Industry Insights: Assessing Canadian Undergraduate Industrial Design Practica through a Company Lens

This research is a qualitative assessment of current undergraduate industrial design practica that are implemented in 4-year-based accredited Canadian schools through industry expert insights. Bachelor of industrial design programs in this study offer hands-on industry experience to students between 3rd and 4th years who have completed preliminary program requirements to be considered as eligible candidates. Research findings from academic and company insights propose ways to enhance the current industrial design practica by examining the roles of a key supervisor at work placement, availability of student resources, degree of interactions within assigned departments, the need for funding sources, and understanding industry expectations. The research data also extracts other collaborative learning opportunities for undergraduate students through industry partnerships. Keywords: Undergraduate design practica, expert insights, transferable skills, industry expectations, work preparedness.