Diploma in Product Experience & Design (T35)

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Course Overview

Do you see yourself shaping the future through products that are smart, purposeful, and human-centred? In this diploma, you will learn to design across both physical and digital dimensions—where tangible form meets immersive experience. From consumer electronics to healthcare solutions, from financial services to hospitality and lifestyle products, you will explore how product and experience design intersect across diverse industries.

You will explore how to design products that not only function well, but also carry meaning and impact—blending functionality, purpose, and social consciousness. From user-centred research to hands-on prototyping, you will sharpen your craft, develop your technical skillsets, and refine your critical thinking. You will also learn how to pitch your ideas convincingly, working with real clients on live challenges from both government agencies and industry players.

Through an iterative and research-driven process, you will design outcomes that are aesthetically refined, user-focused, and strategically sound. Along the way, you will have opportunities to explore adjacent areas such as psychology, branding, and digital marketing—helping you build the confidence to innovate across domains. By integrating design, business, and technology, you will be ready to create impactful design solutions that connect people, products, and experiences in meaningful ways.

FIRST OF ITS KIND
With more than 30 years in the business as the first product design course in a polytechnic, we are recognised for producing some of Singapore’s top award-winners and entrepreneurs in the product design scene.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
Students work with industry-grade equipment and the latest 3D printers to prototype their ideas in one of Singapore’s largest fully-equipped fabrication workshops.

INNOVATIVE TOOLS
With equipment such as MS HoloLens 2 and Magic Leap, students can use virtual reality, mixed reality and augmented reality to collaborate and accelerate their design iteration process through interactive real-world digital visualisation.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants must obtain 26 points or better for the net ELR2B2 aggregate score (i.e. English Language, 2 relevant subjects and best 2 other subjects, including CCA Bonus Points) and meet the minimum entry requirements of this course. CCA cannot be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.

Subject

Grade

English Language

1-7

Mathematics (E or A)

1-7

Any one of the subject in the 2^nd group of relevant subjects for ELR2B2-D Aggregate Type

Art
Biology
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Computing / Computer Studies
Creative 3D Animation
Design & Technology
Design Studies
Food & Nutrition/ Nutrition & Food Science
Electronics / Fundamentals of Electronics
Higher Art
Media Studies (English)
Media Studies (Chinese)
Physics
Science (Chemistry, Biology)
Science (Physics, Biology)
Science (Physics, Chemistry)

1-6

2025 Planned Intake

Net ELR2B2 aggregate range (2025 JAE)

6 - 15

Note:

Applicants with mild or severe colour vision deficiency may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Interested applicants with mild or severe colour vision deficiency are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.
Applicants with severe visual impairment may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Interested applicants with severe visual impairment are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.
Applicants with uncontrolled epilepsy or profound hearing loss may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Interested applicants with these conditions are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.
Applicants with physical impairment or are physically dependent on mobility equipment may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Applicants with impaired or limited motor functions may be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine their suitability for the course. Interested applicants with physical impairment are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.

Admissions Exercises

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

ITE Graduates

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

Coursework

Project Sanctuary: Reimagined comfort for Singapore Unsung Heroes

Did you know 30% of Singapore’s workforce is made up of migrant workers? Project Sanctuary explores ways to enhance their comfort and dignity in urban and outdoor environments.

This project won 3 Crowbar Awards, International Design Awards, and was featured on Mothership.

Learn more

SCDF Stack It Up: Turning Emergency Drills into Family Thrills

How prepared are you for an emergency? Stack It Up combines family fun with vital emergency response lessons. With action cards, HDB blocks, and roles like firefighter and paramedic, it’s all about fun, learning, and family bonding.

This project was commissioned for Singapore Civil Defence Force.

Learn more

FocusFlame: Mastering Focus in The Digital Age

Did you know that Gen Z's attention span is only 8 seconds? FOCUSFLAME boosts focus with cool incentives, interactive engagement, and parental tracking, leveling up concentration altogether!

FocusFlame includes a collection of physical products for both student and parent, paired with a comprehensive digital application.

Learn more

Greenspace+ x Luxx Newhouse: Fostering Curiosity through AR Playground

How do we balance study and play for optimal learning in Singapore?

Paw Detectives, a commissioned industry project, introduces an AR playground with interactive elements like light play and textured exploration, fostering curiosity while reinforcing educational skills.

Learn more

From Mailbox to Sustainable Garden: MACHE’s DIY Eco-kit

How many waste papers fill our mailboxes daily? Imagine turning them into a fun learning tool!

MACHE is an eco-friendly DIY kit that converts waste paper into plant-growing bricks. The eco-kit aims to foster creativity and sustainability education in a meaningful and fulfilling parent-child bonding.

