Students collaborate in cross-functional teams to operate as independent companies competing in a specific product market. Team members come from schools across the University: Art & Design, Business, Engineering, and Information.

Each semester, IPD focuses on a specific product category, challenging teams to operate as independent firms competing in that market.

The curriculum combines lectures with hands-on work, guiding you through critical stages such as customer discovery, concept generation, technical development, production planning, pricing, and marketing. Throughout the course, you will navigate the intricacies of developing a fully functional, customer-ready product. Products may be physical or digital, as determined by the team’s discovery and ideation process.

The process culminates in an exciting competition. Your team will present the final product at both an online “Product Launch” accessible to a global audience, and an in-person competition for local community feedback. Success is evaluated holistically based on the desirability, feasibility, and viability of your product – reflecting your team’s ability to navigate the complexities of product development.

Recognized by leading publications like CNN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Businessweek, this course is sponsored by the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan.