Industry Partnerships Launch Careers

RIT Industrial Design's Metaproject studio course not only connects students with esteemed professionals in the design world, it presents them the opportunity to take a design from idea to concept to commercial and experiential production. 

Since 2010, Metaproject, on the strength of its industry partnerships, has helped launch careers and design dreams of numerous Industrial Design graduates. Metaproject pairs students with a different industry partner each year to design a product or experience that solves a specific problem. Several student designs from the course have been put into commercial production, including the below products. 

LIMBO - Vincent Lin (Metaproject 07)

Production company: Umbra

The plated metal paper towel holder, with its slim profile and integrated tray, helps keep countertops organized. Meanwhile, the molded rod creates friction that allows for a one-handed tear of paper towels.

Metaproject 07 with Umbra challenged students to design for small spaces.

Sticky Memo Ball - Afifi Ishak (Metaproject 06)

Production company: Poppin

Each of the 12 sticky sides of the “Sticky Memo Ball” features a tear-off memo in different colors to help users get creative with group brainstorming at work or stay organized at home. Additionally, a finished ball is a source for advice and predictions as every stack contains a fortune.

For Metaproject 06, students designed innovative accessories to accent and improve a new line of furniture from Poppin.

Wall Pockets - Audrey Kirk (Metaproject 05)

Production company: Kikkerland and Bed Bath & Beyond

This useful design organizes and keeps cell phones, glasses, school supplies and other small essentials close by. With “Wall Pockets” made 100 percent out of denim, its adhesive backing allows it to mount to any surface.

Partnering with Kikkerland and Bed Bath & Beyond for Metaproject 05, students addressed storage needs for college students living in dorms and small apartments.

Hanging Facades - Brian Keyes (Metaproject 05)

Production company: Kikkerland and Bed Bath & Beyond

Selected by Kikkerland and Bed Bath & Beyond for the 2015 back to school season, “Hanging Facades” is a series of hanging closet organizers for private, raised storage in dorm rooms.

Partnering with Kikkerland and Bed Bath & Beyond for Metaproject 05, students addressed storage needs for college students living in dorms and small apartments.

Blockitecture - James Paulius (Metaproject 03)

Production company: Areaware

“Blockitecture” has taken off since its early development during Metaproject. The architectural building blocks come in various themes — such as a New York City landscape, a parkland setting and brutalism architecture — that are sold as individual components or as sets that work together to build your own world. The blocks can be purchased in multiple places, including the Museum of Modern Art Design Store in New York City. 

Metaproject 03 saw a collaboration with avant-garde accessories manufacturer Areaware, which tasked students with exploring the properties of wood as a primary material in object construction.

Water From a Stone - Casey Schneider (Metaproject 02)

Production company: Kikkerland

“Water From a Stone” keeps plants perfectly watered. Made from hand-blown glass, the stone slowly allows water out from a release point and into a planter over the course of three to four days. Its subtle design also adds an aesthetic presence to a gardener’s home without taking away from the plants’ beauty. 

For Metaproject 02, students worked with the Corning Museum of Glass and RIT’s Glass program to create products using glass as the primary material.