Learn more

Visherman: Singapore Seafolk Roots Redefined

What if fishing could preserve ocean life and honour tradition? Visherman, inspired by Singapore’s “Orang Laut” heritage, helps anglers recycle food waste into bait and practice humane fishing, releasing catches to maintain biodiversity.

This project was featured on TP’s Sustainable Design Award.

Learn more

What You'll Learn

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
TPFun

In Year 1, you will acquire basic skills of visual presentation and get an introduction to design research. For example, you will find out how to manipulate shapes and forms to communicate an idea, as well as 3D printing and other prototyping tools.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DPD1439	Design Research Methodologies This subject introduces the basics in user experience research. The subject covers the design process and user research methods to elicit design specifications that empathise with the users’ needs.	4
DCF1051	Ideas & Concepts This subject introduces essential tools and methods for ideation, fostering divergent thinking and creative exploration. It cultivates students' critical awareness and stimulates criticality in conceptualising and visualising creative solutions. Through exploration, curiosity, and observation, students will learn to apply these approaches to contexts within our ever-changing world.	2
DCF1052	Narratives in Design This subject explores storytelling as a powerful strategic tool within the creative process across various design disciplines. Through understanding the components of an effective story and learning how to craft one using key narrative elements, students will learn to integrate strong narratives into their design to articulate their design intent more effectively.	2
DCF1053	Aesthetic & Design Sensibility This subject explores the visual language of design, emphasising both its aesthetic and communicative functions. Students will develop an understanding of the Elements of Visual Art and the Principles of Design in both two-and three-dimensional forms. The subject also introduces foundational skills in material manipulation and form-making to support creative expression.	4
DCF1054	Design Software Essentials This subject equips students with training in essential, industry- standard design software commonly used across creative fields. Students will undertake a personalised learning pathway to build digital fluency through guided learning materials and self-directed activities.	2
DCF1055	Foundation Studio This subject develops fundamental discipline specific skills, enabling students to apply them within the design process. It also introduces contextual studies as a framework to integrate historical, cultural and social considerations into their design practice.	6
DPD2451	Design Studio: Form & Function This subjects introduces students to the essential principles of design through the exploration of form, function, and user interaction. The module emphasizes hands-on experimentation with materials and construct to develop understandings of how product design communicate purpose and usability and fosters a critical awareness of how design decisions impact user experience.	6
DPD2452	Rapid Prototyping This subject integrates digital 3D modelling, visualization, and rapid prototyping techniques to support design ideation, validation, and communication. Students will learn how to construct and manipulate both solid and surface-based models using industry-relevant CAD software. They will also explore intermediate rendering techniques to visualize their designs in 2D and translate their digital models into physical form using 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. The subject emphasises a seamless workflow between digital and physical outputs, equipping students with technical proficiency and design communication skills essential to contemporary design practices.	4
DPD2445	Digital Prototyping This subject covers basic principles and methodologies to develop a product with the end user in mind. It will introduce cognitive and physical considerations as well as user testing to improve the usability of a product.	4
DPD2453	Colour , Material & Finishing This subject introduces the sensory and aesthetic dimensions of materials and surfaces in design. It explores how colour, texture, and finish can be manipulated to shape the emotional and functional impact of a product. It focuses on the role of CMF in creating coherent design narratives and supporting product identity.	2

