Product Design Engineering is a collaborative programme that integrates the educational cultures of The Glasgow School of Art, School of Design and the University of Glasgow, James Watt School of Engineering. The PDE programme is the synthesis of practical knowledge, theory and creative ideas to form coherent and tangible design solutions. PDE is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Institute of Engineering Designers and Institute of Technology to allow Chartered Engineer status - an excellent example of the recognition of the programme and a springboard for careers.
Day to day, PDE students split their time between in-depth design projects in the Glasgow School of Art, School of Design studios, challenging them to create solutions to real-life problems, and a rigorous Engineering education at the University of Glasgow. This collaborative approach is done in parallel with students studying other creative disciplines at the Glasgow School of Art and Engineering students from a wide spectrum of disciplines at the University of Glasgow.
The final year of the PDE programme focuses on the exploration and application of the core skills developed in the earlier years. This process and approach is known as ‘Core-Explore’. During their studies, students are also introduced to industry through live projects, placements and visits. The course concludes with a major individual project completed over two semesters.
Product Design Engineering is a discipline built on intent — and every product’s journey begins with a mark. This year’s theme invites us to reflect on the marks we make as product design engineers - the concepts we sketch, the models we prototype, the futures we shape, and the impact we leave behind.
From a single object to products manufactured in the hundreds of millions, design engineers carry a profound responsibility. Every decision in the development process has consequences — social, environmental, and ethical. At PDE, we challenge our students to interrogate those consequences.
They are taught not only how to design for desirability, function and performance, but also how to critically evaluate the marks they are proposing to make and our students are acutely aware of the systems, materials, processes, and human experiences their work affects.
The projects on display in this year’s show demonstrate that responsibility in action. From speculative concepts to market-ready propositions, they reflect the diversity of thought, background, and ambition within the PDE community. We are incredibly proud of our students and even more excited to watch the next chapter unfold. These soon-to-be graduates and the marks they go on to make will no doubt leave a positive imprint on the planet.
Thank you to everyone who has supported PDE this year — industry partners, visiting lecturers, alumni, families and friends. Your time, insight, and belief in our students makes all the difference.
Craig Whittet
Head of Department, Product Design Engineering, GSA
In the realm of Product Design Engineering, making a mark transcends mere creation. It is about forging innovative solutions that resonate with users and address real-world challenges, underpinned by a deep passion and commitment to integrity.
Our passion ignites the drive to delve deeper, explore unconventional ideas, and persevere through complex technical hurdles. Coupled with integrity, we have a powerful mix - a product design engineer ensures ethical considerations and user well-being are paramount in the design lifecycle and development process. Our commitment to honest practices and responsible innovation builds trust and leaves a lasting legacy of impactful and conscientious work.
Product Design Engineering at The Glasgow School of Art and the University of Glasgow ignites and develops these behaviours – it propels graduates to pursue their goals with unwavering energy. It fuels creativity, fostering resilience in the face of setbacks. It transforms challenges into opportunities for growth. It teaches the foundations of integrity, providing a strong moral foundation, guiding actions with honesty, ethical principles, and a commitment to doing what is right.
My education at the GSA and University gave me the tools to operate in every role in my career path.I have held up my passion and integrity in delivery as a mantra for success. As Samuel Beckett well said, “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” – there are no shortcuts to success, and there are many learnings along the way, but our mark is made by how we go about doing this.
The graduates of PDE in my mind, are marked by passion and integrity. These core values give them a genuine purpose and a deep sense of responsibility, inspiring trust and belief that is essential in achieving a meaningful mark in the world.
Edwin McGuire
Programme Director, Palo Alto Network
1992 BEng (Hons) Product Design Engineering
Congrats, you PDE students! On display here are both the beginnings of your ideas, and of your careers. As you step out of your studios at GSA, I genuinely hope your path leads to fulfilling employment – but I also hope you consider forging your own path. Whether founding your own start-up, business or ambitious project: the world needs thoughtful designers like you all to be our next leaders. You’ve learned to notice the detail of the world around you and turn your attention to it – mindfully, creatively and with focus. That’s such a powerful skill and force for good. Hold on to it, and continue honing it.
In a decade of working at Kickstarter, I’ve found the most successful creators are those who can turn an idea into something others can rally around.
So no matter what path you take: take your ideas and validate them further. Share them, test them, talk about them. Your work has such value – but only if others can see it. Publish. Don’t be cautious or wait until you’re finished. Invite feedback. Find your audience, your backers, your customers, your community. Talk to people, and then iterate.
Success often doesn’t come to the most talented designers or engineers – it comes to those who are brave enough to build in the open, and generous enough to bring others along with them.
Good luck!
Heather Swift Hunt
Head of Design & Tech, Kickstarter