Working with materials, designing or redefining an object’s function, creating new products, challenging production technologies, conceiving a scenography – this programme is for passionate, curious students wishing to make product design their profession. This vocational Bachelor course provides a high level of skills and know-how required by industrial designers.
Supervised by renowned practitioners and evolving in studios equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the students work on conceiving the form and function of objects as well as on production modes, while learning about the fundamentals of sustainability. Simultaneously they become seasoned in technical drawing, CAD software, computer-assisted manufacturing and materials science. During their curriculum they are involved in collaborative projects with first-rate companies, leading to various productions, exhibitions and publications in the international press. Workshops are also organised with major actors in this field. The students also benefit from a wide range of theoretical courses and multidisciplinary conferences on the ECAL premises.
Through the graphic design and photography courses, students are able to produce a portfolio to the highest professional standards, and therefore to find work in international agencies or leading companies or to establish their own business. They may also further their knowledge in their chosen field by continuing with a Master Product Design or a MAS in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship at ECAL, as well as an equivalent programme in another institution of higher education.
French
Bachelor of Arts HES-SO in Product and Industrial Design
6 semesters
180 ECTS
Open space BA Industrial Design Materials Library Prototype Workshop CAO/FAO
1/5
1/6
1/3
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Christophe Guberan
In collaboration with a local craftsman, the students designed a reusable packaging solution suitable for production in a little series. The project aimed to enhance the value of an everyday food product while addressing current challenges related to transport, sustainability, and the second life of packaging. The intervention had to be simple, functional, and eco-friendly, offering a purpose beyond its original packaging function.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Elric Petit
As part of the CITY TREES project, students were invited to design an object in connection with a tree of their choice within the urban landscape of Lausanne. Drawing inspiration from dendrology, they observed an existing tree and envisioned a subtle, respectful, and reversible intervention. The aim was to highlight the unique characteristics of the tree while ensuring the project harmoniously blended into its surroundings.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Stéphane Halmaï-Voisard
The first-year students of the Bachelor in Industrial Design (BADI) at ECAL, under the direction of Stéphane Halmaï-Voisard, head of BADI, embarked on a project to design their own unique interpretations of a Bluetooth speaker. This project challenged the students to work creatively within the constraints of an existing kit of technical components, encouraging them to explore innovative approaches in terms of form, materiality, and functionality.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Elric Petit
Newspaper is an industrial design project that aims to cultivate fresh ideas with the potential to seamlessly integrate into our contemporary society and its economy. Under the guidance of Elric Petit, each student had the possibility to explore a chosen topic, expressing their personal affinities and interests, thereby enhancing the overall project experience. In the spirit of multidisciplinarity, the students underwent a writing workshop with a professional journalist, which culminated in 25 articles written by the students on their individual projects, collected in a printed journal.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Julie Richoz
"Nuancier (n.m.): A presentation tool displaying the colors and shades of a product." — Larousse definition For this project, the students created and developed their own shades, surfaces, assemblies or materials, which they then shaded in several samples and assembled to create their own nuancier.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Elric Petit
For this project, students were asked to design architectural interventions taking into account the characteristics of a precisely chosen location. They had to select an inspiring building in which to integrate their work, with a view to improving its functionality or protecting it from wear and tear. As part of this exercise, students were asked to act like "surgeons", adapting their projects to the "body" of the building, like prostheses. The projects had to be removable, with no permanent attachment to the site.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Friederike Daumiller
Even if it seems that digital is taking over analog, there's still an interest and need for us as humans to have a physical connection to our daily tools. So many designers swear by their drawing routine and real-life experimentation still plays a important role in our practices. Under the guidance of Friederike Daumiller students took the challenge to design their own interpretations of hand writing and hand drawing instruments always referring to their hands-on tests and experience.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Elric Petit
Figure libre is an industrial design project that empowers students to explore topics of their choice. This semester, guided by Elric Petit, students developed their personal projects inspired by articles from specialized newspapers or magazines. The objective is to create projects with the potential to seamlessly integrate in our contemporary society and its economy, leveraging their personal affinities and interests to enhance their work.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Christophe Guberan
Second-year industrial design students collaborated with Zurich-based brand FREITAG Lab, leveraging their expertise in environmental awareness, material upcycling, and the circular economy. Using the FREITAG manifesto as a foundation, they developed new shared products centered on the principle of "access over ownership."
