Integrated process design at the University of Florida

The Integrated Product and Process Design (IPPD) Program is a two-course sequence in which multidisciplinary teams of senior engineering and business students partner with industry sponsors to design and build authentic products and processes. Working closely with industry liaison engineers and a faculty coach, students gain practical experience in teamwork and communication, problem solving and engineering design, and develop leadership, management and people skills. The IPPD program was launched during the 1995-1996 academic year with five projects, five multidisciplinary design teams and a total of 30 students and seven faculty members. Since 1995, 134 projects have been completed and 766 students have been prepared for professional practice through classroom and laboratory experience.