We created new products and thrived in the marketplace.

The Integrated Product Development course brings together students and faculty members from different disciplines for an innovative product design competition. It has been featured on CNN and written up in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Businessweek.

The multidisciplinary course is managed by the Tauber Institute for Global Operations. The Fall and Winter semesters courses were taught by faculty members Eric Svaan of the Ross School of Business and Stephanie Tharp of the Stamps School of Art & Design.

Teams composed of students from the Stamps School of Art & Design, College of Engineering, School of Information, and Ross School of Business worked together to develop market research, new product concepts, technical solutions, production processes, pricing, inventory, and advertising. Each semester culminated in a trade show where teams introduced their new products to potential consumers in a competitive marketplace.

FALL 2022 PRODUCT CHALLENGE: OUTDOORS FOR ALL

Students were challenged to design a tangible product solution which lowers barriers to participation in outdoor activities by persons who have lost functional use of one or more limbs. The product will be a countermeasure to difficulties that amputees or those with paralysis in one or more major limbs face when they prepare for or engage in outdoor activities. The tangible product solution might also include service, technology, application and built environment features.

WINTER 2023 PRODUCT CHALLENGE: HOSPITALITY IN SMALL SPACES

Students were challenged to design a tangible household product that enables hospitality within small living spaces, suitable for use by young adults living in household circumstances in a hyper-urbanized environment. Use of digital technology features is permitted but not required.

Winter semester student teams also competed for the Murphy Prize, an award of $5000 in scholarship funds established in memory of Michigan alumna Sarah S. Murphy. A panel of industry experts selected the team whose business plan best met the assigned criteria, brought something new to the field, and had the greatest chance of commercialization. Congratulations to Team “Tablext” who impressed the judges with their exceptional product development outreach efforts! The team worked together to build the innovative product that transforms any surface into a functional and multipurpose display area. Ideal for small living spaces or hospitality settings, TableXT maximizes your home with efficient and stylish organization.

In remembrance of Seth Sugar