r/IndustrialDesign • u/currypotato03 • 21h ago

School Math in Industrial Design deegres

I'm looking to pursue a bachelors in industrial design.

I've seen a couple of math classes in the curriculum but I would like to know how much math knowledge I would need while on the degree since my math skills are extremely poor.

7 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

13

u/stalkholme 20h ago

Depends on the school. I did mine at a university where calculus and linear algebra were part of the curriculum. Also physics and psychology.

4

u/Sketchblitz93 Professional Designer 20h ago

I’ve only ever used basic math around measurement, weight and volume.

If you have a couple of math classes required it’s most likely the degree is a B.S.

ID programs that are a B.F.A. will only require one basic math class like algebra or at most pre calc.

6

u/mr_upsey 20h ago

I took no math classes at my school

3

u/lord_hyumungus Professional Designer 18h ago

I specialize in SolidWorks and in short mainly use geometry/ trigonometry, but it’s not like I’m solving equations that make me sweat. Probably more like repetitive math problems that get easier over time.

2

u/blacknight334 20h ago

Ive seen many approaches. My school had no math involved. Others did. Depends on the school and what you intend to do with the degree. It definitely doesnt hurt to have it though.

1

u/j____b____ 17h ago edited 7h ago

You just need enough math to pass a physics class. Usually up to about trigonometry.

1

u/crafty_j4 Professional Designer 8h ago

Depends on the school. I didn’t have to take physics and didn’t use trig until after I graduated.

1

u/BaconatorBros 12h ago

Depends on the degree but good courses imo should have a balance of skills including mathematics and physics so you may want to practice or revise your math skills.

1

u/SadLanguage8142 8h ago

Math is a big part of it for me - ID is part design part engineering part manufacturing, so you gotta work with weights/densities, force/pressure tolerances, wall thickness calculations, basic materials science, manufacturing costing, business scaling models, and more. Math is fun!