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Tomas Kral
Small, medium and large. For this project, students were asked to develop a coherent family of three vessels, or simply three independent containers, each with a different volume for holding, transporting and pouring liquids. Each object had to fit into a specific context, defined by the students at the beginning of the project.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Elric Petit
Since the dawn of time, our strength and energy have been limited — which is why we’ve always been inventive in finding ways to move the things around us. This project explores the broad theme of transport. First-year students were asked to design an object that intelligently and comfortably moves or transports the elements they chose.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Stéphane Halmaï-Voisard
For this project, the 1st year BA Industrial Design students had to design a bag, or a collection of bags.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Adrien Rovero
AGO Lighting has come together with ECAL Bachelor students in Industrial Design, under the guidance of Swiss designer Adrien Rovero, to conceive a collection of lighting installations to be used in public places such as museums, hotel lobbies, coffee bar and so on. Focusing primarily on the spatial aspect of light, our approach was to design lighting structures based on components supplied by AGO and inspired by the fabric of Seoul, rather than creating mere lamps.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Stephane Halmai-Voisard
For this project, the students had to design a seat, or rather requalify and rehabilitate a chair or armchair using existing models such as the monobloc, aluminium bistro chair, or deck chair, as the base structure. Employing Kvadrat upholstery textiles, the designs had to be reversible, meaning it should not alter the existing structure. While the original function of the chair could be maintained or altered, the proposals aimed to improved the comfort and aesthetic character of the seats.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Christophe Guberan
Second-year industrial design students collaborated with Zurich-based brand FREITAG Lab, leveraging their expertise in environmental awareness, material upcycling, and the circular economy. Using the FREITAG manifesto as a foundation, they developed new shared products centered on the principle of "access over ownership."
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Adrien Rovero
For the member municipalities of GEDERIVIERA, the waste management perimeter of the Vaudois Riviera, students in the BA Industrial Design are envisioning a new public trash can.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Christian Spiess, Fondation USM, Théâtre de Vidy
The USM Design Grant is a study grant launched by the Fondation USM to encourage innovation by rewarding a student’s project. For the 6th edition of the USM Design Grant awarded by the USM Foundation, ECAL Bachelor Industrial Design students, under the guidance of Swiss designer Christian Spiess, were asked to design new outdoor seating for the terrace of the Théâtre de Vidy in Lausanne.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Stephane Halmai-Voisard, Julie Richoz
Teaming up with iconic Finnish furniture company Artek, Bachelor Industrial Design students, under the guidance of designer Julie Richoz, present a collection of playful objects for children made from salvaged b-quality, rejected and half- finished materials and offcuts. Staying true to the spirit of Artek and its founders, the products promote conscious manufacturing and seek to highlight the natural materials that have gone into producing these designs.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Christian Spiess
In collaboration with renowned Swiss bicycle brand BMC, second year Bachelor Industrial Design students, under the guidance of Stéphane Halmaï-Voisard, Head of the programme, and Christian Spiess, Swiss designer and bicycle aficionado, present a collection of handy and colourful accessories for the modern daily bike commute.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Adrien Rovero
Third-year BA students have been invited by architects Spacon & X, in collaboration with IKEA, to design a shelter for an event in Helsingborg, Sweden. The shelter is part of the Tillsammans ("All Together") camp. The goal was to design a micro-architecture that addresses current concerns, fosters social interaction, and provides a unique living experience.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Michel Charlot
