- I chose my school based on how the I.D. program complemented my existing skill set. I’d gone to art school so I didn’t need the visual/aesthetic training. The school I chose for I.D. was the only school (at the time) in Canada that taught Solidworks… so I went for the technical training.
- There was a 3rd year co-op.
- I wasn’t willing to move cities so that limited my choice to 2 schools.
In the same situation, I would make the same choice. Every school has it’s way of teaching and placing emphasis on different aspects of design. If you are trying to decide, go to the open house and look at student projects. In Toronto, there is something called the Rocket show. It’s a competition that brings together the thesis projects from graduating students from 3 or 4 schools. I’d highly recommend checking it out if you are trying to decide which school to go to. There may be something like it in other cities.
At the end of the day, school is a small step to becoming an industrial designer. Once you start working, there is a lot to learn on the job.