By David Johnson
Through a 20-year relationship with Motorola, industrial design students worked to create innovative design plans and gain a professional advantage for entering the career world.
'Our program would not be as successful if we did not have this continual industry connection,' said Richard Fry, BYU professor of industrial design.
In a three-month creative exercise during the Fall Semester of 2005, these students worked with Motorola to create plans for new technology that would ease the job of an everyday beat cop.
According to the BYU College of Engineering and Technology Web site and Fry, one student designed plans for a 'throw radio. The radio is able to operate hands free and can be lowered or thrown to a person being rescued. Others plans include portable police stations and a visual radio that that uses visual codes and audio sounds to function like an instant messenger.
Fry said Motorola approached the department to see what ideas students might have. While student designs only contribute to 1.5 percent of Motorola''s market products, only 3 percent of professional ideas contribute to those same products, he said.
However, the purpose of working with Motorola and other companies, such as Nokia and Honda, is to provide students with professional experience, Fry said.
Working with different companies like Motorola, adds to the overall experience, said Tim Huntzinger, BYU senior and designer of the visual radio.
'When you have a broad variety of pieces to your portfolio, it adds depth,' Huntzinger said. 'It gives you a chance to wrap your head around something more than just cars.'
Industry connections also provide students with opportunities to research and learn how to find what a company wants but cannot express, he said.
Fry, who is also a student advisor, said that BYU''s industrial design program is the only program across the nation that is a bachelor''s of fine arts degree, under the College of Engineering.
Several companies call BYU''s industrial design department to comment on the professional and mature approach that BYU graduates have, he said.
Huntzinger said earning an industrial design degree that is under the College of Engineering, allows him to use resources that would not be available through the School of Fine Arts.
He said his experience with industrial design at BYU is more than drawing plans, it is hands-on experience, because of the work he is able to do with companies in the industry.
(For comments, e-mail David Johnson at david.shane.johnson@gmail.com)