A collection of clever furniture and household accessories to help organise everyday life. Following the method of carefully observing our daily routines to identify unique needs and then creating intuitive and practical products, the Bachelor of Industrial Design students imagined a collection of clever furniture and household accessories to help organise our daily lives, under the guidance of designer Michel Charlot. As an important part of the development of MUJI products is based on detailed photographic studies in people's homes, the students were invited to follow the same process by documenting the spontaneous state of their own homes and other people's environments in order to reveal how they interact with the products, and to identify how the objects are used as direct inspiration for their design.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Elric Petit, Stephane Halmai-Voisard
The 2CV Méhari Club Cassis has developed an electric version of the iconic Citroën released in 1968 : the EDEN. From its inception, this car was designed for summer sports and leisure activity. Our current renewed interest in outdoor activities together with electric technology makes this car particularly attractive. With this in mind, the 2nd-year BA students in Industrial Design, under the direction of Stéphane Halmaï-Voisard, Head of Programme, and designer Elric Petit, showcase a series of accessories for tomorrow’s electric Méhari.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Elric Petit
A series of accessories that will make up the electric Mehari of tomorrow. The 2CV Mehari Club Cassis has developed an electric version of the iconic Citroën car released in 1968: the EDEN. From the outset, this car was intended for summer sports and leisure activities. Today, our renewed interest in outdoor activities combined with electric technology makes this vehicle all the more attractive. With this in mind, the 2nd year Bachelor of Industrial Design students, under the direction of designer Elric Petit, are proposing a series of accessories that will make up the electric Mehari of tomorrow. This project was realized in partnership with the 2CV Mehari Club Cassis, at the initiative of Massilia.design and Nathalie Dewez, with the precious support of Bananatex® and the Hyères Design Parade Festival.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Christian Spiess
Fans with USB power supply for mobile use, for the Swiss brand Stadler Form. Stadler Form is a Swiss company that produces fans, humidifiers, purifiers and other air treatment devices. For this project, the students in 2nd year Bachelor Industrial Design, directed by designer Christian Spiess, had to make a “personal” fan, equipped with a USB power supply for mobile use. They had to think of new scenarios and contexts where a small fan would be useful. They were free to explore different usage scenarios, materials, etc. other than those currently in the Stadler Form catalog. The projects had to meet Stadler Form’s high standards of industrial design, but also challenge and question their existing products. Vidéo ECAL x Stadler Form - Agnes Murmann Vidéo ECAL x Stadler Form - Alex Nguyen Vidéo ECAL x Stadler Form - Stéphane Mischler Vidéo ECAL x Stadler Form - Lucie Herter Vidéo ECAL x Stadler Form - Alexandre Desarzens Vidéo ECAL x Stadler Form - Constance Thiessoz
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Philippe Malouin
During a week-long workshop led by designer Philippe Malouin, first-year BA Industrial Design students conceived and crafted soliflore vases, each intended to cradle a solitary flower of their choosing.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Erwan Bouroullec
Led by the acclaimed French designer Erwan Bouroullec, the workshop 'Presque Rien' unfolded as an exploration of design possibilities within the setting of his estate and recently renovated Burgundy farm. The project envisioned an open canvas, encouraging ECAL’s Bachelor Industrial Design students, to diverge from traditional problem-solving.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with EPFL+ECAL Lab
Guided by EPFL + ECAL Lab, participants explored how AI technologies can be integrated into product design to enhance functionality and enrich the user experience. Over the week-long workshop, BA students engaged with the theoretical foundations of AI while experimenting with practical applications across multiple use cases.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Bjorn Sparrman, Hamilton Forsythe
A short and engaging workshop held in collaboration with Rapid Liquid Print, a Boston-based startup and spinoff of the MIT Self-Assembly Lab, explored the fundamentals of Embedded 3D Printing by questioning, in both technical and poetic terms, what defines a curve, a surface, or a thickened volume as it transitions from the digital to the physical world.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Michel Charlot, Siddartha Berns