Year 2 is where you go deeper into understanding the design research process. You will also learn the technical tools of visualisation in order to help you develop better product usability and create delightful user experiences. This is the year for study trips! You will have the opportunity to go on study trips to gain exposure to different lifestyles, cultures and social platforms to better enrich your design concepts.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DPD2446	User Experience Design The subject covers affective psychology and qualitative data gathering methods to design and develop user and product experiences that address the users’ needs while influencing the user’s emotions. The collated data is synthesised to support design solutions through development with a prototyping tool.	4
DPD2454	Design Studio: Connected Experiences This subject covers how physical and digital elements combine to shape cohesive product experiences. Students will design connected solutions where objects, interfaces, and interactions work seamlessly together, developing skills in both physical prototyping and digital interface design.	6
DPD2446	User Experience Design The subject covers affective psychology and qualitative data gathering methods to design and develop user and product experiences that address the users’ needs while influencing the user’s emotions. The collated data is synthesised to support design solutions through development with a prototyping tool.	4
DPD3441	Design Studio: Service Integration This subject challenges students to design seamless service experiences by integrating products, interactions, and environments. Emphasizing the intersection of physical and digital touchpoints, students develop solutions that enhance user journeys through thoughtful service design.	6
DPD3437	Service Design Principles The subject covers intermediate vector and pixel-based visualization skills. This subject introduces students to the intermediate of three-dimensional (3D) surface and Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) surface modelling. The construction of high-quality 3D modelling and visualization through twodimensional (2D) computer rendering will be covered using appropriate computer-aided design (CAD) software that is firmly established in the design industry.	4
DPD2456	Product Storytelling This subject covers the areas of resource planning and video communication to craft compelling and visually engaging business video pitch presentations. Topics on video production and post-production editing techniques as well as applications of case study narratives for various design contexts will be included for visually persuasive and captivating videos utilised for project pitches and promotional purposes.	2
DPD3442	Product Innovation The subject explores the processes, mindsets, and strategies required to create impactful, market-relevant, and user-centred products in a constantly evolving global landscape. This subject equips students with the skills to identify opportunities for innovation, generate and evaluate creative ideas, and transform those ideas into viable product solutions that align with business, technological, and sustainability goals.	4
DPD2455	Product Interface Design The subject covers the creation of product interfaces that span both physical and digital domains. Using industry-relevant prototyping software, students will develop interface concepts grounded in systems thinking and interaction principles, shaping thoughtful and engaging product experiences.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DEC1056	Data & Code as Creative Tools This subject introduces students to creative methods for using data and code in design. Through accessible low-code and no-code platforms, students explore how computational thinking, and structured data can be playfully reimagined. Emphasis is placed on using these tools to generate interactive design outcomes and expand creative possibilities.	2
DEC1057	Interactive & Immersive Technologies This subject explores how emerging technologies—such as sensors, microcontrollers and motion trackers—enable designers to create responsive and immersive experiences. Students experiment with physical computing to prototype interactive systems, gaining an intuitive understanding of how technology can shape user engagement and interaction.	2
DEC2058	Design Realisation through Technology This subject brings together digital fabrication and physical prototyping practices to help students realise interactive concepts as tangible outcomes. Through tools like 3D printing, laser-cutting, and hands-on iteration, students refine their ideas into functional prototypes that demonstrate thoughtful application of technology in design.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DEC1059	People-Centred & Inclusive Design This subject introduces students to the principles and practices of people-centred and inclusive design. Through user research, empathy-building, and accessibility principles, students learn to uncover real needs and engage diverse perspectives with clarity and care. The subject encourages thoughtful design grounded in the realities of people and the contexts they live in.	2
DEC1060	Facilitating Innovation through Design Students explore how design enables innovation within cross-functional teams and complex environments. Through practical frameworks, tools and case studies, they learn to frame opportunities, support co-creation and guide creative collaboration. The subject highlights the designer's role as a facilitator of change, helping teams navigate ambiguity and unlock new value.	2
DEC2061	Prototyping for Service Innovation This subject focuses on using prototyping to explore and communicate ideas across service and system-level contexts. Students learn how to develop physical and digital mock-ups, test experiences across multiple touchpoints, and refine their solutions through rapid iteration. Data and user feedback are used to inform design decisions and enhance service outcomes in real-world contexts.	4

Subject Code	Brand Marketing	Credit Units
DEC1062	Strategic Brand Building This subject introduces the fundamentals of brand strategy and management. Students learn how to position a brand, define its value, and develop coherent brand systems that connect with audiences. Through case studies and hands-on exercises, they explore how brands stay relevant and align with business goals.	2
DEC1063	Consumer Psychology & Brand Influence This subject explores how consumer behaviour and psychology shape brand interactions. Students examine decision-making patterns, emotional drivers, and behavioural insights to better understand how people relate to brands. The subject bridges marketing strategy with human perception, helping students build more meaningful and persuasive brand experiences.	2
DEC2064	Storytelling for Brand Engagement This subject explores how storytelling and data-driven insights come together to engage audiences across marketing platforms. Students learn to craft compelling brand narratives, apply performance analytics, and develop targeted strategies that align with consumer behaviours. Through integrated campaigns, they activate brands that are both creatively distinctive and strategically informed.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DEC1065	Digital Content Strategy This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of social media and content strategy. They learn how to plan, manage, and measure content across platforms to build brand presence and engage audiences. Students explore performance analytics and platform-specific behaviours to craft strategic, consistent, and effective digital content.	2
DEC1066	Crafting Stories for Digital Media This subject focuses on storytelling techniques for digital content creators. Students learn how to structure compelling narratives, storyboard ideas, and write with clarity and purpose. Drawing on principles from journalism, content marketing and digital publishing, the subject helps students shape stories that resonate across media formats and audience types.	2
DEC2067	Media Production for Content Creators This subject equips students with practical production skills for digital content creation. They learn how to plan, shoot, and edit photo and video content while working with lighting, sound and composition. Through hands-on projects, students produce engaging media assets that align with platform and audience needs, building content that is both technically sound and creatively effective.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DEC1068	Creative Business Essentials This subject introduces students to the practical realities of running a creative business. From understanding business structures and managing finance to finding clients, students learn how to operate independently and sustainably. Project management, client communication, and business administration are explored through the lens of creative practice.	2
DEC1069	Ethics, IP & the Creative Economy This subject introduces the legal and ethical considerations relevant to creative professionals. Students learn the basics of intellectual property, copyright and contract law, along with the responsibilities involved in fair and ethical business practice. Real-world examples help students understand how to protect their work and navigate client agreements with confidence.	2
DEC2070	Creative Practice for the Marketplace This subject prepares students to take their creative work to market. They learn how to position their value, tailor messaging to different audiences, and develop pitching strategies that resonate. From crafting narratives to developing and presenting business ideas, students build confidence in articulating and promoting their creative ventures.	4

