SPORTS INDUSTRY MEETS ACADEMIA: THE PEDAGOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF AN MS DEGREE PROGRAM IN SPORTS PRODUCT DESIGN
Loading...
Date
2019
Authors
Sokolowski, Susan L.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
National Academy of Inventors
Abstract
In the U.S., Portland, Oregon, is home to the sports product design industry. Jobs in this
industry vary from entry-level retail assistants to CEOs, but the heart of it all revolves around
designers and the inventive products they create. Becoming a successful designer can be very
challenging and competitive, as undergraduate design and engineering programs in the U.S.
provide basic skills but not industry-specific skills that fully allow designers to succeed in all
divisions (apparel, footwear, and equipment) of the sports product industry. The University of
Oregon, through a strategic initiatives effort, identified this opportunity and developed an integrative
Master of Science graduate degree program in Sports Product Design. The program was
created to include specialized courses from the departments of human physiology, journalism,
business, and design to develop graduates proficient in using theories and creative problem
solving skills to invent products that push the boundaries of athletic performance. Students
learn how design can reduce athletic injuries and extend careers, improve performance, and
address issues related to gender and diverse body types, including athletes with disabilities. This
paper will review the creation of this one-of-a-kind program in the U.S., including pedagogical
considerations, curriculum, and student inventions over the last three years.
Description
14 pages
Keywords
Sports, Product design, Pedagogy
Citation
Sokolowski, S. L. (2019). Sports Industry Meets Academia: The pedagogical development of an MS degree program in sports product design. Technology & Innovation, 20(3), 165–177. https://doi:10.21300/20.3.2019.165