The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) houses its industrial design and product design education within the Department of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects (AIADO). Unlike purely commercial or engineering-centric design tracks, AIADO emphasizes a critical, concept-driven, and interdisciplinary approach to designing objects, furniture, and systems. The core offerings include the BFA in Studio with a Designed Objects pathway — an undergraduate track that covers product design, furniture design, and systems design within a fine arts context — and the two-year, 66-credit Master of Design in Designed Objects (MDes), which blends structured technical studios (3D development, fabrication) with advanced research, industry-partnered practice, and a final thesis project. Students also have the option of an MFA in Studio with a Designed Objects focus. Across all levels, the curriculum prioritizes hands-on inquiry, risk-taking, and reimagining everyday systems. Students utilize state-of-the-art facilities including the Sullivan Fabrication Studio (wood/metal working, CNC machines) and the Advanced Output Center (3D modeling, prototyping, laser cutting).