but Impressive

7. CMF Exploration Project
Big plus for consumer electronics & lifestyle companies.

• Show color palettes, materials, textures, coatings.

8. Sustainability-Focused Redesign
Sustainability is a major hiring priority right now.

• Disassembly

• Repairability

• Material reduction