The Shoe Reform workshop, led by designer Michel Charlot and Siddhartha Berns, representative of AddiPole — a hub for reverse engineering and additive manufacturing — brought students together for an innovative exploration of 3D scanning technologies, in collaboration with Technopôle Sainte-Croix.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Francesca Sarti
Within the Wonderbread workshop led by Francesca Sarti, food designer and founder of Arabeschi di Latte, BA Industrial Design students explored history, traditions, rituals, and recipes related to bread, in order to imagine new unique signature bread.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Chris Kabel
Within a one-week workshop with Designer Chris Kabel, BA Industrial Design students were asked to develop a glass for a drink of their choice, whether it was for a cocktail, a fresh beer, a classy Negroni, or simply a glass for water to quench their thirst. The final designs reflect the characteristics of the drink or emphasize how the drink is prepared, served, and drunk. All glasses were blown in the ECAL courtyard with the support of the artisans of Swiss glass manufacturer Niesenglass.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Nadine Sterk
When we live in a society with so much abundance yet at the same time so much scarcity, how do we discern the resources around us? How can we look to our surroundings to learn about where things come from, or how we might apply them in our own lives? More importantly, how can we live more harmoniously with nature by respecting it and taking only what we need? Within the workshop held by Nadine Sterk from Atelier NL the BA Industrial Design students were asked to create tableware around the theme ‘Abundance & Scarcity' from vernacular earth collected together in the Sauvabelin woods in Lausanne. Students and crew had no hesitation in getting their hands (and clothes) dirty to knead, turn, form, glaze, and fire ceramic tableware that tells a story.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Philippe Malouin
"Form follows function" is an expression attributed to the modernist architect Louis Sullivan. It is a statement that is quite relevant to industrial design. On the other hand, form can sometimes also determine function in a process of reverse exploration. During the workshop with Philippe Malouin, students were encouraged to look for new functions inspired by forms found in a metal recycling center. In this process, random discoveries and associations were made to generate a new and surprising vocabulary of forms.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Manuel Krebs (NORM)
Measuring, it seems, is one of the dominant concerns of modern society. We measure ourselves, our weight, our height, our temperature, from head to toe, from collar size to shoe size. We measure what is around us, from tiny to incredibly large. We measure time (from seconds to lifetimes), we measure the familiar (length, weight, volume) and the unusual (sound, radiation, voltage), we have measurement systems for everyday life and for experts. For this workshop, the students of the Bachelor Industrial Design have developed alternative measuring devices.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Emile Barret, Marie Douel
Marie Douel and Emile Barret from Hors Pistes led a workshop with the 2nd year bachelor in industrial design. They asked the students to create a maze made entirely from the paper waste of the ECAL printing centre. Based on the principle of the exquisite corpse, each group created one part of the labyrinth with a strong aesthetic and structural approach, allowing the visitor to get lost in distinct universes.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Clara Von Zweigbergk
Under the guidance of Clara Von Zweigbergk, the 2nd year students had to design paper or cardboard objects around the theme of celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and any other type of festivities.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
by Christophe Ascençao
EC Knit is a knitted bed designed for overnight trains, offering a lighter, more ergonomic, and intimate alternative to traditional sleeping compartments. Developed in collaboration with the TextielLab, the TextielMuseum’s professional workshop, this project makes use of 3D-knitted textiles produced on a circular knitting machine. The technique allows for precise control over support zones, adapting to the body's contours with padded areas and more flexible sections. The knit extends into panels that reduce noise, filter light, and create a sense of privacy in shared cabins. By lowering weight and simplifying maintenance, EC Knit is a washable textile system that provides a more comfortable and sustainable way to travel by night.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
