Abstract

Establishing a long-term and productive relationship between industry and the academic world is meaningful and has been widely explored across disciplines. In this article, through multiple case studies with one industry partner, the author describes a framework of initiating and developing a close relationship between an industrial design (ID) program and an industry partner. This collaboration has created a productive and win-win model for both parties. As an industry partner, the company provides an immersing and stimulating learning environment for students and faculty of the ID program through real research and design projects. The company provides materials, funding, and engineering expertise to support the projects. The students and faculty team produces valuable design concepts and research outcomes to the research and development group of the company. The article elaborates and emphasizes the importance of a value-added process centered on a strategic long-term planning aligned with the partner’s business goals that augment mutual benefits.