Industry exposure takes centre stage in your final year. Work on ‘live’ industry projects and be exposed to current industry practices. Some industry partners our students have worked with include Ikea, Singapore Technologies and Lam Soon Group. Coupled with internship and preparation for the Major Project, year 3 will prepare you for life after graduation as young and innovative designers with fresh ideas.

	Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
	DPD3445	PED Professional Practice This subject supports students in shaping their professional identity as emerging product designers. It explores the creation of a design portfolio and CV that communicate individual values, skills, and design approach, alongside exposure to industry standards. It focuses on positioning students for employment through reflection and unique self-presentation, encouraging them to find distinctive and creative ways to showcase their work and identity across varied design contexts.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DPD3443	PED Capstone Project: Proposal The capstone project focuses on the ideation and development of an original product concept that challenges students to think critically, explore broadly and addresses a real user need through innovative and user-centred design.	6
DPD3444	PED Capstone Project: Production As part of the capstone project, students will translate their product concepts into physical and digital forms through iterative prototyping and fabrication. Beginning with low-fidelity models to explore form, function, and user interaction, students will advance to mid- or high-fidelity prototypes using appropriate materials and processes.	4
DGL3071	Guided Work-based Learning This subject provides opportunity for students to be involved in industry attachment through collaboration with industry partners. The industry-specific knowledge and skills acquired during the attachment would be facilitated by organisation supervisors and school liaison officers to enhance learning and application of knowledge in a real-world workplace environment.	10

You will also take this set of subjects that equips you with the crucial 21st-century life skills you need to navigate the modern world as an agile, forward-thinking individual and team player.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
GTP1103	Effective Personal Leadership This subject examines self-management and self-leadership through an exploration of values and beliefs, necessary for adapting to the world of work. It covers topics such as self-management and awareness, values and ethics, interpersonal communication, teamwork, resilience and emotional intelligence for enhancing leadership capabilities. These can significantly influence careers, relationships, and overall well-being. This subject is a reflective exploration of ‘leadership from within’ to have a greater awareness for the development of attributes required in an effective values-centred leader for oneself and for others.	3
GTP1203	Career Readiness & Communication This subject equips students with career preparation skills through better understanding of their career interests, values, skills and aspirations. Topics covered include personal branding, job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, and interview techniques. In addition, students will gain awareness of workplace communication to succeed in their careers and achieve professional goals.	3
GTP1303	Current Issues & Critical Thinking This subject provides a comprehensive introduction to critical thinking by engaging students with current local and global issues. Students will learn to analyse diverse perspectives and uncover underlying assumptions in opinions, evaluate the credibility and bias of information sources, and construct well-reasoned, evidence-based arguments using established critical-thinking frameworks. They will also assess the societal, ethical, and personal implications of contemporary problems, and develop the ability to communicate their conclusions clearly and persuasively, employing appropriate digital tools to support their ideas.	4
INV1001	Innovation & Entrepreneurship The subject is designed for learners from all disciplines to embrace innovation in either their specialised field or beyond. Learners will be taught to apply the Design Thinking framework to develop problem statements, ideate and identify feasible solutions. Learners will be exposed to several tools for prototyping. In addition, commercial awareness will be imbued in learners through various innovation and entrepreneurship concepts or tools. This subject also prepares students to be self-directed lifelong learners who are digital and information literate. It nurtures communicative and collaborative citizens who can use objective analysis in problem-solving.	2
LSW1002	Sports & Wellness This subject reinforces the fundamental knowledge learnt on health, fitness, exercise and sports. Hands-on time will be allocated for a greater variety of fitness exercises and sports skills in a recreational setting. In addition, theoretical knowledge such as sports safety and risk management when participating in physical activities will be introduced. Guidance will be provided for improvement of physical fitness, acquiring of sports skills and relating theoretical knowledge to the physical activities.	2
TGS1002	Global Studies This subject provides essential skills and knowledge to prepare students for an overseas experience. They will examine the elements of culture and learn the key principles of cross-cultural communication. In addition, they will gain an appreciation and awareness of the political, economic, technological and social landscape to function effectively in a global environment. The subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and leaders who can contribute to the global community through effective communication and collaboration.	3
TGS1003	Sustainability & Climate Action This subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and future leaders who can contribute to the global community. It introduces the topics of sustainability and explores how human societies can act to build a sustainable future. This subject focuses on the impact of climate change, potential solutions to climate change, and the future of the green economy from global and local perspectives.	3
DSI3048	Student Internship Programme This structured programme is designed to link your learning with the real work environment. You will be placed in organisation(s) with opportunities to apply the concepts and skills acquired in the course of your study. Besides reinforcing technical concepts and mastering of skills in areas that you have been trained, the practical training will enable you to build important skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and to cultivate good attitude and a strong work ethic.	16

	Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
	GTP1304	Beyond the Classroom: Guided Learning This subject empowers students to take charge of their personal learning in a chosen area of inquiry. Students will broaden or deepen their knowledge and skills, fostering a proactive approach to lifelong learning. Following a scaffolded process, students will design and execute a personalised learning plan that extends beyond traditional classroom walls. The journey culminates in a curated portfolio that highlights their achievements and growth.	3

Graduation Requirements

Cumulative Grade Point Average

min 1.0

TP Fundamentals Subjects

min 36 credit units

Diploma Subjects – Core Subjects

70 credit units

Diploma Subjects – Elective Subjects

min 18 credit units

Total Credit Units Completed

min 124 credit units

Career Prospects

Product Designer
Experience/UX Designer
UI/UX Designer
Industrial Designer

Interaction/UI Designer
Service Designer
Digital Designer

Design Researcher
3D Visualiser
Material Designer

Many have also started their own successful design studios.

Course Review

”PID is the start of my life in the industry. My lecturers are my first colleagues and the friends are my first rivals. PID taught me that for any problem, a well-designed product can be the solution. All I have to do is use the many skills I’ve learnt to research the issue, ask for the user's opinion and finally craft the solution. Besides the industrial side, there is also the fun part of creating things like toys and nice looking structures for people who appreciate them. There are 2 sides to this course and it would be a shame if you only saw one.”

Hakeem
(Current Year 3 Student)

“PID had a life changing impact on my life. After three memorable years of studying here, I had learnt a diverse range of creative skills that are indispensable in the world of design under the guidance of remarkable lecturers that have rich knowledge and experience in the design industry. From studio projects to design competition, PID had provided us many opportunities to learn and grow as a prospective designer.”

Ye Jia Jie
Alumni

“Enrolling in PID was a dream come true for me. The amazing facilities that PID provided allowed me to reach pass my potential in various creative skills. PID had also given me many opportunities and connections through active studio projects and design competitions. After three unforgettable years in PID, I have learnt the skills to execute and effectively communicate my ideas to meet industry standards. With the guidance of passionate and dedicated lecturers, we were motivated to strive for the best in our design journey.

Siew E Ian
(Alumni – Recent Grad)

Awards

Learn More

Course Fees

PET Course Fee

Main

The table below shows the total subsidised fees (inclusive of GST) payable.

ADMITTED IN	SINGAPOREANS (Aged below 40 in the year 2024)	SINGAPORE PERMANENT RESIDENTS	INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
2025	S$3,179.65	S$6,509.65	S$12,570.15
2024	S$3,068.75	S$6,298.75	S$12,159.25

WHEN DO I PAY?

There are 2 semesters in each Academic YEAR (AY). The billing periods for AY 2024/2025 are:
Semester 1: 21 April 2025 -19 October 2025
Semester 2: 21 October 2025 -19 April 2026

Fees are billed and payable by semester. They are usually payable in June for Semester 1 and December for Semester 2.

Payment Method

MORE DETAILS ON FEES AND FINANCE

View course fees for other intakes, subsidies, grants, bursary and awards at the Fees & Financial matters section.

View the list of scholarships available to A&F students.

Go to Fees & Financial Matters

Contact

deshotline@tp.edu.sg
Website: https://www.tp.edu.sg/des
School of Design
Temasek Polytechnic
Central Block 28-28A
21 Tampines Ave 1
Singapore 529757

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