by Isaure Nicolet
Doll Chair is a seat imagined as a body to be dressed. Each textile element is independent, buttoned onto the structure, forming a collection of interchangeable cushions. The fabric, draped rather than stretched, echoes the familiar gesture of covering a seat to hide its wear. This chair reverses traditional hierarchies: here, visible finishes become structure, and dressing becomes a ritual. Inspired by the intimate gestures of the boudoir, Doll Chair extends a reflection on the object in a state of transformation—between model and furniture.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
by Alice Graff
In many parts of the Global South, especially in Brazil, building a home sometimes means building it yourself with few tools, limited means, and whatever is at hand. Tijolo was born from this reality. A kit of raw earth bricks, air-dried and made from soil, water, and recycled paper. They interlock in a staggered pattern, without mortar or heavy tools. On their surface, two volumes: designed to clip in cables or pipes no drilling, no breaking. You can change your mind. You can also seal them up, leaving a mark, a rhythm.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
by Chiara Corno
Hanami is a collection of metal flower holders, designed to elegantly display and enhance fresh flowers in a harmonious way. Made from treated steel rods, these minimalist structures allow you to place an entire bouquet in a vase and simply hang it on the wall. This makes it easy to remove the whole arrangement to change the water, then replace it in one simple gesture. With Hanami, you reduce your flower consumption and extend their lifespan. After enjoying a fresh bouquet, you simply hang it upside down to dry naturally. Once the flowers are dried, just flip the flower holder to reveal a long-lasting arrangement. You can admire your floral composition for up to two years, like a beautiful painting on the wall.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
by François Ader
Why settle for an ordinary fit-out when your pop-up store deserves something exceptional ? INTERVALL is a modular structure system made from extruded aluminium, designed for emerging fashion brands looking to stage their pop-up stores. Based on two aluminium profiles, it allows for a wide variety of assemblies to create clothing racks, fitting rooms, tables or counters, adapting to any space while respecting the brand’s identity. Easily dismantled, transportable and reusable, it operates on a temporary rental principle, reducing costs and constraints. More than just a functional solution, INTERVALL is a sleek and refined support designed to enhance the universe of emerging brands.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
by Gaia Vitali
Vela is a wooden structure designed to be installed in the Ticino River, which is currently undergoing renaturation. Intended for the newly designated swimming areas, Vela invites people to step into the water and experience the river during its calmer moments. Its backrest-like shape is welcoming and offers an immersive pause in the heart of nature. But the Ticino can suddenly become dangerous: when the current strengthens, Vela opens up to reveal colorful signage that warns of the risk. It is an object that combines comfort and safety, designed to bring people closer to the river in a simple, intuitive, and responsible way.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
by Abla Bolassi Owoussi
Mira is an interior lamp that explores modularity through a pulley system that allows for adjusting light intensity. The lampshade, made of veneer, subtly transforms depending on the position of the mechanism, playing on both light and shape. This project reflects a need for flexibility in the domestic space and reflects a personal research on the evolving object, halfway between discreet technicality and poetic expression of the material.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
by Alexandre Li
Sport has become a key social driver in today’s society, with more and more city dwellers gathering downtown to practice together. Diego is an urban furniture concept designed to tap into this dynamic by bringing football back into the heart of the city. Designed for underused public squares and parks, this project invites people to come together and share public space through sport. With a simple tilt, Diego transforms from a bench into a football goal. Thanks to integrated wheels, it can be easily moved and rearranged to suit the users’ needs. A single module invites spontaneous play, while several combined form a real pitch with goals at each end and seatings for spectators on the side.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
