Major
Product design
Learning Goals
This semester, I hope to learn how to code in HTML and CSS and gain confidence in building my own web pages. I learn best with a mix of clear structure and hands-on practice, so having step-by-step guidance while also experimenting on my own helps me grow.
| Date Due | Percent | |
|---|---|---|
| Week 2 | Website Analysis | 5% |
| Week 3 | Midterm Worksheet | 5% |
| Week 3 | Responsive Mockup | 5% |
| Week 3 | CSS Selection Exercise | 5% |
| Week 4 | Grid Exersize | 5% |
| First Quarter Assessment | 25% | |
| Week 5 | Responsive Wireframe | 5% |
| Week 5 | Code Portfolio Front Page | 5% |
| Week 5 | Quiz | |
| Week 6 | Typography Poster | 5% |
| Week 7 | Current Topic Website | 5% |
| Week 8 | Portfolio: Class Presentation | 5% |
| Second Quarter Assessment | 25% | |
| Week 9 | Final: Worksheet | 5% |
| Week 10 | Final: CSS3 Collateral | 5% |
| Week 11 | Final: CSS3 Animatic | 5% |
| Week 12 | Final: HTML/CSS | 5% |
| Week 12 | Final: Modular Navigation | 5% |
| Third Quarter Assessment | 25% | |
| Week 13 | Final: Multimedia | 5% |
| Week 13 | Final: Alternatives | 5% |
| Week 13 | Final: Peer Review | 5% |
| Week 14 | Final: Forms | 5% |
| Week 15 | Alternative | 5% |
| Final Quarter Assessment | 25% | |
| Week 15 | Final: Presentation | 10% |
| Two assignments dropped: | -10% | |
| Total: | 100% | |
| List of sources and services used |
OpenAI Text Dialogue
Me:Hi, I'm Mimansaa Rao, I'm a sophomore majoring in product design at Parsons. Help me plan my future after graduation.
ChatGPT:Hi Mimansaa — nice to meet you! Since you’re a sophomore in Product Design at Parsons, you still have time to shape your path and explore directions that align with your strengths and interests. Let’s break this into stages so you can see options clearly:
ChatGPT:
Short-Term (Sophomore - Junior Year)
- Build a strong portfolio: Focus on projects that showcase a range of skills — physical products, UX/UI, sustainable design, and conceptual pieces. Recruiters and grad schools want to see your process, not just polished outcomes.
- Internships & Experience: Apply for summer internships at design studios, consumer product companies, or tech firms. (IDEO, Frog, Smart Design, Pentagram, Apple, etc.). Even smaller boutique studios can give great mentorship.
- Competitions & Showcases: Enter design competitions (Core77, Red Dot, James Dyson Award) — they’ll help you stand out.
- Networking: Parsons has strong ties to the design world. Join IDSA (Industrial Designers Society of America), attend NYC design events, and connect with alumni on LinkedIn.
Medium-Term (Senior Year - Graduation)
- Capstone Project: Choose a final project that reflects your passion and skills. This will be a key piece in your portfolio.
- Job Search: Start applying for entry-level roles 3-6 months before graduation. Look for titles like Junior Product Designer, UX Designer, or Design Researcher.
- Graduate School (Optional): If you’re considering further education, research programs that align with your interests (e.g., Interaction Design, Sustainable Design). Parsons offers strong graduate programs.
Long-Term (Post-Graduation)
- Design Consultant / Studio Designer → Work at IDEO, Frog, Pentagram, or independent studios.
- In-house Product Designer → Companies like Apple, Google, Nike, Herman Miller.
- Design Strategist → At places like Fjord, Accenture, or consultancies focusing on business + design.
- Entrepreneur / Founder → Build your own brand/product line (especially if sustainability or social impact motivates you).
- Teaching / Academia → With some years of practice or grad school, you can also teach design.
Things to Start Now
- Document everything (sketches, models, prototypes, research). It all goes into your Parsons senior thesis and portfolio.
- Try coding basics (HTML/CSS/JS) — many product designers are blending digital + physical.
- Strengthen CAD skills (SolidWorks, Rhino, KeyShot, Blender) + rendering/presentation (Adobe, Figma).
- Keep exploring sustainability — it’s a growing demand in every industry.