The General Introduction of Industrial Design
Course Description
Industrial design is different from other engineering courses. It is an inter-discipline that combines technology and art, science and aesthetics. In this course, you will not find boring formulas and principles. Instead, you will appreciate so many amazing products you have never seen before. Those products have different forms, different materials, and different functions. You will be shocked by the design works of many designers who have opened their minds.
This free, self-paced course has been running for 6 semesters and has been taken by over 10,000 learners. Through the study of this course, all learners are able to understand the concept of industrial design, the development process of industrial design, the content of design and related disciplines, and master the procedures and methods of industrial design. It has a strong practical guiding significance for popularizing innovative design knowledge and methods, improving students' innovative design capabilities, and improving the innovative awareness of the whole society.
The course is open to undergraduate students and the general public. No prior knowledge is required.
Course Provider
Provider: Zhengzhou University, delivered through XuetangX.
Platform: XuetangX online learning platform – fully online, self‑paced.
Instructors: Professor Liu Liyan, Professor Qin Dongchen, Associate Professor Wang Yigong, and Lecturer Wang Shuanghua.
Course Syllabus (8 Modules, 69 Lessons)
Learning Objectives
- Understand the concept of industrial design and its development process.
- Master the content of design and related disciplines.
- Learn the procedures and methods of industrial design.
- Develop a strong learning interest in the discipline.
- Lay the foundation for follow-up professional courses.
- Appreciate amazing products and be inspired by designers' creative works.
- Understand the inter-disciplinary nature of industrial design, combining technology, art, science, and aesthetics.
Course Prerequisites
Technical: None. This course is designed for beginners. No prior knowledge is required.
Language: The course is available in English. The platform interface can be switched to English.
Who should take this: Undergraduate students, design enthusiasts, and anyone interested in industrial design, product design, or creative innovation.
User Reviews
"This course opened my eyes to the world of industrial design. I loved the historical journey from the Arts & Crafts Movement to modern design. The module on design masters' works was incredibly inspiring. The instructors are knowledgeable and the content is well-structured. Highly recommended for anyone curious about design!"
"A very comprehensive introduction to industrial design. The course covers a wide range of topics, from design history to methods and fields. I appreciated the appreciation of design works and the seminar discussions. Some technical terms might be challenging for absolute beginners, but overall a great learning experience."
"I'm an engineering student and this course gave me a new perspective on design. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about solving problems creatively. The module on design and relative subjects (market, material, semiotics) was particularly valuable. The certificate from Zhengzhou University is a great addition to my portfolio."
Based on 220+ ratings on XuetangX.
💡 Final Thoughts
This course is a wonderful introduction to the world of industrial design. It takes you on a journey through design history, explores the relationship between design and other disciplines, and introduces you to the methods and fields of industrial design. The appreciation of design works and the seminar discussions make it engaging and inspiring. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply curious about design, this free course will enrich your understanding of how products are created and how design shapes our world. The certificate from Zhengzhou University is a nice bonus to showcase your new knowledge.
The General Introduction of Industrial Design – FAQ
Is this course really free?
Yes, completely free. XuetangX offers this course at no cost. You just need to create a free account on the platform.
Do I need any prior experience?
None at all. This course is designed for beginners. No prior knowledge is required.
How long does the course take?
The course is self‑paced and contains 69 lessons across 8 modules. You can complete it at your own pace within the enrollment period (e.g., July 2026 to January 2027).
Will I receive a certificate or badge?
Yes, upon passing the final exam, you'll receive a certificate of completion from Zhengzhou University and XuetangX. You can share it on LinkedIn and other platforms.
Is the course in English or Chinese?
The course is available in English. The XuetangX platform interface can be switched to English.
What topics are covered?
The course covers design and industrial design concepts, the history of industrial design, design and related subjects, industrial design methods, the field of industrial design, and design works appreciation.