by Aurélien Clerc
Mirabilis is a research project focused on educational optical instruments designed for naturalist observation. Each tool in this collection is dedicated to a different field of exploration: what lies in the distance, what is very small, and what can be found beneath the surface. It represents a shift in how we look at nature, this time in a literal sense, through visual instruments aimed at supporting curious observers of fauna and flora. The collection includes a monocular, a hand lens, and an aquascope, each of which plays with the principles of optical physics while also illustrating its properties with an educational intent.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
by Charlotte Jobin
Paco is an urban water fountain designed for both humans and dogs, who are often forgotten in traditional fountains found in cities and parks. To reduce waste, a foot pedal controls the flow : as long as pressure is applied, water is dispensed. Any unused water is collected in a bowl located below, allowing a companion animal to drink. When the user lifts their foot, the water stops, and the bowl empties slowly to prevent stagnant puddles and overflow. Made of cast iron, a durable, weather-resistant material, Paco blends into the public space while strengthening the bond between people and pets.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
by Eva Reymond
Amaretto celebrates siesta, slow life and the art of outdoor living. This modular garden structure is designed to create peaceful, shared moments of rest. Composed of three parts, it offers a choice of a wooden platform and two deckchairs, which can be positioned either side-by-side or face-to-face. The seats offer two positions, including a semi-recumbent position ideal for napping. Thanks to a system of screwed connectors, the structure is solid, removable and adaptable. It allows you to freely compose islands of relaxation, in the garden or by the water.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
by Jean-Elie Matile
Environmental, energy, and urban planning issues in Switzerland, as in the rest of Europe, raise questions about our modes of mobility. In this context, microcars are re-emerging as a relevant solution. JEM-3 is a single-seater electric microcar designed to meet daily transportation needs in both urban and rural areas. Covered in textile, its bodywork is as light and modular as a tent, adapting to the weather and the user’s preferences. Its minimalist platform enables the design of the body and interior by actors outside the traditional automotive industry. Depending on the materials and manufacturing processes used, JEM-3 can take on multiple forms and adapt to various contexts.
Industrial and product designer, Furniture designer, Watch designer, Textile (soft goods) designer, Packaging designer, Colors and materials designer, Event designer, Exhibition designer, Signage designer, Product developer, Creative director, Teacher…
(BA Industrial Design, MA Product Design et MAS in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship)
Ini Archibong, Dimitri Bähler, BIG-GAME, Camille Blin, Daniele Bortotto, Antoine Boudin, Thilo Alex Brunner, Michel Charlot, D’Esposito & Gaillard, FROM, Tomás Král, Bertille Laguet, Nicolas Le Moigne, LeviSarha, Carolien Niebling, Léa Pereyre, Adrien Rovero, Brynjar Sigurðarson, Christian Spiess, SUPERLIFE, Hongchao Wang, Giorgia Zanellato
Stéphane Halmaï-Voisard
Artistic Deputy
Margo Clavier
Anthony Guex
Assistants
Jasmine Deporta
Sebastiano Gallizia
Bruno Pauli Caldas
Chiara Torterolo
Antonio Albanese
Nicolas Bourgeois
Christian Chabloz
Alexandre Gaillard
Claus Gunti
Stéphane Halmaï-Voisard
Tomás Král
Patrick Monnier
Elric Petit
Adrien Rovero
Deodaat Tevaearai
Julien Wegmüller
Cédric Widmer
Jonas Berthod
Mélanie Boissonneau
Mélanie Courtinat
Mehdi Derfoufi
Pierre Doze
Alice Franchetti
Laurent Guido
Martin Haldimann
Benoit Jeannet
Nicolas Nova
Constance Rubini
Laurence Salmon
Maddalena Casadei
Friederike Daumiller
Christophe Guberan
Erwan Bouroullec
Michel Charlot
Marie Douel (Hors Pistes)
David Geckeler & Frank Michels
Chris Kabel
Christian Kaegi
Manuel Krebs (NORM)
Map Project Office
Philippe Malouin
Carolien Niebling
Jonathan Olivares
Pinaffo — Pluvinage
Julie Richoz
Francesca Sarti
Christian Spiess
Nadine Sterk (Atelier NL)
Charlotte Talbot
Nicholai Wiig-Hansen
Clara von Zweigbergk